Chevrolet Bel Air

The 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Hardtop Coupe conveyed a subtle style.

The 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air and 1960 Chevrolet Biscayne didn't sell as strongly as the lavishly outfitted Impala, but they nonetheless continued to attract a following of their own.

In fact, adding a hardtop Sport Coupe to the Bel Air lineup -- joining the also-pillarless Sport Sedan -- gave shoppers a stylish automobile for $108 less than a comparable Impala.

Actually, not everyone coveted the Impala's extra helping of brightwork. Some preferred the less-adorned body surfaces of a "lesser" model, espe­cially since the same engines could be installed in any Chevy -- right down to the most humble Biscayne sedans. In addition to the ample selection of V-8s, many Chevrolets held the venerable Blue Flame six, still chugging out 135 horsepower.

In addition to the pair of hardtops, the Bel Air series included two- and four-door sedans. Biscaynes came only in sedan form. Four wagon lines were marketed: luxury Nomad, economical two- or four-door Brookwood, four-door Parkwood, and nine-passenger Kingswood.

Not counting wagons, about 381,500 Bel Airs were built, versus 287,700 Biscaynes -- and close to half a million Impalas. Obviously, Americans still leaned toward luxury, whenever pocketbooks could withstand the assault. In any series, those wild rear ends -- starting off as popular, then derided as gauche -- don't look half bad today.

The 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air four-door Sedan was toned down from previous years.

1960 Chevrolet Bel Air and Biscayne Facts

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