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| 1948 The longest auto race of the time -- 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. "Inside U.S.A. With Chevrolet", a star-studded show, debuts. 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." AAA cites the growing popularity of station wagons as a definite factor in the vacation-by-car boom. 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 |
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| Postwar Success |
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