CHEVROLET HISTORY - PART THREE
1945
The success of Chevrolet's tremendous wartime role lays in the genius
of its peacetime production philosophy. Decentralized, highly flexible,
local responsibility makes possible the almost overnight conversion of
its plants to building and supplying the war machine.
1948
The longest auto race of the time -- the La Caracas, over 6000 miles from
Buenos Aires to Caracas -- is won by a Chevrolet.
1949
First all-new "post war" Chevrolet cars roll out in two contrasting
styles -- the sleek Fleetline "fastback," and the Styleline "bustleback,"
with a heavier feel.
1950
Powerglide is the first automatic transmission in the low-price field.
Bel Air two-door hardtop introduced.
1953
Corvette introduced. The first Corvette appears at the 1953 Motorama,
and Chevrolet is besieged with requests for a production version. Many
skeptics do not believe Chevrolet will offer such a radical design for
mass production. Corvette is the first series-production car with a
fiberglass body.
1954
Power brakes, seats and windows offered for the first time.
"See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet" advertising jingle debuts.
1955
The legendary small-block Chevy V8 introduced. This innovative engine
will become one of the most famous Chevy engines ever. With versions
rated from 162 brake horsepower (bhp) to 180 with the optional 4-barrel,
dual-exhaust "power pack." The '55 models break new styling ground, set
new sales records, and change the look of the American automobile.
First bucket seats in industry offered in Corvettes.
Bel Air Nomad station wagon introduced. This vehicle helps fuel
American's fascination with "getting away from it all."
1957
Ramjet Fuel Injection introduced.
Chevrolet introduces what will become one of the most prized collector
cars ever -- the 1957 Bel Air. It features new tail fins and a Ramjet,
fuel-injected 283 CID V8 that provides one brake horsepower for every
cubic inch.
1958
Impala nameplate arrives, designed to provide a Cadillac "big-car" look
at a Chevrolet price. Impala is an instant hit with the American public.
1959
First El Camino Pickup.
Chevrolet cars are completely restyled for the second year in a row.
--- Blue Wave/386 v2.20 [NR]
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