This short film touts the superiority of the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air over Ford and Plymouth. The reasons given include high engine torque twisting power at the transmission (:14); matched rear axles (:23), better weight distribution provides traction to the rear wheels (:28), and better power-to-weight ratio (:39). These points are visualized as a Chevy is shown pulling 16 different full-size makes from other car companies (:48). A dynamometer (1:19) measures engine power. A special torque wheel is installed (1:27) for testing and the results are displayed on a torque meter (1:39). A burette (1:42) is used to measure fuel consumption at different speeds and an oscillograph (today called an oscilloscope) (1:47) calculates accelerating capabilities by time, distance, and speed. An engineer flips through the charts proving Chevrolet’s excellence (2:04).
A Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth are put to the test in a controlled race (2:20). The three cars are comparably priced, have a V-8 engine, and a standard transmission. Three professional NASCAR drivers (2:41) are used that will alternate cars for each challenge.
The first test is accelerating ability (3:24), in which the Chevy wins by more than a car length. The drivers trade cars for the return drive (4:05), and the Chevy again triumphs. The second test is hill-climbing ability (4:40) up a 7.2 grade, hitting 70 miles per hour. The Chevy does it easily. A much steeper 16% grade is now conquered by the Chevy, well ahead of the two competing models. San Francisco’s steepest hill, a 27% grade (5:55) is the last challenge, beginning from a standstill on the grade. One car’s tires squeal, proof of poor traction. The Chevy’s strong traction is shown (6:47).
The burette (6:55) shows the Chevy uses less gas, regardless of the speed. The torque device (7:18) also verifies the Chevy at every speed develops more effective road power. The Chevy pushes the Ford and Plymouth up a hill, again highlighting its torque abilities (8:06).
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.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit [ Ссылка ]
