The 1959 Bel Air was all new, and Chevy spared no expense at making it look like nothing else on the road. This restyle initiated the fourth-generation Bel Airs.
The 1958 Bel Air sported "curves where before there were lines." New to the Bel Air line was the well-appointed Impala models available as either a 2-door hardtop coupe or 2-door convertible.
A new Chevrolet 200ci V6 became the standard engine, with the 231ci as the standard in CA.
Transmissions carried over from the previous year with the exception of the 4-speed manual, and 1979 would be the last year for manual options due to low buyer interest.