1960 Chevrolet Bel Air Series

Chevrolet was North America's best-selling automaker for much of the 1950s and 1960s. They had introduced major changes to its post-war lineup in 1949, rationalizing the range into two Series - Special (basic) and Deluxe - both of which featured Styleline (notchback) and Fleetline (fastback) body styles. This distinction would continue through the end of the 1952 season when the fastback model and the 'Styleline' name were both dropped. The only engine used to power the Chevrolet's at this time was the 'Stovebolt,' 216.5 CID overhead-valve six, that continued for many years without change prior to the introduction of GM's Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission in 1951 when a 235.5ci (3.9-litre) version became available.

The Bel Air name was originally applied to a two-door hardtop coupe version of the Styleline Deluxe in 1950, signifying the top-of-the-range luxury trim level, commencing in 1953, rather than a separate and distinct body style. The 1960 lineup included six Bel Airs, available with a bewildering multitude of engine, transmission, and convenience options allowing customers to customize a vehicle direct from the factory that was tailored specifically to their taste.

The iconic Chevrolet Bel Air continued with very few changes for the 1960 season. Standard equipment 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. The 235.5 cubic-inch, overhead-valve six had four main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a Rochester two-barrel carburetor and delivered 135 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. V8 output ranged from 185 to as high as 320 horsepower.

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 Dan Vaughan

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 car's 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 were 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 grille, 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 a 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 collectible 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 Dan Vaughan