Chevrolet Dream Cruise Spotter’s Guide
Ten classic Chevrolets to search for on Woodward Avenue
GM Media August 15, 2011
DETROIT – Over the past century, Chevrolet has built hundreds of different models, many of which have found places in the hearts of collectors, hot rodders’ and cruisers. Following are a few notable Chevrolets, along with tips for picking them out of the crowd.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
The all-new 1955 Chevy brought a renewed energy to the brand. Sleek “Motoramic” styling and a hot new 265-cid “Turbo-Fire” V-8 engine – first of the legendary small-blocks – made this Chevy an almost instant classic. Rock and roll music was just starting to shake up American culture, and the Bel Air was the perfect set of wheels for Saturday night cruising.
Look for: Rectangular egg-crate grille. Wrap-around windshield. Curved taillights styled into rounded rear fins.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
Even now, many a car-obsessed kid’s miniature vehicle stash includes at least one ’57 Chevy. After more than five decades, the 1957 design still has appeal. And there is more to the 1957 Chevy than good looks. Chevrolet introduced fuel Injection to American cars for 1957, and the 283-cid small-block Chevrolet ’fuelie’ produced one horsepower per cubic inch, astonishing performance in 1957. Fuel-injected ’57 Chevys thrashed competitors so soundly in NASCAR racing that the organization banned FI technology – a ban that is still in effect today.
Look for: Chromed dual “wind-split” ornaments on hood. Large, wedge-shaped metallic silver trim insert on Bel Air rear quarters. Blade-like tailfins, with rounded taillights atop the rear bumper ends.
