The ’57 Bel Air by Chevrolet is certainly more sought after by collectors, but I’m a fan of all three classic designs. To a completely untrained eye they look quite similar. Most Chevy fans (and classic car enthusiasts in general) can quickly spot the difference between all three years of the Bel Air.
This is a beautiful 1955 Bel Air.
You’ll notice that the ’55 has the completely horizontal trim on the back quarter panel seperating the upper and lower quarter panel (unlike the upward slant of the ’57 Bel Air fin). And, the profile of the rear end is pretty square and drops almost straight down from the tail light to the bumper.
Here’s a good shot of the rear end of this ’55.
For the 1956 Bel Air model, a couple things were changed that can easily distinguish it from the others. Here’s a 1956 Bel Air:
On this ’56 Bel Air, you’ll notice that the fender trim piece isn’t horizontal. It’s curved down towards the lower bumper. Here’s another look at the ’56:
You can also notice that on the ’56, the trim piece that runs down along the side of the body is much thicker than the previous style, and it is wide enough to allow for a little strip of paint inbetween the chrome. Among some other differences between the two cars is the grill and hood emblem, front turn markers, and front bumper.
In 1957, the design of the Bel Air got tweaked a little more. Here’s a 57 Bel Air:
As you can see, the ’57 has a different side trim than does the ’56 and ’55. The trim on the ’57 is a single chorme piece that runs the side of the car, and fans out to the rear end without covering the top of the rear fenders.
And, unlike the 55′ and 56′ models, the tail fins on the ’57 model have a sharper angle coming back to the tail lights and bumper, creating a much more distinct fin.
And as you can see, the grill is different from the two previous designs as well.
So – even with these somewhat subtle differences, the 1957 Bel Air has been a much more desired car for classic car enthusiasts and collectors. It would be hard to argue that the ’57 looks dramatically better, so why do people seem to like it more? Did they produce fewer of them making them more rare?
Is the 1957 Bel Air better than the other Tri-fives? Let us know in the comments.
76 Comments
Leland Ford
57 Chevy has more appeal,class,just a beautiful automobile,I’ve owned all 3,but I am a proud owner of a 57 Bel Air 2Dr HT presently now,they are all sweet.
Dave B
My 55 2 dr hardtop….It is a 265 power pack and a manual transmission with overdrive…
Harry
While I owned the ’56 210 2dr.post…I thought it was the best. Now I’m building up a ’57 BelAire 2dr hardtop and I’m digging it a little more.
Warrior
Most of you seemed to dwell on looks which I agree is a subjective thing, personal at best. My first love is the 57 because in 1965 a friend had a beauty and still has it to this. Now it’s candy red, he’s about 76 years old and still runs it at the drags. He turned me on to the one I have. I bought it in 68, almost cherry. still had the clear plastic seat covers on it from the factory. This is my third and final time through it, I’ll be 74 in July. This will be the fourth engine I’ve put in it beside the original one. I have found that the 57’s are built some what heavier than 55’s & 56’s. The front bumper on 57’s would make two of a 55 or 56. The seamless square tubing frames were stronger also probably due to having more horsepower than the 265’s. Ya’ gotta’ love’em all though, right! Still have four of the old F.I. units and ran a late model unit for eight years on it with no real problems. The units are fairly simple once you really get into them. Hope this helps some of you.
Evan
@evanevanson Do you still have your ’57? I’d love to see some pictures of it if you have any!
ray888fl
I’d like to run some of your articles in Cruisin’ Style Magazine – please contact me if interested. Thanks Ray