Chevrolet's 'Bel Air' Is perhaps one of the most popular, iconic, and recognisable cars of all time. The Bel Air has had songs written after it. During its most popular year, 1957, it sold over 1.5 million cars! Due to this, the Chevy Bel Air is often just referred to as the '57 Chevy.  An earlier model, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air introduction of the revolutionary small-block V-8 engine. This made 1955 a momentous year for Chevrolet. That engine quickly became the cornerstone of American high performance in all forms of racing and hot rods. From 1953 to the '57 Chevy, the Chevrolet Bel Air became well-known in the car industry and society.