57 Chevy - An American Classic
- Author Joyce Boulan
- Published September 17, 2007
- Word count 474
When the 1957 Bel Air went on sale, nobody - not even Chevrolet - expected to make history. Instead, it became one of the landmark images in American pop culture; one of the most recognizable cars the world has ever known.
Today, automakers still hail the 57 Chevy as a perfect example of good design and great timing coming together.
What we call the 57 Chevy was actually 19 distinct models. All 19 models were based on a single frame or platform, the basic structure of the car. The 1957 models were the final year in that frame's life. It had been the backbone for Chevrolet's model line for the 55, 56 and 57 model years. The only other car Chevrolet sold then was the Corvette.
Ford and Chrysler had all new frames and styling for their 57 models. They should have mopped the floor with the aged GM model, but Chevrolet outsold Ford by 126 cars in 1957. It sold 1,522,536 units of the various 57 Chevy models and 6,339 Corvettes.
The best-selling 1957 model was the Two-Ten four-door sedan, with a base price of $2,174.00. The least expensive was the $1,885.00 One-Fifty Utility two-door sedan. The most expensive 1957 model was the Bel Air Nomad two-door station wagon with a $2,757.00 base price. It was Chevrolet's lowest-selling model. Chevrolet sold just 6,103 Nomads that year, trailing the Corvette by 236 sales.
Some of the options for that year included, seat belts and a racing-style over-the-shoulder security harness. Other options included a tissue dispenser, electric razor, wheel spinners, backup lights and a gas filter. The cars came in 16 solid colors and 15 two-tone combinations.
Many 57 Chevy's featured a prism on the dashboard. It was intended to refract light from traffic signals so the driver could tell when the light changed without learning forward under the nearly vertical windshield.
The cars came with a choice of seven engines; a standard 235.5 cubic-inch 140-hp straight-six; 162-hp 265 cubic-inch V8, and eight versions of the 283 cubic-inch V8 with power ranging from 185 to 283 horsepower. The 57 Chevy was the first American car with fuel injection. The optional 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 produced 283 horsepower. It was the second American engine to develop one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement, coming a year after the 355-hp 354 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi.
Ten assembly plants built the 57 Chevy Family: Atlanta, Baltimore; Flint; Janesville, Wis.; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles; Norwood, Ohio; Oakland, Calif., St. Louis, and Tarrytown, N.Y.
Many designers and car enthusiasts say they believe the 1955 Chevy was the best looking model, but the 57 model year brought more defined tailfins, bullet-shaped bumper protectors, bombsight hood ornaments and other elements that gave the bargain-priced Chevrolet just enough zing to grab buyers' fancy.
The 57 Chevy had style, the buzz born of racing success and demographics on their side. They hit the used-car market just as early baby boomers got driver's licenses and went looking for affordable wheels.
The 57 Chevy embodied the spirit of Chevrolet, great looking, groundbreaking and affordable.
Joyce Boulan is the owner of a website pertaining to the 57 Chevy, where you can find deals on all models of this classic car or find parts or accessories for the one you own. Visit http://www.57chevy-auction.com
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The Advantages of Japanese Engine Technology: Why Quality Matters
- The Smart Way to Learn Driving in Glasgow: Go Automatic!
- The True Cost Of Ownership: Maintenance, Insurance, And Depreciation For Luxury Vs Budget Cars
- Understanding Car Part Numbers And Specifications To Avoid Mistakes When Buying Online
- Why Learn to Drive an Automatic Car?
- Colour And Safety: The Role Of Car Colour In Road Visibility And Safety Perception
- What Are the Top Automatic Car Driving Lessons in Glasgow? Learn with Autogear Driving School
- Shady Rayz Window Tint: Clean Installs. Flawless Finish. Long-Lasting Tint.
- Koenigsegg CCX: A Pinnacle of Speed and Soul.
- Empires of the Deep: The Koenigsegg Odyssey and the Future of Automotive Excellence.
- Mustang GTD: The Apocalypse of Asphalt.
- The Ford GT: A Legacy Reborn—An Epic of Speed, Ambition, and Timeless Design.
- What Is an Exotic Car? A Luminous Odyssey Through Automotive Exotica.
- Porsche 918 Spyder: A Pinnacle of Hybrid Hypercar Engineering
- BRABUS X Rolls-Royce: When German Tuning Meets British Luxury.
- Koenigsegg: The Swedish Hypercar Revolution!
- Vinyl Car Wrap vs. Paint Protection Film: Which Option Best Protects Your Ride?
- Unveiling Aston Martin's Strategy for Dominance in Formula One Racing
- Comprehensive Auto Body Repair Services in Dandenong, Victoria
- Limousine Service in Manhattan – Experience Luxury with New York City Limo Service
- How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving
- The Step-by-Step Journey From Concept To Assembly Line: How Cars Are Designed And Manufactured
- 2024 Kia Niro EV Charger
- Shelby Mustang Super Snake
- 2007 Saleen Mustang: Everyone wants this legendary car!
- Tesla Lemon Law
- Acura MDX and Honda Pilot: Which one will you choose?
- Mustang GT: Ford Motor Company is a Rising Force!
- Landing The Best Deal On Buying a Car
- The Easiest Way to Book Driving Lessons in Cranbourne