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Chevrolet's Bel Air first saw the light of day in 1950. Little did Chevrolet know at the time, but the Bel Air would venture on and become one of the most collectible American made cars in history. Movie stars, Rock ‘n Roll stars and even toy manufacturers all took joy in having their version of the popular Bel Air. The second generation (‘55-’57) is perhaps the most recognized generation of the classic automobile, and for a good reason. In 1955, Chevy began offering a 162 hp V8 option that would remain powering many GM vehicles for decades to come.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a gorgeous piece of American automotive history. Today, collectors are paying mucho dinero for their chance to own a Bel Air of their own. ‘55-’57 Bel Airs are among the most valuable cars from that period and often fetch six digits at auction. That’s a lot of money, isn’t it? The Chevrolet Bel Air can be found in original condition, though it’s not easy to do. Many devoted fans of the car have turned them into hot rods, drag cars and resto-mods, all in an attempt to have the Bel Air they dreamed of owning one day. Who can blame them, right? Well, other than loyal classic car enthusiasts who cringe when seeing these vehicles roll down the highway any other way but stock. Despite what you like, there’s always a good story or cool YouTube video out there on the Chevrolet Bel Air.
F.Y.I. A gallon of gasoline cost you 27 cents in 1957.
Living in 1957: The average yearly income was just over $4000 dollars.
In the Movies 1957: “12 Angry Men,” starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, and Martin Balsam was a hit at the box office in 1957.
Billboard Charts 1957: “All Shook Up” by the King, Elvis Presley, was a smash hit in 1957.
Fact: Unemployment in the United States was just above 4% in 1957.
1957 College Basketball Champs: North Carolina
Miss America 1957: Marian McKnight
Chevrolet Bel Air
Online Pricing: $25k+
Quick Look Paint:
Fenders x2-
Doors x2-
Rockers x2-
Hood-
Roof-
Quarters x2-
Decklid
Add for jams on all parts-
Undercoating-
Misc-$$$$-
Materials-
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(Paint) Labor and Materials- $8k + (Media Blast)- $2K
Quick Look Body:
Body (Glass, Chrome Trim, Interior, Exterior)- $5-10k+
Repair existing damage after media blasting.
200 hrs repair at $100 a billable hr. (including prime and block).
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(Body)-Labor and materials- $30k
Quick Look Total: (Body, Paint, Parts, Material, Etc.) = $65,000+
