Car Culture Archives

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: ‘Moving while standing still’

by Mark | Dec 18, 2025 | 0 comments

The jet-age styling of the 1957 Chevrolet was created by GM design chief Harley Earl and overseen by Chuck Jordan

A GM studio image of a baby blue 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is considered the crown jewel of the “Tri-Five era, 1955-1957. The Bel Air convertible was a head-turner for its flamboyant styling and engineering milestones. It is often referred to as the “ultimate ’50s car” due to its appealing mix of chrome, fins, and V-8 power. (Photos courtesy of GM Heritage Archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was a masterclass in Jet Age styling. Its fast lines reflected the optimism and technological fascination of 1950s America. Led by two legendary GM designers, chief Harley Earl and overseen by Chuck Jordan, the car was intentionally styled to mimic high-end luxury and modern aviation.

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line model that year, marking the end of the popular “Tri-Five” generation — 1955-1957.

A period black and white view of a 1957 Chevy Bel Air was photographed on track at Daytona.

The 1957 Chevrolet was a monster on the track, winning 49 NASCAR Grand National races, more than any other car in NASCAR history. This 1957 Chevy Bel Air was photographed on track at Daytona.

Key Design Inspirations

Jet Aircraft and Rocketry: The most famous features—the sharp tail fins—were inspired by the rear stabilizers of military aircraft. This theme continued with twin rocket-style hood ornaments and front bumper guards (bumperettes) that resembled jet fighter nose cones.

A “Baby Cadillac” Influence: To keep up with rivals, Chevrolet executives wanted the car to look more expensive than it was. To create an upscale “imperial” feel, designers borrowed several cues from Cadillac. Among the treatments were a chrome-heavy front grille with gold anodized trim on the grille and emblems.

Ferrari-Inspired Front End: While the rear was all American jet, the front grille took subtle inspiration from Italian Ferrari designs of the era. The stance was intended to appear wide and aggressive.

The “Motoramic” Concept: This was a marketing and design philosophy at GM aimed at making cars look lower and wider. For 1957, this was achieved by switching from 15-inch to 14-inch wheels, which dropped the car’s center of gravity and enhanced its sleek, “moving while standing still” silhouette.

1957 Bel Air convertible in Larkspur Blue with India Ivory rear fins. A restored Bel Air Convertible in this color scheme typically commands between $95,000 and $135,000 depending on the engine (V-8 vs. Fuel Injection).

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible in Larkspur Blue with India Ivory rear fins. A restored Bel Air Convertible in this color scheme typically commands between $95,000 and $135,000 depending on the engine (V-8 vs. Fuel Injection).

Notable Cosmetic Details

Gold Accents: Exclusive to the Bel Air trim, the mesh grille and fender chevrons were finished in gold.

Ribbed Aluminum Inserts: Side “spears” on the rear quarters were filled with ribbed aluminum to further distinguish them from the lower-tier 150 and 210 models.

Hidden Fuel Filler: In a clever bit of design integration, the gas cap was hidden behind a chrome trim piece above the left tail fin. The treatment helped maintain the car’s clean lines.

A 50th Anniversary 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air sport coupe in solid color gold, marking the 50th million GM vehicle. Every piece of hardware that was normally chrome or stainless steel—including the bumpers, trim, and grille—was plated in real 24-karat gold.

50th Anniversary 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air sport coupe in solid color gold, marking the 50th million GM vehicle. Every piece of hardware that was normally chrome or stainless steel—including the bumpers, trim, and grille—was plated in real 24-karat gold.

Technical Innovations

Turboglide Transmission: A new automatic transmission that featured a “Hill Retarder” to help save the brakes on steep downgrades.

Safety Upgrades: Chevrolet introduced “crash-proof” door locks, padded dashboards, and optional seat belts (which were rare for the era).

Racing Success: The ’57 Chevy was a monster on the track, winning 49 NASCAR Grand National races, more than any other car in NASCAR history.

The 1957 Bel Air Convertible

The convertible body style spoke to the lure of the open road in the 1950s. Its soft-top roof could be raised or lowered with a push-button. Approximately 47,562 convertible units were sold that year.

Innovative Options: The ’57 models offered many options previously reserved for luxury cars, including:

Power brakes, steering, and windows;
Air conditioning;
The “Autronic eye” for automatic headlight dimming.
* The Turboglide turbine automatic transmission was also available.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible in Surf Green and India Ivory.

Three Main Series for 1957

Chevrolet offered 20 different models across three distinct series, including convertibles (only on 210 and Bel Air models) and station wagons:

Bel Air: High-end and upscale; $2,290-$2,757 w/6-cylinder;

Two-Ten: Midrange features and pricing; $2,174-$2,402 w/6-cylinder;

One-Fifty: Economy and fleet models; $2,048-$2,307*w/6-cylinder.

*Note: Add $100 for a V-8 engine.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop sedan driver area with rare option of air conditioning.

1957 Bel Air Engine Family

The 1957 Chevrolet offered a wide and powerful range of eight engine options for the Bel Air, including the famous small-block V-8s (which were painted orange, except for some early 265s) and a powerful straight-six.

While the standard engine was a 235 cubic-inch straight-six, the car’s performance was driven by the optional 283 cubic-inch small-block V-8.

Inline-Six: 140-hp 235.5 cubic-inch, single one-barrel carburetor. Base engine, known as the “Blue Flame Six.” In 1957, the six-cylinder was an economical and reliable choice, often paired with the manual transmission or the Powerglide automatic, offering a more practical, lower-cost option than the performance-oriented V-8s.

V-8 Turbo-Fire: 162-hp 265 cu. in. two-barrel. The entry-level V-8 option.

V-8 Turbo-Fire: 185-hp 283 cu. in. two-barrel. The standard 283 V-8.

V-8 Super Turbo-Fire: 220-hp 283 cu. in. four-barrel. The most common optional performance engine.

V-8 Super Turbo-Fire: 270-hp 283 cu. in. two 4-barrel. High-performance option, often called the “Dual Quad.”

V-8 Fuel-Injected: 250-hp 283 cu. in. Rochester Ramjet Fuel Injection. Early fuel injection option.

V-8 Fuel-Injected: 283-hp 283 cu. in. Rochester Ramjet Fuel Injection. The top engine achieved the milestone of one horsepower per cubic inch.

The powerful V-8 options put Chevrolet into the competitive motorsports arena and greatly contributed to the car’s popularity.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad wagon in two-tone Highland Green (a deep, dark metallic green) with Surf Green (the lighter pastel green) on the roof and upper body. The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad remained the division’s most expensive car.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Retail Pricing

The original price for the Bel Air models was relatively affordable, though the convertible was significantly more expensive than the hardtop. A V-8 option added just $100 for most models. The final price would increase depending on the engine choice (such as the high-performance Fuelie V-8) and optional equipment, such as power steering and power brakes.

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was offered in two- and four-door sedan styles:

Four-Door Sedan (Post Sedan): The base price for the 4-door sedan with a V-8 engine was approximately $2,390. This body style featured a structural “B-pillar” between the front and rear doors. This was the entry price for the top-trim Bel Air, making it one of the most popular and accessible choices for buyers wanting the iconic ’57 style.

Four-Door Sport Sedan (Hardtop): This model, often called the 4-door hardtop, had a slightly higher MSRP of $2,399, as it lacked the central B-pillar. The styling gave the sport sedan a sleeker, open look when the windows were down.

2-Door Sport Coupe (Hardtop): Around $2,399, with V-8;

2-Door Convertible: Approximately $2,611, with V-8).

These prices were for the base V-8 versions. Opting for the top-tier fuel-injected engine added about $500 to the cost.

Note: Pricing details from the “3rd Edition of Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975.”

The front seat area of the1956 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan 6 cylinder.

1957 Bel Air Transmissions

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was available with a manual or automatic transmission.
The primary transmission options available were:

3-Speed Manual (Synchro-Mesh): This was the standard transmission. It offered a 3-speed setup and utilized a high-capacity 10-inch semi-centrifugal clutch. A special close-ratio version was available, particularly for the high-performance engines.

3-Speed Manual with Overdrive (optional): This was a popular option for highway driving; it added an overdrive gear to the standard 3-speed manual, allowing for lower engine RPMs at cruising speeds.

2-Speed Powerglide Automatic (optional): This was Chevrolet’s venerable 2-speed automatic transmission, offered since 1950. It was the most common automatic choice, known for its simplicity and relatively smooth operation. (Some enthusiasts referred to it as the “slush box.”)

Turboglide Automatic (Optional): Introduced for the 1957 model year, the Turboglide was a more advanced, turbine-driven automatic transmission. It was designed to offer a smoother, more continuously variable feel (similar in effect to modern CVTs), avoiding distinct shifts. However, due to its complexity and reputation for reliability issues, many buyers stuck with the simpler Powerglide.

Today, collector prices for a pristine, original convertible with the 283 hp Fuelie engine can exceed $100,000.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air wagon, two-tone Matador Red and India Ivory.

Sources for this story include: Wikipedia;
GRAutogallery
Audrain Auto Museum.

1951 Buick Special Convertible

by Mark | Sep 25, 2025 | 0 comments

In the early 1950s, the Buick brand was full speed ahead in feeding post-war demand for passenger cars. Buick became known for its tagline ‘Premium American Style’

A 1951 black and white Buick print ad for a Buick Special Convertible with model standing in the top-down passenger seat with a beach in the background

The 1951 Buick Convertible remains a symbol of an era when cars were more than mere transportation — they were works of art, craftsmanship, and aspiration. (Photos courtesy of the GM Media Archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

American car design was on the threshold of a renaissance in the early 1950s. It was just five years since the end of World War II when U.S. automakers got back to the business of making vehicles for civilians and not the war effort.

Between Feb. 10, 1942, and Sept. 9, 1945, General Motors and other American carmakers did not produce cars for civilian use. Starting in 1940, General Motors eventually converted over 100 of its manufacturing plants to produce for the war effort.

After the war, passenger car designs continued to grow in size — a direct reflection of the post-war prosperity enjoyed by most Americans. Automotive engineering brought new technologies, such as electric starters, hydraulically operated convertible tops, power windows, and power driver’s seats — sometimes referred to in period print ads as the pilot’s seat.

A black and white photo showing a factory employee installing a left-side back door.

On the production line in 1951 at Buick City, Flint, Mich.

The first safety features debuted, such as padded dashboards, safety glass, and improved brake systems. Now that chrome was again available (restricted during wartime production), large expanses of the shiny metal alloy coating was applied to bumpers, bodyside spears, grilles, and headlight casings.

Design features of warplanes could be seen in the post-war designs of cars, according to a report in Hertz.com. Expansive tail fins emulated aircraft wings. Hood ornaments took the shape of gunsights, and conical “Dagmar” bumper guards would mimic artillery shells. Buick’s iconic “vertiports” — hood portholes — recalled the exhaust outlets of fighter aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, built by North American Aviation in the 1940s. While the P-51 Mustang was V-12 powered, with six exhaust ports aft the propeller, the Buick had just three to four ventiports on each side of the hood.

A black and white photo of a Buick Roadmaster instrument panel

The Roadmaster instrument panel.

Ventiport History

The now-iconic Buick portholes, correctly termed “ventiports,” were a stylist fluke. Credit for the brand-defining feature goes to noted General Motors stylist Ned Nickles, who designed and installed a set of round fender vents on his personal 1948 Buick Roadmaster. According to the engaging report in MacsMotorCityGarage.com, Nickles used small electric lamps (probably neon or similar) that were wired to the ignition system. The lights would flash in sequence with the cylinders of the engine. Reportedly, he was inspired by the flashing exhaust pipes (or gun muzzles, in some versions of the story) on World War II fighter aircraft.

At that moment, a Buick styling trademark was born.

“Buick manufacturing boss Edward T. Ragsdale ridiculed the gimmick, saying it ruined the car, but general manager Harlow Curtice loved the idea, minus the flashing lamps, and ordered the vertiports into production on the 1949 models, a scant seven months away.

The 1949 Roadmaster debuted four “Cruiser-Line Ventiports” per side, while the junior Super and Special sported just three per side. The Roadmaster earned four portholes for its 320-cubic-inch straight-eight vs. 260 cubic inches of the lesser models. The F-263 engine (for 263 cubic inches) had power ratings of 120 hp or 124 hp in the 40 series or 50 series. The top-line 70 series had an upgrade to 168 hp.

A 1951 color Buick print ad touting "Buick Lifts the Limit on Luxury"

Buick color print ad: “Smart Buy for 1951.”

Post-War Vehicle Demand

The Buick brand was full speed ahead in feeding new post-war demand for passenger cars. The brand became known for its tagline, “Premium American Style.”

The 1951 Buick model-year lineup elevated the General Motors brand to America’s fourth-largest automaker. Total sales that year were 406,657, according to the third edition of “The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946-1975.” Convertibles represented 9.4 percent of Buick’s business.

A black and white photo of a Buick Super

Each Buick series had its unique grille pattern, contributing to its identity. The Super Series, for example, sported a bold horizontal grille.

Buick Innovations

The 1951 Buicks were known for their distinctive features, combining style, comfort, and innovation. Here is a list of some of the special features that set Buicks apart:

1. Dynaflow Transmission: Buick introduced the Dynaflow automatic transmission, which provided smooth gear changes and eliminated the need to shift gears manually.

2. Distinctive Grille Designs: Each Buick series had its unique grille pattern, contributing to its identity. The Super Series, for example, sported a bold horizontal grille.

3. Electric Clocks: Buick was among the first to include electric clocks as standard equipment. The timepieces added a touch of modernity.

4. Safety Innovations: Buick emphasized safety. Features like padded dashboards, safety glass, and improved braking systems ensured passenger well-being.

5. Wide Whitewall Tires: Buicks roll on wide whitewall tires, which enhance their visual appeal and ride quality.

The open Buick Roadmaster trunk with a spare tire on the right side

There looks to be room for the golf cart and clubs in the 1951 Roadmaster trunk.

The “Fireball Eight”

Buick debuted the “Fireball Eight” straight-eight-cylinder engine across its entire lineup beginning with the 1931 model year. The straight-8 would continue powering all Buicks until it was replaced by the 322-cubic-inch “Nailhead” V-8 beginning in 1953, per the Journal of Classic Cars.

“The Buick lineup in the early 1950s was easy to map out, with just three models starting with the Special (Series 40) at the entry-level position. Moving upward came the Super (Series 50) with such features as distinctive rear side windows. Sitting at the top was the Roadmaster (Series 70) flagship with “sweepspear” fender trim and wide chrome panels below the windows and doors.

A black and white of a 1951 Buick Super Convertible.

Convertibles represented 9.4 percent of Buick’s business in 1951.

Buick Special Convertible

The 1951 Buick Special Convertible, also known as Model 46C, epitomized Buick’s dash and elan in a budget-priced package. Despite its affordability, $2,561, it boasted luxurious deluxe finishes that set it apart.

The Model 46C was a two-door convertible with seats for six. It was powered by the new F-263 engine, with high compression ratios and ample horsepower. The convertible was full-bodied at 3,645 pounds but 860 pounds less than the Roadmaster.

Inside, passengers were treated to plush interiors, comfortable seating, and attention to detail.

The top-of-the-line Buick Roadmaster Riviera pushed the starting price to $3,453 in 1951. But it remains a symbol of an era when cars were more than mere transportation — they were works of art, craftsmanship, and aspiration.

For Buick restorations, be sure to visit the Buick Heritage Alliance.

1965 Plymouth Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

by Mark | May 22, 2025 | 0 comments

black and white photos the Plymouth pace car giving Ford driver Jim Clark a victory lap after winning the 1965 Indy 5..

At the 1965 Indy 500, it was ironic that race winner, Ford driver Jim Clark, took his victory lap in the Plymouth Pace Car. Colin Chapman is on the left. (Ford Archive photos)

BY MARK MAYNARD

A Plymouth has paced the Indy 500 for one year only, and it was with irony.

The 1965 Plymouth Fury Convertible Pace Car, with the Commando 383-cubic-inch V-8, was painted white with a blue top and two-tone blue interior. The Pace Car was driven at the 49th running of the race by Chrysler-Plymouth division general manager P.M. Buckminster.

The occasion was ironic because the race winner was Ford driver Jim Clark. And as the winner, he took his victory lap in the Plymouth Pace Car.

The St. Louis Car Museum recently sold a 1965 Plymouth Pace Car and included this in its report:

“Plymouth launched its new 3rd generation Fury lineup for 1965, which included the new and luxurious Sport Fury model. The Sport Fury was selected as the official Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, a first for Plymouth.

“Approximately 1,300 cars were made for dealerships throughout the country, but only 35 festival cars participated at the actual track event [like the one the museum was selling.]

black and white photo shows from 1965 race driver Jim Clark and Colin Chapman conferring with their tire engineer for the Indy 500 race.

Colin Chapman (left), Jim Clark (center), and the tire engineer confer before practice at the 1965 Indy 500.

Commando V-8

The full-size 1965 Sport Fury was the top-line model among three other Fury trim levels that year. The Pace Car’s optional Commando V-8 had 330 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission. The “727” is considered one of the most robust automatic transmissions ever built.

“Factory equipment included buckets seats, a center console with tachometer, power steering, power brakes, power top with boot cover, front and rear bumper guards, full dash instrumentation, 14-inch redline tires and full wheel covers, a glove box light, windshield washer, seatbelts, and Plymouth Transaudio AM radio.

Special features on the Plymouth Pace Car included:

Indy 500 dash plaque;
Red, white, and blue badging;
Hand holds on the rear fenders;
“Official Plymouth Pace Car” decals with the race date on each side;
Unique front bumper guard, rear bumper flag holders, and unique floor displays holding the various race flags of a standard race.

Special ephemera with the car included an original Indianapolis 500 race day program and a framed picture of the Plymouth Pace Car making the victory lap with winning driver Jimmy Clark.

Rev up for the 2023 Indy 500

The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 — “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — is “Back Home Again” on Sunday, May 28. Presented by Gainbridge, NBC will provide live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 beginning at 9 a.m. ET (Noon Pacific) Sunday, May 28. Coverage will include a bonus two hours of streaming before the race begins on the Peacock streaming platform.

Get the Indy 500 week’s schedule here.

17 Historic Corvette and Camaro Pace Cars

by Mark | May 22, 2025 | 0 comments

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace the Indy 500, dating back to 1948, and the 22nd since 1978.

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indy 500.

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indianapolis 500. (Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

General Motors’ Chevrolet division has a storied history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Company co-founder and namesake Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500s. Arthur competed in the 1911 race and Gaston won in 1920.

Since then, nine drivers with Chevrolet engines have combined to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” 11 times — Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Arie Luyendyk, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power and, most recently, Simon Pagenaud in 2019.

A Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace, dating back to 1948.

Visit IMS.com for more information about this year’s schedule.

A Lineup of Historic Pace Cars

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car. (Chevrolet)

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. (Chevrolet)

The 2020 Corvette pace car.

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car. (Chris Owens/IMS for Chevy Racing)

The Corvette pace car for the 2016 Indy 500 race.

The Corvette pace car for 2016.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, the 98th running of the race. It was the eighth time a Camaro had paced the race.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti for the 98th running of the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars. (Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Chevy Racing)

A Torch Red metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 will pace the 107th Indianapolis 500 race on May 28

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 paces the 107th running of the Indy 500. (Photo by Chris Owens)

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe paced the 108th Indianapolis 500.

The Corvette E-Ray pairs two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD.

A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower.

The addition of the electric drive unit helps the E-Ray accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Stealth Mode enables the Corvette E-Ray to drive on electric power for up to 4 miles at speeds up to 45 mph.

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will pace the field to the green flag Sunday, May 25 with pro football legend Michael Strahan behind the wheel. Chevrolet says the 2025 Corvette ZR1 is capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer. (IMS photo)

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Pace Car

by Mark | May 22, 2025 | 0 comments

Danica Patrick will pace the 33-car field in an Arctic White Corvette Stingray convertible

Leading the 33-car field to the green flag will be an Arctic White 2021 Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible.

The Arctic White pace car will be the first Corvette convertible since 2008 to pace the Indianapolis 500. (Photo by Joe Skibinski/IMS for Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Chevrolet is in its open-wheelhouse battlegrounds for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge, on May 30, 2021.

Leading the 33-car field to the green flag will be an Arctic White 2021 Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible. It will be the first Corvette convertible since 2008 to pace “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The Chevrolet Brothers entered two cars in the 1915 Indy 500. (Chevrolet)

The race will be televised live on NBC and the pre-race show will start at 11 a.m. The INDYCAR Radio Network will cover the race for affiliates and on Sirius 211, XM 205, Indycar.com and the INDYCAR app.
Piloting the pace car will be racing icon Danica Patrick — a veteran to the Indy 500. Leading the pack to the green flag is even more special, she said in a release, “because of the past year we have all endured, and it will be so nice to see fans back in the stands.”

Danica Patrick. (Chevrolet)

Patrick, who grew up in Roscoe, Ill., achieved numerous milestones during her eight Indianapolis 500 starts, which took place from 2005-11 and in 2018. According to IMS statistics, she achieved the best starting spot for a female driver, fourth, as a rookie in 2005 and went on to be the first female driver to lead laps in the race. She finished third in 2009 — the best result ever for a woman in the “500” — and holds the race record for laps led by a female, 29.

When not performing pace car duties, Patrick will serve as a studio analyst for NBC’s live race broadcast with host Mike Tirico and fellow analyst Jimmie Johnson.

“We’re happy to welcome back Danica to the place where she made motorsports history as the first female driver to lead ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ ” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible Indy 500 pace car. (Chevrolet)

Pace Car Design

The 2021 race marks the 32nd time Chevrolet has paced the race dating back to 1948, and the 18th time since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car. Chevrolet and Corvette have led the starting field more than any other manufacturer and nameplate, respectively.

The pace car’s Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow interior. (Chevrolet)

“From the color scheme to the special race weekend decals and how the safety lighting is skillfully integrated into the nacelles of the hard-top convertible Corvette’s revolutionary appearance, we’re putting Chevrolet’s best on display for the fans,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

The pace-car interior — Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow upholstery — influenced the exterior appearance of the pace car, Majoros said. The car is clad in Indianapolis 500 logos, a special stripe package and Stingray decals and the highly visible safety lighting.

The 2021 Indy 500 pace car has safety strobe lights in the rear taillights and headlights.

Strobe lights are positioned in the headlights, front louvers and taillights. (Chevrolet)

Corvette designers prioritized form and function of the safety lighting by incorporating four lights into each of the tonneau cover nacelles. There also are strobe lights in the headlights, front louvers and taillights. The lighting array eliminates need for a traditional lightbar.

Inspired By Fighter Jets

The mid-engine Stingray was engineered first as a convertible, Chevrolet says. Its architecture maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe.

The Stingray design for both body styles was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, and the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down.

The tonneau integrates a power-adjustable rear window and a vent for engine cooling. The 2021 Stingray convertible is powered by the 6.2-liter small-block V-8 LT2 engine, naturally aspirated. The engine is rated for 495 horsepower with a peak torque of 470 foot-pounds at 5,150 rpm, when equipped with performance exhaust. In stock form, the engine has 490 hp and 465 ft.-lb. torque, also at 5,150 rpm.

The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed, dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The double-paddle de-clutch feature allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. (Chevrolet)

Indianapolis 500 History

General Motors’ Chevrolet division has a storied history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Company co-founder and namesake Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, competed in early Indy 500s. Arthur competed in the 1911 race and Gaston won in 1920.
Since then, nine drivers with Chevrolet engines have combined to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” 11 times — Rick Mears, Emerson Fittipaldi, Arie Luyendyk, Al Unser Jr., Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Will Power and, most recently, Simon Pagenaud in 2019.

Visit IMS.com for more information about this year’s schedule.

And see more Indy pace cars here.

Archived Pace Car Images

Following are Chevrolet archive photos of significant pace cars. Photos courtesy of Chevrolet.

The 2020 Corvette pace car.

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car.

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car. (Chris Owens/IMS for Chevy Racing)

The Corvette pace car for 2016.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 pace car was piloted by three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti for the 98th running of the race.

Retired General Chuck Yeager with the 1986 C4 Corvette pace car he drove for the race.

The 1978 Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car.

The 1969 Camaro Z28.

The first-year 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS paced the 51st Indianapolis 500.

1993 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car.

Nine generations of Camaro Indy 500 pace cars. (Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Chevy Racing)

Ford Mustangs That Never Were

by Mark | Apr 16, 2025 | 0 comments

16 concepts and design sketches of proposed Ford Mustang variants

The first-generation Ford Mustang in Wimbledon White. (Photography courtesy of Ford PR archives)

BY MARK MAYNARD

It was 61 years ago on April 17, 1964, that the Ford Mustang debuted at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. It was an immediate sales success — but there were many concepts, design studies, and prototypes that were considered along the way. Some of those were codenamed the “Bruce Jenner” and the “Rambo,” and there was a station wagon, a four-door, and a two-seater body style.

Ford Motor completely redesigned the Mustang for 2024, and it is now in its seventh generation. The company says its venerable pony car is the most exhilarating and visceral yet.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars — all in the Ford Blue family — on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

According to Ford’s internal data, the United States remains home to the strongest demand for Mustang, representing 76 percent of global sales. Other markets that saw growth in Mustang sales in 2021 include New Zealand, up 54.3 percent, Brazil, up 37.3 percent, and South Korea, up 16.6 percent.

Here are some images and captions from the Ford Motor archives that show some of the ideas that were considered. Most were wisely resisted.

1965 Mustang Four-Door

While Mustang used the platform of the compact Falcon as its starting point, the four-door Mustang could have brought the idea full circle by adding two doors to the pony car. Fortunately for Mustang fans, cooler heads prevailed.

1966 Mustang Station Wagon

In the mid-1960s, Ford designers considered at least a couple of different concepts for a Mustang station wagon, with at least one running prototype based on a 1966 coupe getting built. Another design study included elements for refreshed models that were coming later that decade. All of the known Mustang wagons were three-doors that were closer to a European “shooting brake” than a traditional American family station wagon.

1961 Avventura, Avanti, Allegro Concepts

From late 1961 into mid-1962, Ford designers tried out a wide range of themes for a sporty coupe based on the platform of the new Falcon compact. Each design was given an internal name for the purpose of discussion. One fastback design actually went through at least three different names starting with Avventura before moving on to Avanti and finally Allegro. The fastback design was originally sketched with a hatchback and rear-facing second-row seat. While this car never made it to production, a variation of the fastback profile was eventually adopted as the third body style for Mustang.

Avanti/Allegro Concept

As Avventura moved from sketch to physical design model, the hatch was replaced with a trunk and the rear seat was switched to a more conventional forward-facing orientation. Originally shown internally as Avanti, the name was eventually changed to Allegro, likely because Studebaker had introduced its own production Avanti coupe around the same time.

1962 Allegro Design Study

In 1962, the design team, led by Gene Bordinat, worked on several iterations of another design called Allegro. While the production 1965 Mustang was a very different car in almost every visual detail from Allegro, the design study established the basic proportions that would define most Mustangs for the next five decades. The notchback coupe had the same long-hood, short-deck layout with a compact greenhouse that would roll out of the Rouge factory two years later.

The Millionth Mustang

For the 1966 celebration of the millionth Mustang produced: Airline pilot Capt. Stanley Tucker, the owner of the first ordered Mustang, with Ford design chief Gene Bordinat (left), Ford President Lee Iacocca, product manager Donald Frey and an unnamed Ford exec.

1967 Allegro II Concept

In 1967, Ford designers decided to reprise one of the original Mustang design concepts from 1962 with a new form and repurposed name. Starting with the Avanti/Allegro fastback coupe, the greenhouse was removed and replaced with a low-cut speedster-style windshield, roll bar, flying buttresses on the rear deck, and a new rear end. The reworked concept was dubbed Allegro II.

1967 Mach 2 Concept

With the Mustang having already set sales records following its launch in 1964, Ford design chief Gene Bordinat and the Special Vehicles Group decided to try rearranging the pieces for the Mach 2 concept. The 289 Hi-Po V-8 was shifted from the front to behind the two seats to evaluate the layout as a possible successor to the Shelby Cobra. Despite its midengine layout, the Mach 2 retained the long-hood, short-deck proportions of a Mustang. Unfortunately, the Mach 2 never went much beyond the auto-show circuit.

1966 Mustang Mach I Concept

The two-position hatchback was intended to accommodate longer objects in a near-horizontal position or open wider for cargo loading.

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Engine

1966 Mach 1 Concept

As the first-generation model transitioned from a pony car to a larger and heavier big-block muscle car, the Mach 1 concept was created as a preview of the 1968 model. The original nose of the concept drew inspiration from the 1963 Mustang II concept.

1970 Mustang Milano

First shown publicly at the February 1970, Chicago Auto Show, the Mustang Milano concept previewed the nearly horizontal rear deck and sharp, extended nose that would be seen on the production 1971 model. However, aside from those two elements, the Milano didn’t really bear much resemblance to any production Mustang. In fact, the car that probably drew most heavily on the Milano profile was the Australian-market Falcon XB coupe of the mid-1970s.

‘Bruce Jenner’ design study

In 1990, Ford designers evaluated a number of themes to replace the long-running third-generation Mustang. The notchback and hatchback body styles would be replaced with a single fastback coupe format. After departing from many of the original design cues on the third-generation models, the upcoming fourth-generation would return elements like the galloping pony in the grille, the side scoops and the tri-bar taillamps. This softer concept, known as “Bruce Jenner” wasn’t considered aggressive enough to be a Mustang.

‘Rambo’ Design Study

This alternative proposal dubbed, “Rambo,” was deemed too extreme for production.

1980 Mustang RSX Concept

1961-62 Two-Seater Studies

Early in the gestation of the original Mustang, Ford designers considered a number of two-seater studies. These were seen as a more affordable return to the roots of Thunderbird, which by this time had grown into a much larger four-seater. The idea of a two-seat Mustang was something designers returned to frequently in the period between the original Mustang 1 concept and the 1992 Mach III. Aside from some track-oriented Mustangs that had the rear seats removed to save weight, there has never been a strictly two-seat production Mustang.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: ‘Moving while standing still’

The jet-age styling of the 1957 Chevrolet was created by GM design chief Harley Earl and overseen by Chuck Jordan

Key Design Inspirations

Notable Cosmetic Details

Technical Innovations

The 1957 Bel Air Convertible

Three Main Series for 1957

1957 Bel Air Engine Family

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Retail Pricing

1957 Bel Air Transmissions

1951 Buick Special Convertible

In the early 1950s, the Buick brand was full speed ahead in feeding post-war demand for passenger cars. Buick became known for its tagline ‘Premium American Style’

Ventiport History

Post-War Vehicle Demand

Buick Innovations

The “Fireball Eight”

Buick Special Convertible

1965 Plymouth Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

Commando V-8

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17 Historic Corvette and Camaro Pace Cars

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace the Indy 500, dating back to 1948, and the 22nd since 1978.

A Lineup of Historic Pace Cars

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Pace Car

Danica Patrick will pace the 33-car field in an Arctic White Corvette Stingray convertible

Pace Car Design

Inspired By Fighter Jets

Indianapolis 500 History

Archived Pace Car Images

Ford Mustangs That Never Were

16 concepts and design sketches of proposed Ford Mustang variants

1965 Mustang Four-Door

1966 Mustang Station Wagon

1961 Avventura, Avanti, Allegro Concepts

Avanti/Allegro Concept

1962 Allegro Design Study

The Millionth Mustang

1967 Allegro II Concept

1967 Mach 2 Concept

1966 Mustang Mach I Concept

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Engine

1966 Mach 1 Concept

1970 Mustang Milano

‘Bruce Jenner’ design study

‘Rambo’ Design Study

1980 Mustang RSX Concept

1961-62 Two-Seater Studies

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