What the heck is an A or B body car?

From time to time we are asked about the "A or B" body car, and what that really means. Here we break it down.

In the context of automotive designations, "A-body," "B-body," "C-body," and "D-body" are terms historically used by General Motors (GM) to categorize various car platforms or chassis. These designations were commonly used in the mid-20th century to distinguish between different sizes and styles of vehicles produced by GM and its divisions. It's important to note that these terms were specific to GM and may not be applicable to other automakers. Below are the general characteristics associated with each designation:

A-Body:

  - Examples: Chevrolet Chevelle, Pontiac GTO, Buick Skylark.

  - Characteristics: Compact to mid-size cars, often used for performance-oriented models. Shared platform among GM divisions.

B-Body:

  - Examples: Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Catalina, Buick LeSabre.

  - Characteristics: Intermediate to full-size cars. B-body cars were larger than A-body cars and provided a comfortable ride. Used for a range of vehicles, including sedans and coupes.

C-Body:

  - Examples: Cadillac Fleetwood, Buick Electra, Oldsmobile 98.

  - Characteristics: Full-size luxury cars. Generally, C-body cars were the largest and most luxurious within the GM lineup. They often featured premium amenities and spacious interiors.

D-Body:

  - Examples: Cadillac DeVille, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

  - Characteristics: Full-size luxury cars, often representing the pinnacle of luxury within the GM lineup. D-body cars were typically longer and more opulent than C-body cars.

It's worth noting that these designations were more prevalent in the mid-20th century, and as automotive design evolved, manufacturers moved away from strictly adhering to such rigid categorizations. Today, the industry uses a variety of platforms and designations, often specific to individual models rather than broad categories shared across multiple models and brands.