1950s ChevroletIn the 1950s Chevrolet, popularly known as Chevy for short, was probably the most iconic name in the world of American car manufacture. Hailed as “New style Leader,” the decade saw major changes in Chevrolet car design. In 1950 the company launched their two door Chevy Deluxe Sedan, having produced a four door version a year earlier. The 1950 Deluxe included certain modifications not seen in the '49 version. The round parking light were made bigger, and three chevrons trimmed the vertical piece beneath it. The 1950 Deluxe also had a restyled front bumper guard and the tail lights were also altered. In 1952 Chevrolet offered a wider choice of interior colours for their cars. Previously the Chevy brand had offered only varying shades of grey for their interiors and upholstery. One enduring feature of the Chevy car is the small block V-8 engine design. Chevrolet first used in their cars in the mid 1950s. And it has continued in use, though modified and improved over time, ever since then. The Bel Air, hardtop convertible (below) in both two and four door versions was to become one of the Chevrolet's best sellers – helped by the company's competitive pricing policy. Priced at under $2,000, it was cheaper than comparative cars from Buick and Oldsmobile.
The Bel Airs popularity saw Chevy quadruple their production of the range to over 100, 000 vehicles during 1951. Chevrolet heralded the start of 1953 with the slogan “It's going to be a great year to buy a 1953 Chevy!” That year saw the company roll out 17 models, their most ever. This wide range of Chevy cars was inspired by a new chief engineer, Ed Cole who worked in partnership with Harry F Blair. 1954 saw Chevrolet launch their 210 Del, while they extended the number of models available to customers in the Bel Air range. Chevy also increased the choice for car body colours as well as interiors. By the end of the year Chevy were also set to launch the 1955 Classic Chevrolet. This involved a change of styling with the “Motoramic” style introduced.
Chevrolet, refusing to rest on their laurels, made changes to the Classic the following year with a sharper front grill and even more chrome. The style was to be modified further during 1956. Chevy continued their progress in 1957with the production of the “must have” red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, a model
which was to remain popular into the 1960s. Related Articles |
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