"The five stunning new models in the Bel Air series offer style, quality and richness of detail usually found only in America's highest-priced cars. Notice Chevrolet's superb new 'show car' styling – the graceful curve of the new Sweep-Sight Windshield, the simple massiveness of the new grille, that long, low, 'let's go' look. There's a promise of pleasure in every line."
The beautiful Punta Gorda peninsula in Cienfuegos is home of some nice classic cars, and this fully trimmed Chevy Bel Air is one of them. The 1955-1957 lineup was a smash hit for Chevrolet, and not just because the cars looked so incredibly good. The all-new body (lighter and stiffer than the predecessor) and the first V-8 engine in a Chevrolet since decades resulted in very agile driving characteristics for the era and segment. Soon, the new Chevy was nicknamed "The Hot One", a phrase which should become exploited by Chevrolet's own advertisement already next year.
With its well-proportioned body, optional two-tone paint schemes, a restrained use of chrome trim and a front grille that would suit a contemporary Ferrari, the 1955 Chevy Bel Air looked almost shockingly cool and clean. Compared to the flamboyant designs that Chevrolet should present just a few years later, its design was still very tasteful. This really was high-end style at an economical price, that even outclassed much more prestigious automobiles.
2 Kommentare:
Beautiful example! But what happened to the large images. I prefer the earlier layout. Thanks for the great work!
Dan, thanks for your encouraging comment. It's good to get feedback, sometimes. Concerning the images, I prefer the big picture, too. Problem is, that for some reason Picasa recently choose to shrink the picture size. And alas, all linked pictures are suddenly much smaller! Other blogs seem to have similar problems. The good news: I already found a "work-around", but it will take some time until the blog will be completely updated. Until then, please stay tuned...
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