(1958–1964) Chevrolet Bel Air

• Third generation (1958)
• Fourth generation (1959–1960)
• Fifth generation (1961–1964)

1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Sport

For 1958, Chevrolet models were redesigned longer, lower, and heavier than their 1957 predecessors, and the first ever production Chevrolet big block V8, the 348 cu in, was now an option. The Bel Air gained a halo vehicle in 1958, the Impala, available only as a hardtop coupe and convertible in its introductory year. Impala styling followed the basic lines of the other Chevrolet models but received special styling cues including a different roof line, a vent above the rear window, unique side trim, and triple tail lights housed in slightly broader alcoves. For the budget conscious, the Biscayne and the Delray completed this model year's family-oriented and utility offerings.

Complementing Chevrolet's front design was a broad grille and quad headlights that helped simulate a 'Baby Cadillac'; the tail received a fan-shaped alcove on both side panels, which housed dual tail lights. With its wide variety of body styles and models, Bel Airs could be optioned with almost every conceivable luxury within the Chevrolet line. The Nomad station wagon name also reappeared in 1958 when the vehicle bowed as the premium four-door Chevrolet station wagon, lacking the unique styling of the 1955-57 Nomads. Most Chevrolet station wagon models had two tail lights housed in abbreviated alcoves, which were made smaller to accommodate the rear gate.

1959–1960 Chevrolet Bel Air

1959 Chevy Biscayne police model capable of 135 mph with specially tuned, police-only version of the 348-cubic-inch V-8 engine

1961-1964 Chevrolet Bel Air

1962 Chevrolet Bel Air "Bubble Top" 409

Chevy's hot 409-cid big-block V-8 became a drag-racing sensation within weeks of its 1961 limited release. Soon, the Beach Boys were singing harmonies to the dual-carbureted 1962 version. Drag racers usually ordered the torque-monster 409 in the Bel Air Sport Coupe, a model that was a tad lighter than the much more popular Impala hardtop. The 1962 Bel Air retained the smoothly rounded 1961 Chevy hardtop roofline, and is known today as the "bubble top."

Look for: Rounded hardtop roofline with thin support pillars and large rear window. Downward-slanting character line on body-sides stretches from the headlamps to the rear bumper. Four round tail lights, Impala has six.