5 Reasons the ’57 Chevy is an Icon

When it comes to classic cars, the 1957 Chevrolet is an icon of pop culture. Walk into any auto restoration shop and you’re bound to see one getting work done. Regardless of whether it’s a coupe, sedan or convertible, the ’57 Chevy is a model that gets reverence among all the classic car aficionados.

Why is this car such an icon? Read on for five reasons we think it has turned heads for decades. 

1. It has style. The ’57 Chevy is characterized by sleek tailfins, beautiful chrome bumpers and recessed grilles. The two spears on the hood and the side and fin make it extremely recognizable and unique. What many aren’t aware of—except for the hard core classic car experts—is that the ’57 Chevy’s hood and cowl were dropped one and a half inches, making it seem lower and wider. The stainless steel, excessive chrome and two-tone colors represent the 50s very accurately.

2. Everyone had one. The ’57 Chevy was extremely popular, making it one of the biggest sellers that year and way beyond. It is widely considered the best known and best ranked car of its decade.

3. It had its own postage stamp. The ’57 Chevy was pictured on a 33 cent first-class stamp in 1999.

4. It’s fast. In 1957, Chevrolet won 49 NASCAR Grand National races, which is the most any car has ever won in the history of NASCAR. Its light weight and ideal size made it a favorite among drag racers as well.  

5. There is a song about it. The song “I’ve got a rock and roll heart,” was one of Eric Clapton’s many popular hits. The lyrics feature the iconic car in its hook: “I get off on '57 Chevys...” Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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