The all time American classic car for most is the 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. This classic car is better known as just 57 Chevy. This is one of the most loved and best recognized car in American automobile history. It was the last of a 3-year series that introduced the Chevy small block V-8 to the world.
Not too many people know this but the 57 Chevy was the car that almost wasn’t. General Motor’s executives wanted a whole new car for 1957 but they had production delays and were forced to continue the shoebox design of the 1955-6 for another year. Some redesigning was done which increased the length and made fuel injection an option. The ad for the car stated “The road isn’t built that can make it breathe hard”. The V-8 was combined with the all-new Turboglide transmission that gave this a quick smooth ride. Chevy officials were said to describe the car as “Sweet, Smooth and Sassy”.
An unusual point that I do not understand is that the 1957 Ford outsold this American Icon. But the 60’s is where this car made it big hit, as a used car. The car was cheap, light and fast that made it perfect for the younger crowd.
Today there is the Danchuk Manufacturing Inc and Classic Chevy International that makes and sells parts to keep the 57 Chevy’s running as long as you keep buying the new parts that are needed.
This car has been used as an icon for toys, graphics, music movies and television. This is the all time American Classic Car.
