Chevrolet Bel Air, 1959: This is a most interesting car, seen parked at Kemp's BP Station in Wausau, Marathon County. In 1953, Chevrolet renamed its premier model series the Bel Air. By 1957 she was the most recognizable American car, perhaps of all time. In the recession year of 1958, because of the Bel Air, Chevy was the number one auto in the US in sales. In 1959, though, Chevrolet made two major changes. First, it introduced the Impala as the premium model, making the Bel Air the mid-level model. Second, the design was very different from earlier versions and from the follow-on versions. This is really a classic, one of a kind design.
As a high school kid at the time, this editor and all the rest of us saw those "fins" as a real trademark. Sleek, and, pardon the expression, sexy, real lines to her. Plus lots of chrome.
She retained the chrome spears on the front fenders from previous years and, oh boy, that grill, a real "Detroit Grill," with a little rubber on the bumpers to nudge along the jerk in front of you! This is a memorable design.
