The 57 Chevrolet Bel Aire — A Classic!

December 30, 2009 by David Nettles  
Filed under Classic Cars

The 57 Chevy Bel Air has been called 'the most popular car in history', and given the actuality that this Chevrolet was in fact outsold by the Ford Thunderbird the year of its launch, that is high praise indeed. Called by many "the most popular car in history", the 57 Chevy Bel Aire was not the most-sold automobile in 1957. But it is the auto that won the hearts of many people, and still continues to win them over, even over 50 years afterward.

'Baby Cadillac' in style the 1957 Chevrolet was called in a remarkable Chevy advertisement as 'sweet, smooth and sassy'. The Chevy wasn't only part of the American dream, it was beamed into homes all over the world through many TV appearances, hence the 1957 Chevy Bel Aire became part of a bigger more global dream.

Was it the fins or was it the reality that the Chevy 57 became the car of choice for every high school teen around the world in the 60's that made these vehicles the collectible icons they have become today? The fact that there were just 47,566 Bel Airs produced, also contributes toward this Chevy's gold like preciousness.

Where did the Bel Air label come from? In earlier years the deluxe models of the Chevrolet hardtops were nicknamed Bel Air. This stuck and the manufacturer liked it so much they launched it as its own very separate series.

These Chevrolet Bel Aires were easily recognized The new tail fins and the addition of two and a half inches to the car's length gave them a longer, lower and wider appearance. A decrease from fifteen to fourteen inch tires and a great big new bumper grille made them one of the most eye-catching autos of the decade of the 50s.

The 1957 Bel Air was originally designed in1954 for a 1955 launch and was thought of at the time to be a welcome brash new look for the company. It was a good deal with a starting price of $1095, especially when you realize that a subscription to a first-class car magazine almost costs that at present. The most celebrated model with the V-8 engine in 57, contained a remarkable one horsepower per cubic inch (a first for a mass produced car at that time), giving this vehicle power as well as killer looks.

The sound pouring from the dual exhaust pipes of the 1957 Chevy Bel Aire became synonymous with the hum of a cat purring; cinching this was an advertisement placed in a prominent Chevrolet magazine at the time announcing to all and sundry that 'Chevy puts the purr back in performance'. What a wonderful slogan!

It's no small wonder that the 1957 Chevy Bel Air went on to become one of the most collected post war cars in history.

Discover More About the 57 Chevy Bel Aire - Here's FREE Info!

Now that you know something about this great auto, want to know more? Want to see photos? What about actual 57 Chevys for sale? Click on over to http://www.1957chevyforsale.com and see all the great cars available!

Smokinvette And Alex Schult Bring You Information On A 1967 Corvette

December 25, 2009 by Alex Schult  
Filed under Classic Cars

The best Corvette ever is the 1967 Corvette which is a Sting Ray refined to the limit. The changes were again modest and it is the cleanest Sting Ray. The three larger fender vents were replaced by five smaller vents, a less chunky appearance from the flat finish rockers and ribbing. The single backup light that was mounted above the license plate is new and unique.

The previous model's old fashioned wheel covers were replaced with slotted six inch Rally wheels with chrome beauty rings and lug nuts concealed behind small chrome caps. Revised upholstery and the handbrake moved from beneath the dash to between the seats are a few of the interior alterations made. One feature, the optional hardtop is offered with a black vinyl cover.

The Power trains were not changed much. The two small-block V-8s returned, as did the 390-bhp big-block (hulking beneath a redesigned hood scoop). But the top two 427s now developed 400 and 435 bhp with a switch to triple two-barrel carburetors. As before, they differed in compression ratios -- 10.25:1 and 11.0:1, respectively -- and the solid lifters and transistorized ignition that went on the 425-bhp unit. The latter, RPO L71, was also available with special aluminum heads (instead of cast iron) and larger-diameter exhaust valves as RPO L89, though with the same grossly understated horsepower.

The 1967 ultimate Corvette engine was coded L88. This was an even wider L89 which was close to a pure racing engine that Chevy made. The Corvette was equipped with lightweight heads, bigger ports, hotter cam, aluminum radiator, small diameter flywheel, stratospheric 12.5:1 compression and a single huge Holly four barrel carburetor. The result was no less than 560 bhp, again at 6400 rpm.

The problem the car had was you had to use 103 octane racing fuel that was only available at a few service stations. For sure, this was not an engine for the average person. There were certain options Chevy did when they ordered the L88 such as the positraction, the transistorized ignition, heavy duty suspension, power brakes and RPO C48. In order to discourage this car from being used on the street, these deleted the normal radio and heater to cut down on the weight.

For more info or questions in regards to 1967 Corvettes please send all correspondence to Alex Schult at www.smokinvette.com

Think About GMC Truck Ads On the Internet

December 16, 2009 by Corey Rudman  
Filed under Classic Cars

Car buyers recently have been able to come across a great deal more old GMC pickup trucks for sale than ever before. Depending on how you define "old", or as some people call "classic" trucks, an older GMC pickup truck is tough to beat.

When you are looking for a used classic pickup, typically the optimum place to go is to your local newspaper classifieds. The truth is that this is where you can uncover the vehicles that are really handy to you, but this is fast becoming an outdated method for discovering used trucks being sold. Nowadays, the internet is the easiest method to get what you want in your quest to find even local used vehicles for sale.

Of course, I graciously advise my own classic car classifieds site, Buy Old Cars.com, but there are many other places on the Internet to find that special classic you have been hunting for. Amongst the different internet car ads sites include eBay motors, Craig's list, and a complete host of alternative classic automobile sites all over the web.

When searching for a classic truck on the Web, just be cognizant of the fact that not everything is factual on the Internet. You need to do your research. Get a sense for the people who are saying they are selling a particular car. By no means send money to ship a car or truck without looking at it. Go see the truck in person. Just be smart.

People who prefer a GMC truck, are people that require a high quality of vehicle to ride around in. They really want excellence in their truck.

An old classic GMC truck is no different in terms of quality. People who buy those classic trucks are not simply swayed by other trucks out there. From the front fender to the back taillights, the quality is there! Buy a classic GMC truck through the web!

Find a 1971 GMC Truck For Sale online at Buy Old Cars.com Old Cars Classifieds

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