 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
|
Model |
Weight range (lbs.) |
Price range (new) |
Number built |
|
Biscayne |
3,455-3,570 |
$2,175-$2,423 |
287,700(approx.) |
|
Biscayne Fleetmaster |
3,480-3,560 |
$2,230-$2,391 |
N/A (included in Biscayne) |
|
Bel Air |
3,490-3,620 |
$2,384-$2,661 |
381,500 (approx.) |
|
Station Wagon |
3,845-4,000 |
$2,586-$2,996 |
212,700 (approx.) |
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- How Chevrolet Works: Get the inside story of one of America’s greatest automotive marques in this lavishly illustrated history of Chevrolet, beginning with its founding in 1911.
