Fernbank Park Saw Bel Airs

 If you want to imply that your car is upscale and classy, why not name it after one of the poshest neighborhoods in Los Angeles? That's exactly what Chevrolet did when they introduced a two hardtop in 1950. By 1953 the Bel Air had been promoted to its own style line. It sold well but it is the second generation, the so-called Tri-5 models that emerged from 1955 through 1957 that are the most prevalent at old car events these days. This is when the Bel Air became Chevy's primary "big car" to compete with the likes of Ford and Plymouth. Part of the reason for its success, other than cost, was the styling of these cars moving out of the Depression Era look and into the "jet age." Believe it or not, the 1955 model actually took some front end styling cues from a famed Italian race car builder, Ferrari. But that doesn't explain the car's continued popularity among collectors. Whatever the reason people have for owning a Tri-5 today, there were plenty on hand for the 33rd Annual Rollin' On the River Car Show sponsored by the Riverview Delhi Kiwanis and held at Fernbank Park. Here are just a few that were on display.