Although promoted as a 1955 model, the first Chevrolet Bel Air rolled off the production line and onto the streets of the US in 1954. The unveiled Bel Air was unique, its style and grace and look elevating it to a noticeable position within the sports coupe market. The hooded headlights, sweeping tail fins and flowing bodylines made a statement that few could argue with. This was a beautiful car, one that even in those days could be seen to be destined for future "classic " status.
The original model was available in two engine sizes, the six-cylinder 115 hp version or the more macho 283 hp V8. With prices starting from just under $1,100, it brought the hardtop coupe into the price range of a new breed of US sports car ownership, in particular the younger generation. Of all the Bel Air models of that era the 1957 two-door coupe was, in my opinion, the best. In fire engine red with white-wall tyres and a white flash, it was eye-catching wherever it went.
For those of us who were teenagers during the late fifties and early sixties, the Bel Air held a special appeal. The hooded headlights gave the car a slightly petulant, macho and sexy look, which closely resembled our attitude at the time and, what's more, we could afford it. On Saturday morning you would polish and clean the car until it shone like a red ball of fire. Then, late in the afternoon it was time to get ready. Brylcream the hair into a swept back look, don the leather jacket and jeans and step out of the front door and, in the words of the Fonze "hey!" there she was, your lady Bel Air waiting patiently. As you walked slowly down the steps onto the driveway, you would kiss the tips of your fingers and allow them to brush softly along her sleek curves as you approached the driver's door of your very own "grease lightening."
After a few seconds pause to admire the wheels, you would ease yourself into the driver's seat, turn the radio up high and hit the ignition. As the engine roared into life, you, Bel Air and the music became one. You were ready to rock! You just knew that, when you got to the dance heads would turn and, more importantly for a young lad, a number of those heads would be the girls. Other muscle cars would fade from view as the lady in red purred into the parking lot and made her presence felt. It was a dream date-making car and didn't Bel Air know it. Ah! Fond memories.
Although a new concept Bel Air car has recently been unveiled, it seems unlikely that it will be produced. In any event, nothing but the original could ever help you recapture those exiting times of you misspent youth. This is the reason why the Bel Air of 1957 and that era will always remain a classic to yearn for.