Chevrolets of the 1950s - Op/HS: A Decade of Technical Innovation Paperback -

From the rear cover

GM's industrial might helped the United States prevail in World War II, and after the war, the company returned to building cars. By 1950, American optimism was riding high, the economy was taking off, the home market was booming, and so was the birth rate. Americans demanded new cars, and not reworked old stodgy cars of yesteryear. The Chevy division was poised to deliver a bold new breed of cars to an enthusiastic audience. And Chevy did deliver bold and attractive styling and features, advanced new models, and breakthrough technology that would set the course for the entire automotive industry for years to come.

During the decade, Chevrolet introduced the small-block V-8, one of the first automatic transmissions, air-conditioning, power steering, and many other landmark innovations that vaulted Chevy to market dominance. Author David Temple was given unrivaled access to tell you the behind-the-scenes story of Chevrolet of the 1950s, which is the golden age of Chevy. The Corvette, Bel Air, Nomad, Impala, and other models are brought into full focus. In this book, you are treated to an under-the-skin revelation of each car, the people behind it, and its place in history, not a gloss overview.