One of the most recognizable cars ever produced is still turning heads at 50, and that's why - for many car buffs - there's nothing like a 1957 Chevrolet.

Tail fins, bullet bumpers and lots of chrome made for a trendsetting design that continues to inspire the car's owners today.

"To me, a '57 Chevy is two things," says Classtiques Car Club president Bob Owens: "That body style and that look was so distinct, and they only made it that way for one year."

Owens, of New Salem, owns a '57 Chevy Nomad, a stylish-for-its-day station wagon. He said the car has been in the family since 1966 and was previously owned by his brother, Roger, who was the president of the '55, '56 and '57 Chevy club in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Roger Owens died a few years ago and the '57 Nomad was used as a hearse for his funeral, says Bob Owens, who someday hopes to pass the car on to Roger's son.

Another '57 owner is J.P. Wiest, of Jamestown, who recently bought a rare convertible model. He, too, bought the car from a relative to keep it in the family. The gleaming black convertible was restored by the late Ron Hager, of Harvey, who was related to Wiest's wife, Judy.

"He was her favorite cousin," says Wiest, "and she's always had a soft spot for a '57 Chevy."

"I love it, too, and this way it stays in the family," says Wiest. And, to his surprise, the car turns heads wherever he takes it, "Even if I'm driving it by myself." Wiest is not sure where he will take the car this summer, but he does plan to have it in the Medora Car Show on June 23.

Other local owners of '57 Chevys include Al Gustin, Alan Dalbol and Russ Hohbein.

Dalbol owns a 150 model, the entry level in the lineup. He said the only option on the car is electric wipers, an upgrade from the stock vacuum wipers. Dalbol's 150 has a six-cylinder engine and was purchased from an uncle in rural California after he got out of the Navy in 2000.

Gustin owns a 210 model, the in-between level of the year's offerings. He says it is similar to the '57 Chevy he would drive in his high school days.

"My sister had one, but I drove it as much as she did," he says. Gustin's 210 was purchased in 2004 and has a V8 motor, a 3-speed manual transmission and stock vacuum wipers.

Hohbein owns a '57 Bel Air, the top-of-the-line model, which has been repainted. He says the previous owner's mother completely reupholstered the interior. He has owned the car since 1992. It has a V8 motor and 3-speed transmission.

There are a lot of 1957 Chevrolets in the area, but the Classtiques' Owens is quick to say they were not the best-selling car 50 years ago.

"'57 Fords outsold the '57 Chevy, but people now are standing in line to buy a '57 Chevy," Owens says of the car's enduring appeal.