What cars did Chevy produce in 1957?
In 1957, Chevrolet offered a three-tier full-size lineup—Bel Air, 210, and 150—with the Bel Air carrying the best equipment and styling, plus the Bel Air Nomad wagon that stood out on the showroom floor. This article details the models and body styles Chevrolet produced that year.
Core model lineup
Chevrolet’s main passenger-car series for 1957 comprised three distinct lines, each available in multiple body configurations.
- Bel Air — flagship full-size series with the broadest range of body styles and trims, including convertibles and hardtops
- 210 — mid-line full-size series offering a balance of features and price
- 150 — entry-level full-size series aimed at budget-conscious buyers
These three lines formed the backbone of Chevrolet’s 1957 passenger-car offerings, sharing the same platform and styling language while differing in equipment levels. The Bel Air Nomad wagon is a notable Bel Air variant that catered to wagon buyers seeking sportier styling.
Notable wagon and trim variants
Among the 1957 models, the Bel Air family included a standout wagon variant, the Nomad, known for its two-door design and sporty look.
- Bel Air Nomad — a distinctive two-door wagon variant within the Bel Air family
The Nomad is often cited as one of the era’s most recognizable station wagon designs, reflecting Chevrolet’s experimentation with stylish wagons in the late 1950s.
Body styles available in 1957 Chevrolets
Chevrolet offered a variety of body configurations across the Bel Air, 210, and 150 lines to suit different buyers’ needs, including two-door and four-door options, plus convertibles.
- Coupes and hardtops (2-door): Bel Air, 210, and 150
- Sedans (4-door): Bel Air, 210, and 150
- Convertibles: available in Bel Air range
- Wagons: Bel Air Nomad (2-door wagon) and other wagon configurations within the lineup
In 1957, the convertible and hardtop configurations were part of Chevrolet’s push toward sportier styling, while family-friendly wagon variants appeared in the Bel Air Nomad line.
Note on the Impala
The Chevrolet Impala would become a defining nameplate for Chevrolet, but it debuted a year later in 1958 as a top-tier Bel Air/Impala model, signaling the brand’s evolving product strategy.
Summary
Chevrolet’s 1957 lineup centered on three main full-size series — Bel Air, 210, and 150 — complemented by a distinctive Bel Air Nomad wagon. Buyers could choose from numerous body styles, including two- and four-door sedans, coupes, convertibles, and wagons, all sharing the same late-1950s styling language. The year foreshadowed the upcoming Impala, which would redefine Chevrolet’s performance-oriented lineup starting in 1958.
What vehicles did Chevy make in 1957?
The main 1957 Chevrolet models were the base 150, the mid-range 210, and the top-of-the-line Bel Air. Each of these series was available in various body styles, including 2-door and 4-door sedans, 2-door hardtops (sport coupes), 4-door hardtops (sport sedans), and convertibles. Other models included the Nomad (a 2-door station wagon), various station wagons like the Townsman, the Sedan Delivery, and the sports car Corvette.
You can watch this video to learn about the different body styles of the 1957 Chevrolet: 59sRickDeBruhlYouTube · Nov 11, 2024
Base models
- 150: The most basic and lowest-priced model, with minimal chrome trim.
- 210: The mid-range model, featuring more trim than the 150 and a distinct side molding.
- Bel Air: The premium model, which came with the most chrome accents and upscale features.
Body styles
- Sedans: Available in 2-door and 4-door configurations.
- Sport Coupe: A 2-door hardtop (no B-pillar between the windows).
- Sport Sedan: A 4-door hardtop.
- Convertible: A 2-door convertible version.
- Nomad: A 2-door station wagon.
- Townsman: A 4-door station wagon.
- Sedan Delivery: A panel wagon style model.
Other models
- Corvette: The 1957 Corvette was a distinct model from the rest of the "Tri-Five" lineup.
- Cameo Carrier: Chevrolet's one-half ton pickup truck.
- Apache: A series of pickup trucks also offered in 1957.
How many 1957 Chevy cars were made?
A total of 1,555,316 of the 1957 Chevrolet models, including the 150, 210, and Bel Air series, were produced. The Bel Air series accounted for a significant portion of this production, with the 4-door sedan being the most common and the 2-door Nomad wagon being the rarest at just 6,264 units.
- Total production: 1,555,316 vehicles across all 1957 Chevrolet series.
- Most common model: The Bel Air 4-door sedan, with 264,449 units produced.
- Rarest model: The Bel Air 2-door Nomad wagon, with only 6,264 units made.
What cars were popular in 1957?
Ford's Thunderbird was at full zenith in '57, while Chrysler offered the 300C, Plymouth the Fury, and DeSoto the Adventurer. The Pontiac Bonneville, Rambler Rebel, and Studebaker Silver Hawk were also unveiled in 1957. It's a noteworthy year for car enthusiasts.
What cars did Chevy make in 1956?
The main 1956 Chevrolet models were the top-of-the-line Bel Air, the mid-range 210, and the base 150. These were available in a variety of body styles, including sedans, hardtops, and station wagons. Chevrolet also produced the Corvette sports car and a line of 3100, 3200, 3600, and 3800 series trucks, as well as the Cameo Carrier pickup.
Passenger car models
- Bel Air: The most luxurious model, featuring full-length side trim, a distinctive grille, and enhanced interior touches.
- 210: The mid-range model, distinguished by side trim that ran only behind the front door. It was available in many body styles, including sedans, a hardtop, and a "Del Ray" club coupe.
- 150: The most basic and economical model, identifiable by its lack of any side trim. It was available as a sedan, a utility sedan, a delivery sedan, and a "Handyman" wagon.
Other models
- Corvette: Chevrolet's two-seater sports car, which received a powerful 265-cubic-inch V8 engine option in 1956.
- Nomad: A station wagon version of the Bel Air, known for its unique styling.
- Trucks: A range of trucks was available, including the 1500, 3100, 3200, 3600, and 3800 series, along with the Cameo Carrier pickup.
