'55 Chevy Bel Air

The One that Started It All!

Something the American auto industry had never seen available on a showroom floor

1955 was a very important model year for Chevrolet, as it changed the car's stodgy image with the public, thanks to the completely new and dramatic look. During the development of the all-new 1955 Chevrolet, the styling dictum used in the studio was:

“Go all the way and then back off.” Harley J. Earl, oversaw the development of the car’s styling, it took thousands of preliminary drawings to get it “just right,” and the finished product was an astounding success!

“Dream car” influences came in the way of the Panoramic Sweep-Sight wrap-around windshield, long, low “show car” styling, and a clever “dip” on the beltline design. Upfront hooded headlamps gave it the modern touch, and Cadillac-themed taillights were incorporated. Tasteful horizontal side-trim was used on all models; save for the plain Jane base model “One-Fifty.” From every angle, the goal was to create a classically designed, handsome automobile, something the American auto industry had never seen available on a showroom floor.

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classic 55 chevy — **Bel Air Street Machine**

Our California hot rodder always loved the classic lines and clean styling of the '55 Chevy, and when it came time for him to build one of his own, he took a few subtle liberties in deviating from stock. Choosing a two-tone Bel Air Hardtop, the general idea was to keep the original flavor of the car but to enhance the performance and give it some modern rollingstock.

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