Over the years, we've witnessed cars manufacturers confirming the same model in their lineup, presenting minor changes and facelifts. Just like a few other cars, the Chevrolet Bel Air was introduced in the 1950 and was part of Chevrolet's fleet until 1975.One of the most epic moments in the Bel Air's history, though, occurred when the second-generation Bel Air was launched onto the market. With this strategic move in 1955, Chevrolet totally nailed it. The result was an outstanding masterpiece of a car that would conquer the hearts of gearheads all across the US. Also, the car became a real symbol of that glorious decade in America, and now it's a sought-after pearl among collectors and enthusiasts. Let's dig into the factors that led the Bel Air to worldwide success!
8 Icon Of The Fifties
If you were to describe the fifties with a car, the Chevy Bel Air would probably be your answer. One of the reasons why it became so popular, is quite obvious: its production was massive and in no time they would pack the first trafficked streets of big towns. Another reason, still predictable, is that it was a good-looking car.
People living overseas weren't yet ready for this type of car, and this is why it caught their attention so much. The car was huge and packing a V8 engine, full of fancy chrome profiles and in two-tone paint. It looked like the Bel Air, in its fanciness, could embody that American wealthy decade to perfection.
7 Its Fancy Design
Particularly appreciated among the fans is the 2-door coupe version. The first thing you would notice on a '55 Bel Air is the large chrome front grille, which had been slightly modified from the previous generation. Its design was inspired by '50 race cars, Ferrari in particular.
Chrome was everywhere, and its purpose was to make the car shine as a jewel in the daylight. Detailed profiles along the sides, front and rear bumpers, rims, and window frames shone and highlighted the car's finer details. The two-tone color emphasized the fresh air you could breathe in the States during those years of social and financial growth.
6 A Game-Changing Engine
What made the 1955 Bel Air so different from the previous models, and from other cars in general, was its beating heart. Its new 265 cu in V8 engine was equipped with a modern overhead-valve system and characterized by a high compression ratio and a short-stroke. The engine was equipped with a double-barrel carburetor and delivered 162 hp, while the Power Pack option had a quad-barrel carburetor which developed 180 hp.
The Super Power Pack was later introduced, which featured a higher compression ratio and 15 hp more. The small-block 265 became so popular that Chevrolet still sells it today as an over-the-counter replacement engine, better known as a crate engine.
5 Interior Options
What Chevrolet intended to do with the introduction of the Bel Air was to offer the customer an unprecedented smooth driving experience. The cabin was better isolated from outside's noises: in the second generation Bel Air, in fact, the full carpeting was included in the standard features.
A new option for V8-equipped 1955 models was air conditioning, with outlets on each side of the dashboard. Of course, lots of chrome would also feature in the interior as well. The seats were leather upholstered, and that style you're accustomed to seeing at Diner restaurants are inspired by these.
4 The Price In 1955
To become so popular, the car must have had a relatively cheap price. In 1955 the Chevy Bel Air V8 was priced only $2,166. Converted to modern USD, its price was about $21,000. Considering the options the car came equipped with, its price seemed to be excused.
Some models could be ordered with power windows, and also brakes, steering and seats were electrically powered. Now the price of a good condition Bel Air is set between $25,000 and $60,000. Of course, Convertibles are more expensive than hardtop coupes. According to Hagerty, though, almost every version of the Bel Air is the protagonist of an increasing market curve.
3 The Sought-After Convertible Edition
Prove that wrong: when American car manufacturers release to the market a winning car, everybody wants the convertible. Also, in this case, the Bel Air Convertible caught the attention of everybody in the streets. This wide and long boat-inspired look, it finally had, was absolutely amazing.
The soft top could be easily rolled back and stored behind the passengers' seats. A drive to the beach, on board of a '55 Bel Air convertible, was such a sensational experience.
2 A Perfect Base For The Sickest Restomods
Americans have developed a special affection for this car. Some of them started to take care of it because it was in the family's garage, or others have purchased it because it recalled of childhood years. While some of the modern Bel Air drivers has preferred to keep it in stock condition, some others have opted for a modern reinterpretation of the car.
The trend of restomodding cars, basically the art of making an old car modern by mechanical and aesthetic upgrades, has seen the Bel Air as another cool protagonist. In most cases, like this one, the result is a clean and desirable car, perfect for a fancy Sunday drive.
1 The Legacy
The second generation Bel Air marked an era as an icon of the US automobile industry of those years. The size of the car, the characteristic design and the chrome parts, which distinguished these models, would characterize the cars assembled in Detroit for the next 20 years.
And who wouldn't take a car like this out for a ride? Sparkling two-tone colors, vintage couch-like leather seats and grumbling V8 sounds are the ultimate factors that convinced us that first-year second-generation Bel Air is worth every penny!