ThirstyFish

With its quad headlights and numerous luxury options, the 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air was styled as a "Baby Cadillac". Consistent with the design trends of American cars of its generation, the 1958 Bell Air was lower, wider and longer than the earlier models.

Automobile in American Life and Society site, hosted by University of Michigan has numerous articles on the subject. American Automobile Design is an interesting aritcle detailing the design trends of the 1950's.