In 1955, Pablo Picasso turned 75, Albert Einstein died, the novel Lolita was published and the first "summit conference" was held. For Chevrolet, its top of the line series was the Bel Air and it was a handsome automobile, one that would help define the automotive styling of the 1950s. The 1955 Bel Air featured richer upholstery fabrics, carpets, and a sporty chrome strip on the front fenders and doors. The words "Bel Air" were written in silver script behind the vertical slash molding, and a narrow white panel was inset on the rear fender side molding. For $38, one could have Power Brakes and $92 obtained Power steering. Convenient options included a self de-icing wiper blade, accelerator pedal cover and tissue dispenser. Aside from the handsome good looks and thoughtful amenities, it was the 265 cid V-8 engine that grabbed attention! An optional "Power-Pak" included a single four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts and increased horsepower to 180. With or without this powerful option, there was no doubt that the '55 Bel Air not only got you where you were going, but you arrived in style! Now, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door Sedan is authentically recreated with a daring Matador Red and India Ivory two-tone finish in the 1:43 scale.

Original sticker price: $1,987 (V-8 engine)
Current value: $8,400 (add 10% for "Power Pak" option and 10% for factory air)
Production quantity: 168,313

Fast Facts:
• Overdrive transmission was available for $108 and Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission cost $178.
• 1955 was the year that chevrolet began a successful marketing thrust to capture the youth market - a Chevy was no longer grandmother's car!
• Chevrolet's 1.7 million cars in the 1955 model year was a production record for any automaker.

(1997)

Scale: 1:43