Chevrolet Bel Air Concept, 2002 Bel Air Concept Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

Image credits: Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Bel Air concept is a modern American convertible built on the tradition of the legendary 1955-57 Chevys of the same name. The two-door Bel Air concept celebrates an American icon in a manner reminiscent of the originals with style, performance and an exciting new engine.

'This is not just another convertible,' said Wayne Cherry, GM's vice president for design. 'The Bel Air is about embracing the essence of those mid-50s Chevys -- the ‘tri-5s' -- in a contemporary way. This car is the right size for America, just like the originals were in the 1950s.'

The 1955 Bel Air enhanced Chevrolet's image virtually overnight with its natty styling and unique powertrain.

The new Bel Air concept vehicle retraces the graceful flowing lines of those classic originals. The modern exterior with its signature beltline kick-up gives the vehicle a sleek appearance. And with its somewhat taller profile and higher driving position, the vehicle's proportions recreate the comfort, visibility and ease of entry and exit of the cars of the 1950s.

The Chevrolet bowtie is displayed prominently on the Bel Air's egg-crate grille and five-spoke aluminum wheels with 18-inch tires enhance the car's sporty look.

The rear-wheel-drive concept also was inspired by several interior design cues from its 1950s predecessor. The simple, elegant passenger compartment features a twin-element instrument panel, steering column-mounted gearshift and bench seats. The seats are covered in soft high-technology fabrics, in colors that match the exterior. The front seats are cleverly designed to slide forward for easier backseat entry.

But the concept's kinship with the tri-5s goes beyond the interior and styling cues, Cherry said. The legacy also extends under the hood.

The original small-block Chevrolet V8 option featured in the 1955 used the latest advances in engine technology to set a new benchmark for performance and dependability, Cherry said. The engine for the Bel Air concept uses today's advanced technology to provide affordable, efficient performance, he said.

'This new engine is just as significant as that V8 was in the '55,' said Cherry.

The Bel Air is powered by a Vortec 3500 turbocharged inline five-cylinder concept engine based on the highly regarded inline engine family that debuted in GM's midsize sport-utility vehicles. The all-aluminum engine delivers up to 315 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

A button on the steering wheel activates the powertrain control module to trigger a more aggressive spark and fueling calibration for maximum horsepower.

'This engine sets a new benchmark,' Cherry said. 'You can go from a super-efficient five-cylinder to a high-performance engine all in the same package.'

To provide the appropriate structure for a large convertible, the Bel Air concept uses a 21st century interpretation of body-on-frame construction, employing the same hydroforming technology used in the frame rails of the Corvette and GM's new midsize sport-utility vehicles. The hydroformed frame rails help provide impressive torsional rigidity and stiffness in a light package, for terrific ride and handling.

Cherry said the design team had fun capturing the expressiveness and flair of the 1955-57 Bel Airs by drawing on some of the cars' intriguing details, such as the traffic light viewfinder and the gas filler cap located in the taillight.

Chevrolet has long appealed to a diverse cross section of consumers who want dependable, spirited vehicles. The 1955-57 Chevrolets provided refreshing, exciting designs; powerful, reliable engines; and smart, spacious interiors at a great price. The cars became symbols of the can-do American spirit of the 1950s, and they are in high demand by car collectors of all ages.

'This concept plays to people who are rediscovering the fun and excitement of the open-air vehicle, as well as those discovering them for the first time,' Cherry said.

The Bel Air concept taps the interest in nostalgia that people of all ages share while creating a fun, uniquely American automobile for a whole new generation of drivers, Cherry said. The concept blends the excitement of the 1955-57 Bel Airs, cutting-edge powertrain technology and the charm of open-air motoring.

Source - GM

From 1950 through 1952 Chevrolet hardtops in the Deluxe model line were dubbed the 'Bel Air'. It took a few more years before it would become its own distinct series. In 1953, the Bel Air became its own model and was applied to Chevrolet's top-of-the-line model range. By 1955, the cars were offered with an optional V8 engine which greatly improved the cars performance.

In 1953 Chevrolet had three new models and 17 body styles to select from. This was the company's widest range of offerings in its history. The introduction of the Chevrolet was stirring press for the company, but so was the Bel Air, considered the company's Crown Jewel.

The Bel Air Series consisted of a two and four-door sedan, sport coupe, and a convertible coupe. Everything that was standard on the lower priced series was standard on the Bel Air, plus so much more including comfort, convenience and styling options. There was a one-piece curved windshield which added superb visibility. The luggage compartment was massive and the 115-inch wheelbase provided plenty of interior room for its occupants. The 115-horsepower Blue-Flame six-cylinder engine was new and the most powerful engine in Chevrolet's history.

In 1954, the Bel Air was launched as a 1955 model and brought with it a fresh new, elegant look for Chevrolet. With bold features that included hooded headlights, tailfins, wrap-around windshield, and rear fender skirts, the Bel Air was able to out-style the competition. The base engine was a six-cylinder, 115 horsepower power-plant. At a base price of $1095, it was a bargain. It is considered America's first low-priced 'hardtop coupe'. The most famous of the Bel Air engine options was the 283 cubic-inch V-8 small-block, with Ramjet Fuel injection. It delivered one horsepower per cubic inch, a first for production cars. Along with style, the Bel Air was a fast machine. Chevrolet quickly ascertained a reputation for building performance vehicles.

A full-width grill, redesigned front and rear fenders, gas cap behind the left taillight, larger rectangular parking lights, and sweeping side trim were just a few of the changes that set the 1956 Chevrolet apart from the 1955, which had taken the country by storm with its all new body re-design.

For the performance-minded public, the 1956 Chevrolet offered three 265 cubic-inch Turbo-Fire V-8 engine options: base 170 hp, 205 hp 4 bbl and the 225 hp dual 4 bbl.

Chevrolet produced 1,574,740 cars in the 1956 model year, of which 41,268 were Belair Convertibles. The 3,320 pound car cost $2,443 with the base V-8. You could literally load your new Chevy with factory options and accessories and stay under $3,000.

In 1957, the Bel Air grew in length by 2-1/2 inches and received a wider and taller grille. Additional options became available including two-tone interior, power convertible top, shoulder harnesses, tinted glass, seat belts, tissue dispenser, and ventilated seat pads.

In total, there were seven body styles to select from. In 1957, a two-page Chevrolet magazine ad proclaimed that 'Chevy puts the purr in performance'. This Bel Air Convertible, with the optional 245 HP 283 CID small block V-8 equipped with two four barrel carburetors, would certainly deliver on the promise made by the ad copy noted above, delivering a hearty purr from its dual exhausts.

Over the years these popular cars became an icon for the entire generation and they have gone on to become one of the most desirable and collectable post war cars of all. 47,000 Bel Air convertibles were produced in the 1957 model year.

The Chevrolet models grew in length in 1958 and increased in size. The Chevrolet Impala became their top-of-the-line model, followed by the middle-range Bel Air. The front end featured a broad grill with quad headlights.

By the later part of the 1960s, the Chevrolet Bel Air moved into the territory of a fleet vehicle. It was a basic machine built on Chevrolet's large platform and outfitted with few thrills or options. It was a good car though it lacked the prestige of times gone by.

The 1964 Chevrolet Be Air (Series 1600) was Chevrolet's mid-priced line between the basic Biscayne and the Impala.

The Biscayne was discontinued after 1972 and the Bel Air was moved into its place, becoming Chevrolet's low-level model. Production in the United States continued until 1975 though production continued in Canada until 1981.

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