 1959 Bel Air Series | 1961 Bel Air Series  |
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1960 Chevrolet Bel Air Series news, pictures, and information | ||
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The iconic Chevrolet Bel Air continued with very few changes for the 1960 season. They included all the features found on the entry-level Biscayne model, plus front foam cushions. Biscayne features included dual sun visors, electric wipers, cigarette lighter and front armrests.
The BelAir was available as a 2- and 4-door sedan, 2- and 4-door hardtop sport coupe, or as a Kingswood station wagon with seating for either 6 or 9 passengers. Pricing began at $2,385 for the 2-door sedan and rose to $2490 for the 2-door hardtop sport coupe. A six-cylinder engine came standard with a slew of V8 engines and transmissions.
Changes for the 1960 model year included a shield medallion on the front fenders that split the words 'Bel Air.' A rear panel was horizontally grooved and outlined with brightwork and a single rear quarter extension molding was added that flew towards the back.
For the 1960 model year, Chevrolet produced 1,391,485 vehicles.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
The BelAir was available as a 2- and 4-door sedan, 2- and 4-door hardtop sport coupe, or as a Kingswood station wagon with seating for either 6 or 9 passengers. Pricing began at $2,385 for the 2-door sedan and rose to $2490 for the 2-door hardtop sport coupe. A six-cylinder engine came standard with a slew of V8 engines and transmissions.
Changes for the 1960 model year included a shield medallion on the front fenders that split the words 'Bel Air.' A rear panel was horizontally grooved and outlined with brightwork and a single rear quarter extension molding was added that flew towards the back.
For the 1960 model year, Chevrolet produced 1,391,485 vehicles.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereIn 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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
| COLLECTORS SET TO DESCEND ON FLORIDA FOR RM'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SALE | |
 | • Final countdown underway to RM's John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Museum sale, December 1, in North Palm Beach, Florida • Auction features nearly 120 automobiles without reserve, with a strong emphasis on American convertibles of the '50s and '60s • Selection rounded out by more than 60 lots of memorabilia, including a historic 1918 Herschell-Spillman 32' Carousel, an elaborate Lionel Train Set, and a Cretors Antique Popcorn Wagon • Digital catalogue and collection vide...[Read more...] |
| Final Countdown underway To RM Auctions' Charile Thomas Collection Sale | |
 | • RM Auctions presents the Charlie Thomas Collection on October 20, 2012, at the Gaylord Texan Resort near Dallas, Texas • Auction features 175 automobiles without reserve, including a 1935 Ford DeLuxe Three-Window Coupe, a pair of fuel-injected Chevrolet Corvette Convertibles, a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Station Wagon, and a 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible • 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of the collection's 1952 Willys Military Jeep will benefit the Brookwood Community in Brookshire,...[Read more...] |
| ANTICIPATION BUILDS AS RARE CARS ARE CONSIGNED TO RM'S FLAGSHIP UK SALE | |
 | • RM Auctions' annual London sale returns to Battersea Evolution, 31st October, 2012 • Now in its sixth year, the London sale is one of Europe's consistently best performing collector car auctions • Upcoming auction features a magnificent collection of the world's finest motor cars, headlined by an ultra-rare, alloy-bodied 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a competition-bred 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta 'Tour de France', and a single-owner collection of 22 automobiles • A fr...[Read more...] |
| John Staluppi's 'Cars of Dreams' Collection Joins RM's Record 2012 Calendar | |
 | • RM Auctions presents the renowned John Staluppi 'Cars of Dreams' Collection, December 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida • Amassed over the past decade, the well-known private museum features a superb collection of nearly 120 automobiles and a diverse selection of memorabilia, from a carousel to a complete drive-in theater, all to be offered without reserve • Sale continues RM Auctions' reputation as the specialist for private and estate collection sales Fresh on the heels of its highly succe...[Read more...] |
| 2012 Keeneland Concours d'Elegance Features Packard Automobiles | |
 | The 9th annual Keeneland Concours d'Elegance will once again bring more than 150 classic and collector automobiles and motorcycles to the grounds of the historic Keeneland Race Course on Saturday, July 21, 2012. This year's featured marque is Packard, and collectors from across the country will compete for trophies in 18 classes of classic, vintage and exotic autos and motorcycles. Packard autos will be divided into pre-war and post-war classes. Other featured classes include the Motorcycle P...[Read more...] |
 1960
Chevrolet
models |
| Chevrolet Biscayne Series |
| Chevrolet Corvair Series |
| Chevrolet Corvette C1 |
| Chevrolet Corvette LeMans Racer |
| Chevrolet El Camino |
| Chevrolet Impala Series |
| Chevrolet Kingswood |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chrysler |
| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1960 |
| Studebaker Lark Regal VIII ($2,330-$2,760) |
| Simca Aronde 1300 Oceane ($2,888-$2,888) |
| Pontiac Catalina ($2,630-$3,210) |
| Triumph TR3A ($2,670-$2,840) |
| Edsel Ranger ($2,640-$2,999) |
Average Auction Sale: $19,158 |
| Chevrolet: 1950-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Chevrolet History |
| Other models by Chevrolet |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Mecum Auctions - Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction |
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| 1959 Bel Air Series | 1961 Bel Air Series |
