Own/Drive/Crush: Class of '57

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This week, we have a competition between an American icon, a horror movie villain, and a car with one seriously cool party trick.

Last week's Own/Drive/Crush had us picking between a trio of classic body-on-frame SUVs, with us deciding to take home a Ford Bronco as our theoretical prize. This week, we're revisiting a prior theme, and picking a single model year to focus on.

This time, we're taking a look at 1957. Specifically, we're choosing between a trio of two-door, full-size American icons from the Big Three.

You don't need us to tell you that 1957 was a particularly great year for American cars. We'll start things off with the most famous one of all, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.

There's perhaps no word more overused in automotive journalism than "iconic." In the case of the '57 Chevy, though, no other word will suffice. It's distilled Americana, right up there with baseball and the Beach Boys.

However, that sort of pop culture ubiquity may have actually softened its appeal over the years. It's often said that "familiarity breeds contempt." That's certainly the case here. Despite its gorgeous red paint, polished-to-perfection chrome, and tasteful upgrades, we relegate this '57 Chevy to the "crush" category this week.