It's a Bird It's a Plane -- 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hood Ornament at Paso Robles Car Show, California Poster

The Chevrolet Bel Air was manufactured from 1950 to 1981, but it was the 2nd generation Bel Airs of 1955-1957 that became cultural icons. This stylized airplane was used on the 1955 model.

Hood ornaments on automobiles began in the 1920s, when manufacturers used them to hide or decorate the exposed radiator caps that were required on early cars. As technology improved and the radiator moved under the hood the decorative ornaments, which had become automaker's distinct mascots, moved to the top of the hood. No longer needing to fit atop the small round platform, hood ornaments were able to become larger and more elaborate. By the 1970s and '80s hood ornaments began to join tailfins, and wood paneling as part of automotive history.


Hood ornaments on automobiles began in the 1920s, when manufacturers used them to hide or decorate the exposed radiator caps that were required on early cars. As technology improved and the radiator moved under the hood the decorative o...

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