Feasibly the most recognizable 1950s pop culture likeness is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop. The early postwar bulbous fender and hood styling was deserted. Toddler styling and dashboard changes were specious for 1956, nevertheless it was the 1957 Bel Air, the culmination of styling of the two preceding pattern oldness, that untrue Chevy master and engineering top remainder of the passenger motorcar mart.The Look
The Bel Air was a hardtop trim limit that was available on 1950 Chevrolets and then promoted to premium base status in 1953. The Bel Air Industry gallop lasted until 1975, on the contrary the 1955 to 1957 models are the most notable. Starting in 1955, the Bel Air received a large restyling that was amassed square with sharper, else defined lines and a flatter hood. The '57 Bel Air represented the chief in automotive chart with its elegant rear fins and pillarless hardtop styling. Almost 750,000 units-seven contrary Bel Air models-were produced, with hundreds of thousands much preserved as of 2010.
Origins
The two most distinguishing features of the Bel Air hardtop were the fins and the hardtop without the pillars carry on the doors. The hardtop was thin and less rounded that the 1947 to 1954 models. This was a Conclusion of General Motors' efforts to imitate the lines of a convertible soft top that gave the vehivle a expanded airy ambience and less cluttered beholding. Inside, chrome headliner bands accented the hardtop models. On the exterior chrome spears trimmed the front fenders and chrome mouldings lined the windows. Complete shove covers were customary on the Bel Air. The Gauze cap was hermetical in the Chauffeur's side tail fin, according to Conceptcaz.com.
Dimensions
The 1957 Bel Air hardtop measured 197.5 inches long and was placed on a 115-inch wheelbase. It was 73 inches wide, 59 inches tall and had a ground clearance of 8 inches. The fuel tank carried 15.9 gallons. Curbside weight was rated at 3,269 lbs.
Power
The 1955 Chevy received the General Motors' first small-block V-8, which displaced 265 cubic inches and generated 162 horsepower. For 1957, the Bel Air received an all-new 283-cubic-inch V-8. An optional Super Turbo-Fire 283 with Ramjet fuel injection wielded 283 horsepower. The significant power surge allowed the Bel Air hardtop to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.
Production and Price
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop was the second-most popular of the seven Bel Air models. The models were the four-door sedan and sport sedan, the two-door sedan and hardtop, the two-door convertible, the four-door estate car and the two-door Nomad estate car. Total production for the Bel Air hardtop was 166,426. The most popular model, the four-door sedan, numbered 254,331 units sold. In all, 702,220 Bel Air models were sold.
