Chevy Bel Air Is King of the Beach at ‘Rods, Rides and Relics’
The iconic Chevy Bel Air comes in all shapes, sizes, and years for this annual Rods, Rides, and Relics car show on Redondo Pier.
No classic car show would be complete without the presence of a well-loved Chevrolet Bel Air. The legendary ride is a staple as rich in American pride as apple pie and baseball. Thus, attending a car show without seeing one is borderline blasphemy.
Luckily, when Chevrolet Forum recently attended the annual Rods, Rides, and Relics car show on Redondo Pier, there was no shortage of examples of the classic beauty. So much so, that some pretty rare variants were there to grace our eyes.
Certainly, 1955 through 1957 are the golden years of the Bel Air. With their archetypal fins at the rear and smooth futuristic body lines, even the most uninformed car show attendee can rapidly identify them.
Lesser recognized is the Bel Air 210 Wagon. They feature the same legendary bodywork but offer a lot more cargo space and practicality. You don’t see them too often, so the chance to see more than one was truly a treat!
Of course, the topic of Bel Airs cannot be brought up without shining some light on the convertibles. After all, what could be more suited to a coastline cruise in California than a topless classic? This one, seen in the easily spotted blue and white scheme, carries the theme through the interior. The amount of love and detail put into this classic is truly outstanding!
The bright colors and contrasting whites suit the body lines better than anything imaginable, so looking at an old Bel Air is like taking a trip through time. That is what truly makes these vehicles iconic. Their styling is timeless, yet even those born long after the 50s gain a sense of nostalgia in their presence.
The Bel Air is as rich in history as the ritzy neighborhood it shares its name with. Everyone knows what it is, and despite a select few who stand on the negative side of things, most people are very excited to witness them first hand. These are timeless classics, and we hope to continue seeing them on roads for many years to come!
Photos for Chevrolet Forum by Derin Richardson