1950s Chevrolet Belair

The 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air was a statement of style and innovation for its time. By also blending luxury and affordability, it helped define what a family car could be.. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Stacey Silipo, Vice President of Marketing & Branding at Berkley One, tells us why she loves the 1950s Chevrolet Belair.

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The Car:

In 1950, Chevrolet introduced a full-size car known as the Bel Air, named after the wealthy neighborhood near Los Angeles. Introduced as a 2-door hardtop, the Bel Air featured a standard 216.5 cubic inch “Thriftmaster” six-cylinder engine and unique styling of the roof, taillights, and three-piece rear windows. Inside the car there was an abundance of chrome styling, leather seats, carpeting, and full wheel covers.

The Collector:

The Bel Air is an important car in the Chevrolet lineage, preceded by the Styleline and Fleetline models and succeeded by the Impala in 1957. The premium styling of the car set the standard for future Chevrolet models and defined what a family car could be. For collectors, the Bel Air is a definitive part of 1950’s American auto history.

The Love:

I love the blending of art and functionality of the Chevrolet Bel Air. While it was clearly made to be a family sedan, there is also artistic flair at play with the chrome styling and distinctive rear windows and taillights. In my role as Marketing Manager for Berkley One, we recently featured the image of a Bel Air in a social media campaign and many followers commented on their love of the vehicle. Now it’s on my radar for car spotting on a Sunday drive or at a car show.

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Contributed by Stacey Silipo

Photo: iStock

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.