Tag: bel air

Throwback Thursday – 31

We look back to an older photograph that still evokes nostalgia and a sense timelessness.

As I was looking for this week’s touch of the old, whether image or content, I came across an image that I still enjoy looking at, despite its age. This discovery led me to reflect on the importance of nostalgia and how certain images can evoke a sense of timelessness. I have often waxed about how I view older images in my photographic portfolio with a more critical eye; this is for lots of valid reasons, which makes it even more satisfying to have some images that withstand this level of scrutiny with grace and poise.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the enduring appeal of this particular photo. The color palette is pleasing, integrating warm hues that create an inviting atmosphere. The composition brings a level of interest that captures the viewer’s attention, drawing them into the scene. While I acknowledge the importance of following established rules in photography, I find that breaking them can sometimes lead to truly unique and compelling images. In this case, the slight deviations from convention seem to enhance the photograph’s character rather than detract from it.

Moreover, I can’t help but mention that glorious hood ornament! It stands out as a focal point of the image, a detail that not only reflects the craftsmanship of its time but also adds a layer of storytelling to the photo. It invites speculation—what stories could it tell of the journeys it has experienced? The combination of these elements—the pleasing color palette, the intentional composition, and the iconic hood ornament—create a harmonious experience that makes this image not just a relic of the past, but a piece of art that continues to resonate with me today. Each time I revisit it, I appreciate the nuances that I may have overlooked previously, reminding me of the beauty that can emerge from careful observation and reflection.

High Flyin’ 55

All this from a walk in the park where a classic, and more recent vintage, car show was the feature; of course, the magnificent weather made this all the more enjoyable. Not a bad result!

Thursday Throwback – 13

We go back to a 2011 photograph from a car show in Worcester, featuring a ’55 Bel Air.

It’s time for lucky 13 in this series! This image goes back to July 2011 during the Summernationals car show in Worcester, Massachusetts. Even though I’m much more into modern car performance, I do appreciate some of the classic lines that typify some vintage cars. In photographing that day, I looked for some of those lines and angles.

Here’s one of my favorite shots from the day…

’55 Bel Air

With the distinctive hood ornament, I felt it was only right to give it a sense of flight through the sky! Also, I like the contrasting blues and the strong Chevrolet emblem.

All in all, this still screams vintage and throwback to me, and it’s also a print that hangs in our house. Hope you enjoy this one!

Monday Moment – Americana

Flying across the landscape

From Wikipedia:

Americana refers to artifacts, or a collection of artifacts, related to the history, geography, folklore and cultural heritage of the United States.  Many kinds of material fall within the definition of Americana: paintings, prints and drawings; license plates or entire vehicles, household objects, tools and weapons; flags, plaques and statues, and so on. Patriotism and nostalgia play defining roles in the subject. The things involved need not be old, but need to have the appropriate associations.

The Atlantic described the term as “slang for the comforting, middle-class ephemera at your average antique store—things like needle-pointed pillows, Civil War daguerreotypes, and engraved silverware sets.”  The term may be used to describe the theme of a museum or collection, or of goods for sale

20110702-55-Chevy-Bel-Air_MG_8864
1955 Chevy Bel Air

I think that few would argue that the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic piece of Americana in its design and reflection on what some might call the golden age of automobiles.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

For 1955, Chevrolet’s full-size model received all new styling and power. The 1955 Bel Air was 3,456 lb (1,568 kg) and 15 ft (4.6 m) long.  It was called the “Hot One” in GM’s advertising campaign. Chevrolet’s styling was crisp, clean and incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. Bel Airs came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders, stainless steel window moldings, and full wheel covers.

Models were further distinguished by the Bel Air name script in gold lettering later in the year. For 1955 Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option and the option of the 2 speed Powerglide automatic, or a standard three speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional overdrive.

The new 265 cu in (4,340 cc) V8 featured a modern, overhead valve high compression, short stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various displacements for many decades. The base V8 had a two-barrel carburetor and was rated at 162 hp (121 kW), and the “Power Pack” option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180 bhp (130 kW). Later in the year, a “Super Power Pack” option added high-compression and a further 15 bhp (11 kW). “Idiot” lights replaced gauges for the generator and oil pressure.

This was not the first Chevrolet to be installed with a V8 engine. The first Chevrolet with a V8 engine was introduced in 1917 called the Series D which was built for two years, and was manufactured before Chevrolet joined General Motors.

Motor Trend magazine gave the Bel Air top marks for handling. Popular Mechanics reported acceleration for a V8 Bel Air with Powerglide as being 0-60 mph in 12.9 seconds, plus a comfortable ride, and good visibility. On the other hand, the horn ring blocked some of the speedometer, regular gasoline made the engine knock, and the first V8 engines off the line burned too much oil.  Front legroom was 43.1″.  Brakes were 11″ drums.

A new option for V8-equipped 1955 models was air conditioning, with outlets on each side of the dashboard; a heavy-duty generator was included on cars equipped with this option; in 1955 and 1956, air conditioning could be installed on cars ordered with the standard three-speed manual transmission, overdrive or Powerglide, but from 1957 onward, an automatic transmission (or minus that, 4-speed manual transmission) was a pre-requisite option.

Technical Details

This image was captured with a Canon EOS 5D Mk II using an EF 24-105mm f/4L lens.  Exposure settings were at 1/160 second, f/10 and 400 ISO.

In response to WordPress Daily Prompt – Rebuild.