The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size car manufactured by Chevrolet for the 1950-1981 model year. Initially only two hardtop doors in the Chevrolet model range were designated under the name Bel Air from 1950 to 1952, which differed from the Styleline and Fleetline models for the rest of the range. With the 1953 model, the name Bel Air was changed from the designation to a unique body shape to a premium trim level applied in a number of body styles. Bel Air continued with various other trim level determinations until US production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for the home market only, through the 1981 model.
Video Chevrolet Bel Air
History
First generation (1950-1954)
For 1950, Chevrolet came up with a revolutionary style that would set the pattern for decades. The Bel Air Hardtop is styled as a convertible with a solid non-detachable roof. Such models have been around since the 1920s, including the early Chevrolet, with no success rate. But the newly revised idea, sweeping GM's line from Chevrolet to Cadillac, finally found its time. The first year's production only reached 76,662 because buyers carefully tested the revised concept. The car costs $ 1,741 and weighed 3,225 pounds (1,463 kg). The front suspension is independent, named "knee action".
The first Bel Air in this era only distributed their front metal sheet in front of the A pillar with the rest of the range. Windshield, doors, glass, and luggage are common with the Styline DeLuxe Convertible Coupe, but the roof, rear and rear windows (3) are unique. The chassis and mechanics are common with the rest of the passenger car range, and the overall appearance is the same as the rest of the range, except that the lower roofline and the unique three-section rear window gives it a longer and more balanced look. The first Bel Air is only available with premium level and "DeLuxe" specifications.
Regardless of the regular yearly grille and trim changes, the Bel Air 1951-1952 differs from the previous 1950 model with the introduction of a taller and tighter rear guard that crosses the entire range.
In 1953 Chevrolet renamed the series, and the name Bel Air applied to the range of premium models. The two lower series, the 150 and 210, also appear (as the successor to the Special and Deluxe series, respectively). The 1953 Chevrolet was advertised as "Entirely new through and through," as the body panels are restyled, front and rear ends. However, this Chevrolet basically has a frame and mechanical similar to the car from 1949 to 1952.
The 1953-1954 Chevrolet has a unique and somewhat awkward view about it and much of this stems from its role as a transitional model for introducing the raft of changes necessary to pave the way for the introduction of the 1955-1957 range that really sets Bel Air as a cultural icon. Pre-war technology, such as torque tube propulsion, six-cylinder feeding machine, knee action suspension, split windshield, etc., From the initial model was removed and the foundation for the first modern post-war Chevrolet car was completed in this 1953-1954 model. The Bel Air series features a chrome width strip from the rear fenders to the rear bumper. The inside of this line is painted in coordination color with outer body color, and the "Bel Air" script is added inside the strip. The smaller model does not have a model name anywhere in the car, it only has the Chevy emblem on the hood and the trunk. The year 1953 was the first year for the curved windshield and one part.
Bel Air's interior has an optional chrome width at the bottom of the dashboard (mostly painted), along with the luxurious Bel Air steering wheel with a full chrome horn ring. The carpet and full wheel cover are rounded Bel Air standard equipment. For 1954, Bel Air remained essentially the same, except for revised grille and taillights, and revised engines that had higher bearing inserts and oil pressures, were required for full flow oil filtration systems that were not available before 1954. Prior to 1954, 235 and 216 cubic inch six-cylinder engines have tripe pads and spoons to create oil pressure at the bottom of each rod and oil pressure is standard on 15-30 PSI. During these years, there are three engine options, depending on which transmission is ordered. The two 235 cubic-inch machines were "Blue Flame" inline OHV six-cylinder engines, featuring hydraulic valve lifters (in 1953 with automatic transmissions) and aluminum pistons. The cubic inch displacement engine measuring 106 hp (79 kW) 235 is standard on stickshift models, with solid lifter and splash plus pressure lubrication including a babbit bearing. The Powerglide car gets a 115 hp (86 kW) version that has hydraulic lifter and full pressure lubrication.
In 1953 and 1954, Bel Airs could be ordered in convertibles, hardtop coupes, two- and four-door sedans, and, for 1954, Beauville station trains featuring woodgrain extends around the side windows. Many new options, available only for more expensive luxury cars, were offered in 1953, including power steering and Guidematic dimmer lights in 1953; and power brakes, front 2-way front power and power front windows in 1954. All 1954 models are equipped with standard transmissions using the 1953 Powerglide engine. Second generation (1955-1957) Second generation >
For 1955, the full-size Chevrolet model received all new styles and strengths. The 1955 Bel Air is  £ 3,456 (1,568 kg) and 15 ft (4.6 m) long. It's called "Hot One" in a GM advertising campaign. Styling Chevrolet is a fresh, clean and incorporated grille that inspired Ferrari. Bel Air comes with features found on cars in lower model range plus interior carpet, chrome headliner band on hardtops, chrome front spears, stainless steel window molds and full wheel covers. The next model is distinguished by Bel Air's name scripts in gold lettering at the end of the year. For 1955 Chevrolet acquired the V8 engine option and option of 2 speed automatic Powerllide, or a standard three-speed Synchro-Mesh standard transmission with optional overdrive. The new 265 cu in (4,340 cc) V8 displays modern, high-compression overhead valves, short stroke designs that are so good that it remains in production in various displacements for decades. The base V8 has a two-barrel carburetor and is rated at 162 hp (121 kW), and the "Power Pack" option featuring four barrel carburettors and other upgrades produces 180 bhp (130 kW). Later in the year, the option "Super Power Pack" adds high compression and a further 15 bhp (11 kW). The "Idiot" lamp replaces gauges for generators and oil pressure.
This is not the first Chevrolet fitted with a V8 engine. The first Chevrolet with a V8 engine was introduced in 1917 called the D Series built for two years, and was produced before Chevrolet joined General Motors.
Motor Trend Magazine gives Bel Air the highest value for handling. Popular Mechanics reported acceleration for the Bel Air V8 with Powerglide as 0-60 mph in 12.9 seconds, plus a comfortable ride, and good visibility. On the other hand, the horn ring blocks some speedometers, regular gasoline makes a tap engine, and the first V8 engine from the line burns too much oil. The front room of the foot is 43.1 ".The brakes are 11" drums. New options for models equipped with V8 1955 are AC, with outlets on each side of the dashboard; heavy duty generator included on the car equipped with this option; in 1955 and 1956, the AC could be mounted on cars ordered with a standard three-speed manual transmission, overdrive or Powerglide, but from 1957 onwards, the automatic transmission (or minus the 4-speed manual transmission) was the preferred prerequisite.
The 1956 Bel Air receives a face-lift with a more conventional full-length grille, delighting customers who do not like Ferrari-inspired Ferrari55 front ends. Typical two-tone bodyside care and front and rear wheel openings gracefully complete the "speedline" rearrangement. One house put taillights, traffic lights, and reserve lights, and the left holding a gas filler - an idea popularized in Cadillac. Among the seven Bel Air models are the new Sport Sedan, a four-door hardtop with no pillars that look handsome with all windows lowered and allow easy entry into the rear seats. Production exceeds 103,000, compared to 128,000 two-door hardtop. The two-door Nomad Wagon topped the price chart at $ 2,608, but now carries the same interior and rear wheel markers like the other Bel Air, which lacks a unique curve. Only 7,886 built. The cheapest Bel Air, for $ 2,025, is a two-door sedan. Seat belts, shoulder straps, and cushioned dashboards are available, and full-size cars can even get a hot 225-horsepower Corvette engine. In 1956 there was an optional automatic rain-sensing sales material, which was first seen on the 1951 LaSabre concept car. However, it is believed that it was never mounted on the car. Popular Mechanics only reported 7.4% of owners in their survey ordered seat belts.
In 1957 engine displacement increased to 283 cuÃ, at (4,640 cc) with the option of "Super Turbo Fire V8" producing 283 hp (211 kW) with the help of continuous injection of mechanical fuel (closed loop). The so-called "fuel" car is quite rare, as most Bel Airs are equipped with carburizing. The 1957 Bel Air is one of America's most recognizable cars of all time; well-preserved examples, especially Sport Coupe and Convertibles are highly sought after by collectors and fans. They are roomy, with the use of tail and chrome tails. The second automatic transmission, Turboglide, is optional. While the original two-speed Powerglide continues unchanged, Turboglide provides continuous variable gear ratios that make the "shift" invisible. The quadrant shift in Turboglide cars follows the pattern "P R N D Gr".
From 1955 to 1957, the production of the Nomad two-door station carts was designated for the Bel Air series, although the body and levers were unique to the model. Prior to becoming a regular production model, Nomad first emerged as a Corvette-based concept vehicle in 1954. Since then Chevrolet launched two concept cars under the name Nomad, the last in 1999. Chevrolet 1955-1957 is often referred to as Tri Fives.
The years 1955-1957 were made on the right drive and shipped from Oshawa, Canada, to local assembly in Australia (CKD), New Zealand (SKD), and South Africa. All three-year models have an inverted version of the '55 LHD dashboard and did not get a 1957 LHD model redesign.
Third generation (1958)
For 1958, the Chevrolet model was redesigned longer, lower, and heavier than its predecessor in 1957, and the production of the first large Chevrolet V8, 348 cu in (5,700Ã, cc), is now an option. Bel Air acquired a halo vehicle in 1958, Impala, only available as a hardtop coupe and can be converted in its introductory year. The styling impala follows the basic line of other Chevrolet models but receives special styling cues including different roof lines, vents above the rear window, unique side trims, and triple tail lights placed in a slightly wider niche. For the budget conscious, Biscayne, (formerly 210) and Delray (formerly 150) completed this year's model of family-oriented and utility offerings.
The Chevrolet design for the year fared better than any other GM offerings, and lacked the excess chrome found in Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks and Cadillac. Complementing the Chevrolet front design are wide grille and quad headlights that help simulate the 'Baby Cadillac'; its tail receives a fan-shaped niche on both side panels, which features dual tail lamps. Despite being a year of recession, consumers made Chevrolet car no. 1 (beating Ford, who held the title in 1957) and Bel Air is at the core of Chevrolet's popularity. With a wide range of styles and body models, Bel Airs can be chosen with virtually every luxury possible in the Chevrolet line. The Nomad station wagon name also reappeared in 1958 when the vehicle bowed as a premium four-door Chevrolet station wagon, lacking the unique style of the 1955-57 Nomad. Most Chevrolet station wagon models have two tail lights (one on each side of the body) placed in an abbreviated niche, which is made smaller to accommodate the rear gate. A new hyphen is used.
Security
Like the rest of the 1958 Chevrolet full-size car line up, Bel Air featured a new cross frame "Safety-Girder" Chevrolet. Similar to the layout on the framework adopted for the Cadillac 1957, it featured a checkerboard rail and a cross front member of the box bending under the machine. This "x-frame" was used in 1958-1964 Chevys, as well as Cadillac. The back is tied together by the cross-section members. The design was later criticized as providing less protection in the event of side impact collisions, but will last until 1965. Fourth Generation (1959-1960) >
For the second time in years, Chevrolet returned with a completely new car. From the front or back of the 1959 Chevrolet it does not resemble anything on the road. From the headlamps, placed as low as legally permitted, to the cat's tail-tail lights, the 1959 Chevrolet is a new car with all new metal sheets, new frames, and even new series names. The most visually new changes are flat, tailfins shaped wings. The car is built on a wheelbase of 119 in (3,000 mm) and 211 (5,400 mm) in length - which is 11 in (280 mm) longer than the 1957 model. This makes the longest Chevrolet car in the low price range, whereas the previous two years were the shortest. In addition, the car is wider 3 inches (76 mm) and has a width of 5 inches (130 mm) wider than in 1958, through reduced door thickness. The "X" frame from 1958 continued, but enlarged and strengthened to support the new body.
The Bel Air, which has been the top line series since 1953, is now a mid-range range. Wagons are still classified themselves, but have model numbers that match the car series. The 4-seater Parkwood 6-passenger car and the Kingswood have Bel Air model numbers, and thus are medium-range carts. Under the hood, little change occurred. Various speed options, such as fuel injection, special camera and inherited compression, provide a horsepower rating of up to 315. The production Bel Air is 447,100. The new impala line exceeded Bel Air production by 20,000 units. The parking brake warning light is optional.
Small changes were made for the 1960s. The new models were a refinement of the 1959 style with a much more controlled front end, the return of the 1958 conical tail lights than the shocking "cat's eye" in 1959. Under the hood, the objects remained constant. Fuel injection is no longer available, but with a 348 cubic inch engine, 335 horsepower rating at 5800 rpm is now achieved. This involves the use of three double-barrel carburetors, special cam and 11.25: 1 compression ratio, all sold as packages. Body style offerings followed in 1959, with hardtop and sedan available. The convertible is provided for the Impala series. The Bel Air Sport Sedan continues to use the rear window overhangs and large rear cover windows. Bel Air (and Biscaynes) has two tail lights per side; Impalas has three tail lights per side - a situation that will last for years until 1975. Many of the same options and accessories available in Impala are also available at Bel Air. The Bel Airs has more interior and lighter exterior than Biscayne.
The fifth generation (1961-1964)
For 1961, Chevrolet again had a completely new body, not just a new sheet. The distance of the wheel axis is still at 119 (3,000 mm), but its length is now slightly reduced to 209.3 inches (5,320 mm). All engine options from the previous year remain valid with standard engines being 235.5 CID Six of 135 hp (101 kW) or 283 CID V8 from 170 hp (130 kW). V8 costs $ 110 more than Six and weighs 5 Â £ (2.3 kg) less.
The Bel Air 2-door sedan uses a squared roofing style and a large wrap-back window as opposed to hard-back hardtop design. The Bel Air Sport Sport 4-door still uses a different roofline than a 4-door sedan.
For 1962, all sheetmetal except the door panel was changed. The overall length extends slightly to 209.6 inches (5,320 mm). The 4-door hardtop Sport is no longer offered in the Bel Air series. The standard engine remains the same as the previous year. A new 327 cu at (5,360 cc) V8 of 250 or 300 hp (220 kW) is offered in addition to a 409 cu (time-honored) giant in (6,700Ã, cc) V8 of 380 hp (280 kW) or 409 hp (305Ã, kW) with a four-barrel double carburetor configuration. All this year's carriage is a 4-door model and separate differences for dropped carriages. Now all models are Biscayne, Bel Air, or Impala series. The carpet is full as standard equipment on all Bel Air 1962 models for the first time in a few years. The Bel Air Sport Coupe is in its final year of US production, and its roofline is the remainder of the hardtop coupe of 1961.
For 1963, full-size Chevrolet received little more than a facelift. The overall length increased to 210.4 in (5,340 mm). Replacing the older 235 liter cubic inch six-inch engine as standard equipment is a new 230 liter six inch inch with a more modern design with a 140-horsepower rating based on the 194 cubic inch six that was introduced in the compact Chevy II. Nova the year before. The base V8 remains 283 CID, which is upgraded to produce 195 hp (145 kW). The 409 CID V8 is now offered in 340, 400 and 425 hp (317 kW) versions, while the small 327 V8 block continues with an option of 250 and 300 horsepower. Bel Air continues to be the mid-range Chevrolet, but now only consists of two models of cars - a 2-door sedan and a 4-door sedan. 6 and 9-passenger Bel Air station wagons are again offered.
For 1964, very few changes were made except the expected sheet metal and slim renovation. The car was 209.9 inches long (5,330 mm) while the car was 210.8 inches (5,350 mm). In addition to the unchanged standard engine, there are two 327 CID engines on offer, growing 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). Except for the chrome belt line and the $ 100 price difference there is a slight exterior difference between the Bel Air and the Biscayne versions.
RHD Bel Airs continues to be imported to Australia. Some of these cars feature an overturned Pontiac 1961 instrument panel, but others have mirror images from North American panels that are more interesting today. What's more interesting is the fact that some of these Bel Airs feature three Impala-style rear lights; middle amber lens in accordance with Australian legal standards.
The sixth generation (1965-1970)
For 1965, the full size of the Chevrolet was completely restyled, and the cars stretched to 213.3 inches (5,420 mm) overall, although the wheelbase remained the same. The new patterned grille has a lower extension under a slightly grooved bumper. Curved glass windows and tall mounted taillights provide new styling features. The interior is also redesigned and very interesting results are generated. The standard V8 remains the CID 283 model of 195 hp (145 kW), but the options include two new 396 cu di (6,490 cc) CID engines from 325 and 340 hp (250 kW) and two 409 block CIDs of 400 and 425 hp (317 kW ).
Bel Air uses stainless steel belts and rocker molding, identifying signatures on rear fenders, drawer lamps and luggage doors on a 9-passenger cart to distinguish itself from the cheaper Biscayne series.
For the year 1966, Chevrolet was in the second season of a completely new body change, so the light facelifting was sufficient including the front mount, the blunt front fenders and the revised grille. At the back, a break with traditional round taillamps takes place. Bel Air and Biscayne feature double rectangular lamps with built in backlight. Its overall length is 213.2 inches (5,420 mm). The standard six-cylinder engine this year is 250 CIDs larger than 155 hp (116 kW). New to set speed is 427 cuÃ, at (7,000Ã, cc) V8 390 or 425 hp (317 kW). Bel Air is easily distinguished from Biscayne with full-sided body molding and Bel Air rear fender. All-vinyl interiors are now standard at station wagons while fabrics and vinyl trims continue on the sedan.
For 1967, a full-sized Chevrolet featuring a new body with a prominent rear fender, one of the styling trends this year, is not necessarily appreciated by everyone. Bel Air 2 and 4-door Sedans continue alongside the 6 and 9-passenger carts. This year Bel Air featured triple rear lights unlike the Biscayne double unit. The standard engine remains the same as the previous year. Optional engine is 327 CID V8 from 275 hp (205 kW), 396 CID V8 from 350 hp (260 kW); or 427 CID V8 from 385 hp (287 kW), plus various speed packs.
For 1968, the full-sized Chevrolet received several changes but was very similar to the 1967 model, although they had grown an inch to 214.7 inches (5.450 mm). The new Chevrolet grille design has a strong resemblance to the Cadillac, but Bel Air's dual rear light design really is a Chevrolet. In an unusual movement, the taillights are mounted on the bumper. In 1968, the US safety belt required in all motor vehicles, bringing new standards in car safety.
In addition to 250 CID Six of 155 hp (116 kW), the standard engine includes a new 307 cu at (5.030 cc) V8 of 200 hp (150 kW). Bel Air with the standard 250 Six is ​​capable of reaching a top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h) and 18.4 mpg -US (12.8 L/100 km, 22.1 mpg -imp ) at the cruising speed. When powered by the new 307 CID V8, the Bel Air series car has a top speed of 105 mph (169 km/h) and 17.1 mpg -US (13.8 L/100 km; 20.5 mpg -imp ) at the roaming speed.
For 1969, the huge Chevrolet was completely redesigned, given new lengths, new fenders and body lines, as well as new front and rear parts, but still using the 1965 base chassis, deep body structure, and even the roofline of the two and four pillars. door sedan. The cars also stay at 119 axis distance within 3,000 mm, but grow to a new length of 219.9 inches (5,590 mm), while the wagon rises 4.3 inches (110 mm) to a new length of 217.7 bidding machines including standard 250 cubic inch six-cylinder and 235-horsepower 327 V-8, and optional V-8 engines including two 350s of 255 and 300 horsepower, 396 rated at 265 horsepower and three 427 V8 335 hp (250 kW) 390 hp (290 kW), and 425 hp (317 kW). This is the last year for the Bel Air 2-door sedan and Air Bel-based carriage carriages named Townsman, as part of Chevrolet's move to return to pre-1962 practice using different nameplates at station wagons than any other model. The three and four more speed manual transfers are offered along with a two-speed automatic Powerglide with six cylinders, and 327 and 350 V-8; and the three-speed Hydramatic Turbo, offered only with large V-blocks since its introduction in 1965, are now available with all engines.
For the 1970s, the Chevrolet line was very little changed and set mainly to the new and very exciting front. Standard Six is ​​still 250 from 155 HP. The standard V8 in full-size Chevrolet is now 350Ã, cuÃ, at (5,700Ã, cc) of 250Ã, hp (190 kW). The optional V-8 engine includes 300-horsepower 350 and 265-horsepower 400, with the top offering 454 cuÃ, (7,440Ã, cc) of 345 hp (257 kW). The Bel Air series is now a 4-door sedan model while station wagons are sold again under the Townsman nameplate.
The GM Platform B 1965-70 is the fourth best-selling car platform in history after the Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Model T and Lada Riva.
Seventh generation (1971-1975)
In the late 1960s (with the introduction of Caprice), Bel Air and its Biscayne stablemate were mainly marketed to automotive fleet customers. However, Bel Air remains available for retail customers looking for a simple, no-frills, full-sized car that is better trimmed than the low-line Biscayne. When Biscayne was stopped after 1972, Bel Air was lowered to a low-level model. Bel Airs again uses two-segment rear lights compared to three-segment lights from the high-end Impala and Caprice models, except in 1972 when all models share the same three-segment lights installed in the bumper.
A 250-cubic inch six-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission with standard fixed column shift through the 1973 model on the 350 V8 sedan and auto-automatic standard on the cart - Turbo Hydramatic has been the sole transmission option on V-8-powered Bel Airs since the spring of 1971 although the old two-speed Powerglide is still offered with a six-cylinder engine through the 1972 model. Only about 1,400 cars were built with six inline in 1973. The engine and the manual transmission are kept at the end of model year - marking the American car "full body" the last full-sized to offer a manual gearbox.
All Bel Air sedans built in 1974-1975 include 350 two-barrel V8 engines and a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission as standard, with the station wagon gaining 400 cu in (6,600 cc) four-barrel V8, again with Turbo-Hydramatic standard. 400 V8 optional on sedan and 454 available on both models.
With the discontinuation of Bel Air's two-door sedans after 1969, all Bel Air US markets sold between 1970 and 1975 were a four-door sedan or station wagon - most recently carrying the Townsman signboard from 1969 to 1972 and Air Bel from 1973 to 1975. However, Bel Air's hardtop coupe - based on the Impala Sport Coupe body - was sold in Canada from 1970 to 1975. The body even has a roofline similar to the original Caprice's '66 -67 coupe style for 1974-1975.
Most of the other changes to Bel Air during its final years are identical to the more expensive Caprice and Impala lines, some of which are mandated by US government safety regulations covering the 5 mph (8.0 km/h) front bumper in 1973 and bumper designed back in 1974. The 1975 model has a new roofline and (together with Impala) grille which is a direct copy of the front end of Caprice 1974. Inside, there are markers of a new instrument cluster, radio and climate control graphics (speedometer reading up to 100 mph (160 km/h), and has a smaller number for kilometers per hour). Customers can purchase their Bel Air 1975 with two new options: an Econominder gauge (which includes a gauge that monitors fuel economy, partly due to increased demand for fuel economy as well as temperature gauges) and intermittent wiper.
In 1975, Consumer Reports tested the Bel Air four-door sedan with 350 V8 engine and Turbo Hydramatic against other US-made full-size cars in that period including Pontiac Catalina, Ford LTD and Plymouth Gran Anger. Although the car performs well in its testing and is placed second in Pontiac, Consumer Reports show Bel-Air has a bit of noise insulation and rear seat that is less comfortable than its higher-priced counterpart, and that's the Chevrolet Impala equipped with a complete (with additional sound insulation, and upgraded seats and seat cushions, a $ 203 premium above Bel-Air) "will be closer to Pontiac in overall quality." Even so, the magazine states that - for example - Bel-Air "is just a little bit noisy than Pontiac". Consumer Reports concludes in its report that potential buyers should pay an additional $ 200 or more to upgrade to the more expensive Impala, recording profits such as larger resale values ​​and interior-exterior designations more comparable to those others are fully tested. vehicle sized.
The last Bel Airs for the US were produced for 1975. For 1976, the lower-tiered "S" four-door Impala sedan was a one-year offer that had less standard equipment than the regular Impalas and served as a substitute for Bel Air..
Maps Chevrolet Bel Air
Canada only
Bel Air Based Pontiacs
From 1954 to 1969, GM Canada produced the unique Pontiac Bel Air marketed as Laurentian. While the body panels resemble contemporary US Pontiacs, Pontiac Laurentian Canada has a chassis, power train, wheelbase, even interior (except for instrument panel), from Chevrolet Bel Air.
Initial generation (1970-1976)
While the last 2-door Bel Air sedan was available in the United States in 1969, Chevrolet introduced the two-door two-door hardtop in Canada, the Bel Air Sport Coupe, from 1970-75. Based on the Impala Sport Coupe, this new model features Bel Air slashing at a lower price than Impala. Every year until 1975, the body of this model follows the contemporary Impala Sport Coupe design. 4-door sedans and station wagons continue to be produced, identical to US models. For 1976, the Canadian Bel Air Coupe featured the same body as the Impala Custom Coupe, with large fixed rear quarter windows and a frameless front door glass.
Although the last Bel Air was manufactured in 1975 in the US, the large Canadian Chevy lineup continued to incorporate Bel Air for 1976 and beyond in two doors, four doors and a body-style wagon station. The 1976 US Impala line includes the "S" model line, which consists of a 4-door sedan, serves as a substitute for Bel Air.
The eighth generation (1977-1981)
In Canada, Chevrolet retained the Bel Air as a full-size car at the lowest price through the 1981 model. For 1977, Canadian Bel Airs received the same reduction as their Impala/Caprice counterparts in the US. Body styles offered during this period are a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and station wagon. Reflecting the smaller size of the massive downsized car is a generally smaller lineup to boost fuel economy with a 250 cubic six-cylinder six-cylinder Chevy restored as standard power in the sedan for the first time since 1973, with 140 hp (100 kW) 305 V8 is available as an option in the sedan and standard on the car. The 170 hp (130 kW) 350 V8, available in both models, is now the top choice as 400 small blocks and 454 large V8 blocks are no longer available. Standard equipment at Bel Air during this period includes small wheel doppers, cloth and vinyl coatings in sedan or all-vinyl in carts, cigarette lighter, ashtray, automatic dome lights for front door, full carpet, Astro Ventilation, Delco Freedom batteries, power steering ratio, power front disc brake and Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. Unlike most of the previous year's models and body styles in which only two rear lights are used per side, Bel Air shares a three-rear mounting of the Impala rear lights.
Bel Air in 1980 along with other full-size Chevrolets, was revised with new exterior metal sheets, which helped improve aerodynamics and thus saves fuel; the car also features a new grille, identical to the higher-priced Impala; the triple-back rear light setup is also continuously shared with Impala. Also that year, the revised engine lineup with six inline was replaced with a new 3.8 liter or 229 cubic inch V6 based on a small block of V8 as the base engine in the sedan. The new V8 (standard on the cart, optional on the sedan) is a small 267 cubic inch block with a two-barrel carburetor, while 305 small blocks (optional on all models) have increased 15 hp (11 kW) to 155 hp (116 kW) thanks to the change from two barrel carburettors to four barrels. 350 V8 is now limited to police-selected vehicles. Another new option for 1980-81 is Diesel Diesel built by Oldsmobile.
With a dramatic decline in full-size car sales, Bel Air was dropped after the 1981 model, as well as a number of other full-size low-end cars on the Canadian market including Pontiac Laurentian, Mercury Marquis Meteor and Ford LTD Kustom 500.
concept 2002
In 2002, the Bel Air Convertible concept was featured at the North American International Auto Show. It features several styling and cue designs from the most memorable tri-five (1955-57) models, such as the chrome windshield frame, light viewer light, and the gas filler cap behind the tail lights, similar to 1956-1957 Chevy gas cap behind the chrome trim at the rear of the caudal fin, but rather reminiscent of the Cadillac gas tail tail light from 1948-1958. It also has the same body-on-frame hydroforming technology (used on the Corvette frame and GM sport utility vehicles) and body sheet metal, on wheelbase 111Ã, in (2,800 mm), and 65Ã, on (1,700) Ã, mm) tracks. Short short-sleeved suspension in front and Hotchkiss drive in back. It rides on five-spoke aluminum wheels with 18-in red tires (46Ã,®) and anti lock disc all-round. The elegant yet simple interior features a twin-element instrument panel, column-mounted gearshift, and bench seats lined with a soft red high-tech cloth to fit the smartly designed exterior to slide forward for easier rear entry. It also serves as a display for their new turbocharged five-cylinder concept engine based on the L52 (Vortec 3500), a straight-5 truck engine. According to the September 2002 GM press release, DOHC 20-valve engine with a capacity of 3.5 liters (211 cu in), with 93.0 mm (3.7 inches) bore, and 102.0 mm (4 in) stroke) up to 315 horsepower and 315Ã, lb? ft (427Ã, N? m) of torque, mated to Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The virtual "turbo boost" button on the steering wheel activates the powertrain control module to trigger a more aggressive spark and charge calibration for maximum horsepower. It also led the 13th Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous as an official vehicle in September 2002. General Motors showed no interest in producing cars.
Drag race
The most important is the Bel Air Sport Coupe in 1962, last year a hardtop with no Bel Air pillars available in the US. This model features a roof "bubbletop" from 1961, and is popular with drag racers who order cars with new-to -61409 cubic inches of "W-block" V8 to 409 bhp (305 kW); Special packages include aluminum body panels, heater removal, and four-speed manual transmission. Cars with this configuration are valuable collector vehicles that command large premiums over other 1962 models including Super Sport.
See also
- Chevrolet
- 55 Chevy
- 57 Chevy
- Chevrolet Nomad
- Chevrolet 150
- Chevrolet 210
- Tri-Five
- American car culture 1950s
References
- Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). American Standard Cars Catalog 1946-1975 . Kraus Publications. ISBNÃ, 0-87341-096-3. Ã, CS1 maint: Many names: author list (link) CS1 maint: Additional text: author list (link)
- Biel, John (2005), "Half Full Glass: Acts of Chevrolet 1958", Collectible Car , 21 (6): 8-23, archived from the original in 2006-02-13
External links
- Chevrolet Bel Air
- Chevy Bel Air
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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