Chevrolet Bel Air 2nd Generation Origin
The Chevrolet Bel Air second generation is a series of full-sized automobiles that evolved from the first-generation Chevrolet Bel Air, which was in production between 1950 and 1954. They are a series of automobiles from Chevrolet’s lower model range, and as we progress through this video, I will explain why the second-generation Bel Air is such a great car.
It was designed from the years 1955 to 1957 by Bill Mitchell who was working under Chevrolet at the time. The Bel Air series was definitely one of the best cars for people of class. During General Motor’s advertising campaign, it earned itself the name, “Hot One”.
The second-generation Chevrolet Bel Air was designed in Flint, Michigan, the location of the company’s main factory. The 1955 Bel Air was designed to be the successor to the first-generation Bel Air, which debuted in 1954. It had a different appearance than the earlier 1954 version of the Bel Air, but its frame and mechanicals were identical to those of the previous models. The 1955 Bel Air model received features such as a chrome headliner band for hardtops, a Ferrari-inspired grille, stainless window openings, and chrome fender spears.
Chevrolet Bel Air 2nd Generation (1955-1957) Overview
The Bel Air series got a V8 engine option for the first time in 1955, and the second-generation engine options were 3.5L I6, 3.9L I6, 4.3L V8, and 4.6L V8. In addition to the 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional overdrive, it had a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The base V8 engine produced 162 hp (121kW), while the Power Pack option produced 180 bhp (134 kW), and the “Super Power Pack” had high compression and increased power by 15 bhp (11 kW).
Popular mechanics lauded the 1955 second-generation Bel Air’s magnificent acceleration due to the V8 engine, as well as the good visibility and comfort it provided to passengers. It also received the highest marks for handling, according to Motor Trend magazine. The transmission options for the 1955 and 1956 Bel Air models were the 3-speed manual transmission, overdrive, or Power glide, and these models came with air conditioners.
The Bel Air received a facelift in 1956, as well as a full-width grille that replaced the Ferrari-inspired front grille from the 1955 model. The 1957 model received a new Super Turbo-Fire V8 engine with more power and speed than previous models.
Chevrolet Bel Air 2nd Generation (1955-1957) Production
With every specification listed above, I’m sure you’re familiar with the second-generation Chevrolet Bel Air. The high-quality features of these cars are what made them desirable and earned them praise from notable press. The 1955 Bel Air had only one body style, a two-door hardtop, and the total number of units that were built was 128,000
The 1956 to 1957 Bel Air had various body styles, including a 4-door hardtop, a 4-door sedan, a 2-door convertible, a 2-door station wagon, and a 4-door station wagon. The total number of 1956 Bel Airs produced exceeded 103,000. The company also produced 7,886 2-door Nomad station wagons.
Chevrolet Bel Air 2nd Generation (1955-1957) Price
We’ve already established that these classic cars were designed specifically for people of class. The features of the car made them expensive, but even within the model range, some were more expensive than others. The 2-door Nomad wagon, for example, was the most expensive of all the models at the time, costing $2,608. As of 2020, the 2-door station wagon was worth US$24,825.
On the other hand, the least expensive of the second-generation Bel Airs was the 2-door sedan which was sold for $2,025 back then, a cost that rose to $19,276 as of 2020.
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