Chevrolet

Bel Air

The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1981 model years. However, collector car interest is generally focused on the periods between between 1950 and 1970.  Initially only the two door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952, as distinct from the Styleline and Fleetline models for the remainder of the range. With the 1953 model year the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations until US production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for its home market only, through the 1981 model year.

The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1981 model years. However, collector car interest is generally…

Bel Air - 5th Gen

Bel Air - 1st Gen

1st Gen

For 1950, Chevrolet came up with a revolutionary style that would set a pattern for decades. The Bel Air Hardtop was styled as a convertible with a non-detachable solid roof. The first Bel Airs of this era shared only their front sheet metal ahead of the A pillar with the rest of the range. Apart from the usual annual grille and trim changes, the 1951–1952 Bel Air differed from the earlier 1950 model with introduction of the higher and squarer rear guards that were across the whole range. In 1953 Chevrolet renamed its series, and the Bel Air name was applied to the premium model range. Two lower series, the 150 and 210, also emerged (as successors to the Special and Deluxe series, respectively). The 1953–1954 Chevrolet range had a unique and somewhat awkward look about it and much of this stemmed from its role as a transitional model to introduce a raft of changes that were necessary to pave the way for the introduction of the 1955–1957 range that really established the Bel Air as a cultural icon.

For 1950, Chevrolet came up with a revolutionary style that would set a pattern for decades. The Bel Air Hardtop was styled as a…

Bel Air - 2nd Gen

2nd Gen

For 1955, Chevrolet's full-size model received all new styling and power. It was called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising campaign. Chevrolet's styling was crisp, clean and incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. For 1955 Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option and the option of the 2 speed Powerglide automatic, or a standard three speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission. The new 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8  had a two-barrel carburetor and was rated at 162 hp (121 kW) and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180 bhp (134 kW). Later in the year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high-compression and a further 15 bhp (11 kW). The 1956 Bel Air received a face-lift with a more conventional full-width grille.  In 1957 engine displacement grew to 283 cu in (4.6 L) with the "Super Turbo Fire V8" option (shared with the Corvette), producing 283 hp (287 PS; 211 kW).  The 1957 Bel Air is considered by many to be "an icon of its age. . .right alongside Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Leave it to Beaver," and is among the most recognizable American cars of all time.

For 1955, Chevrolet's full-size model received all new styling and power. It was called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising campaign.…

Bel Air - 3rd Gen

3rd Gen

For 1958, Chevrolet models were redesigned longer, lower, and heavier than their 1957 predecessors, and the first ever production Chevrolet big block V8, the 348 cu in (5.7 L), was now an option. Chevrolet's design for the year fared better than its other GM offerings, and lacked the overabundance of chrome found on Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks and Cadillacs.

For 1958, Chevrolet models were redesigned longer, lower, and heavier than their 1957 predecessors, and the first ever production Chevrolet…

Bel Air - 4th Gen

4th Gen

For 1959 Chevrolet again came up with a totally new car with all new sheet metal, a new frame, and even new series names. From the front or rear the 1959 Chevrolets resembled nothing else on the road. The Bel Air, which had been the top line series since 1953, was now the middle range. Under the hood, little change took place. A variety of speed options, such as fuel injection, special cams and lowered compression, gave horsepower ratings up to 315. Little change was made for 1960. However, fuel injection was no longer available, but with the 348 cubic inch engine, a horsepower rating of 335 at 5800 rpm was now achieved.

For 1959 Chevrolet again came up with a totally new car with all new sheet metal, a new frame, and even new series names. From the front or…

5th Gen

For 1961, Chevrolet again had a totally new body, not just new sheetmetal.  All engines options of the previous year remained in effect with the standard engines being the 235.5 CID Six of 135 hp (101 kW) or the 283 CID V8 of 170 hp (130 kW). The V8 cost $110 more than the Six and weighed 5 lb (2.3 kg) less. For 1962, all sheetmetal except the door panels was changed. For 1963 and 1964, the full size Chevrolet received little more than a facelift. However, in addition to the un-changed standard engines, there were two different 327 CID engines were offered, developing from 250 hp (190 kW) to 300 hp (220 kW) and three 409 CID engines ranging from 340 hp (250 kW) to 425 hp (317 kW).

For 1961, Chevrolet again had a totally new body, not just new sheetmetal. All engines options of the previous year remained in effect with…

Bel Air - 6th Gen

6th Gen

For 1965, the full size Chevrolet Bel Air was totally restyled, and the cars were stretched to 213.3 in (5,420 mm) overall, even though the wheelbase remained the same. The standard V8 remained the 283 CID model of 195 hp (145 kW), but options included two new 396 cu in (6,490 cc) CID engines of 325 hp (242 kW) and 340 hp (250 kW) and two 409 CID blocks of 400 hp (300 kW) and 425 hp (317 kW).  For 1969, the big Chevrolet was totally redesigned, given a new length, new fender and body lines, and a new front and back end. For 1970, the standard Six was still the 250 of 155 hp (116 kW). The standard V8 in full-size Chevrolets was now the 350 cu in (5,700 cc) of 250 hp (190 kW). Optional V-8 engines included a 300 hp (220 kW) 350 and 265 hp (198 kW) 400, with the top offering a 454 cu in (7,440 cc) of 345 hp (257 kW).

For 1965, the full size Chevrolet Bel Air was totally restyled, and the cars were stretched to 213.3 in (5,420 mm) overall, even though the…

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Bubble Top

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1964 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan

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1963 Chevrolet Bel Air

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1961 Chevrolet Bel Air

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1964 Chevrolet Bel Air

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1963 Chevrolet Bel Air 409 Dual Quad 4-Speed

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1963 Chevrolet  Custom Bel Air

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe

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1963 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409 Bubble Top

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Bubble Top

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1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Sedan

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Sedan

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1964 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Post

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1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 409

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Coupe

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 Door Sedan

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409 "Bubbletop"

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1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport 409

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1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Pro-Touring Bubble Top

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1963 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Roadster

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Chevrolet Bel Air - 5th Gen(1961 to 1964)

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