1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Charlotte, North Carolina

Vehicle Description

SUMMARY

The beneficiary of a frame-off restoration that was completed in 1998

Correct 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8

Correct Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission

Correct Onyx Black paint / White top

Correct Red and Silver vinyl interior

Sale includes restoration receipts and restoration photos

Factory power steering

14-inch wheels

Sometimes a hobby turns into obsession, the best simply isn't good enough, and the student eventually becomes the teacher. With that in mind, we can't think of a better car to be obsessed with than the Chevy Bel Air. Long coveted by pretty much anyone who has an affinity for mixing chrome and gasoline, tri-fives like this sweet '57 continue to prove that, in the realm of mobility, age increases desirability. But this isn't just some fixed-to-cruise charmer that'll look good in front of the local Dairy Queen. It's a highly correct drop-top that's benefitted from a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Looking for some solid throwback metal that's been polished for the 21st century? Then take a look at your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Much more impressive than when it originally rolled down GM's storied Flint assembly line, this well-done Chevy has been transformed into a super slick cruiser that consistently turns heads. Its glossy Onyx Black fa ade is the product of a detailed, frame-off restoration that was completed in 1998. Naturally, that rebuild included a full strip of the car's chassis and sheetmetal, which lead to the installation of new rocker panels. Not surprisingly, those panels complete fit and finish that's almost good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately, it all adds up to one super cool classic that, thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely magnetic presence!

The '57 is certainly the most well-known of the tri-fives, with brilliant chrome and crisp, retro styling that strikes a perfect balance between grandiose '50s bling and exaggerated '60s proportions. That styling begins with a heavy, body-width bumper that props a clean Bel Air grille behind a pristine Chevrolet crest and two clear parking lamps. Above that crest, gold header ornamentation rides between hooded T3 headlights and '57 Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullets and spoons'. At the sides of those lights, classic tri-five stainless is flanked by gold fender louvers and dent-free rocker guards. Above those louvers, curvaceous chrome trim splits the difference between a small mirror, tinted glass, polished wipers and guarded door handles. Behind that mirror, power-operated vinyl folds in front of angled antennas. And behind those antennas, peaked fin caps highlight a second chrome bumper, '57 Chevy-exclusive taillights and trademark trunk ornamentation.

ENGINE

In 1957, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power, created plenty of torque and, even in today's world of 300 horsepower grocery getters, is still lively and impressive. Follow this Bel Air's deep Onyx shine in to its muted engine bay and you'll find a fully rebuilt small block that's been layered in a thick coat of Chevy Orange skin. At the top of that legendary mill, an old school, Satin Black air cleaner funnels wind in to a familiar Rochester carburetor that's equipped with stainless fluid lines and a glass AC filter bowl. At the base of that carb, a vintage intake feeds air and fuel in to proven cast iron heads that are capped by stamped and silver-detailed valve covers. At the back of those heads, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through pliable plug wires. Once those fires have been lit, a big radiator circulates coolant through "GM" branded hoses and vintage squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, traditional V-belts spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite factory power steering. Once combustion is extinguished, stock exhaust manifolds whisk spent gases in to true-dual pipes. And items like correct decals and a Delco yellow cap battery topper set a retro tone.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this razor-sharp drop-top, a stunningly straight chassis is finished in standard Satin Black paint and, when viewed next to the car's plethora of clean suspension parts, will give you doubts about the age of its 1998 restoration. Above that top notch chassis, Oxide Red floorpans wear a correct amount of Onyx Black overspray. Behind the engine, a correct Powerglide 2-speed twists torque to a factory-spec rear end. Holding that road ready powertrain in place is a fully restored suspension which includes traditional control arms up front and familiar leaf springs out back. Cushy turning characteristics are provided by the aforementioned power steering. Confident stops come courtesy of manual drum brakes. At the center of the floor, a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system pipes spent gases through deep-sounding turbo mufflers. And power hits the pavement thanks to 14-inch steelies, which spin G78-14 Cushion Aire POLY 4 whitewalls around ornate spinner hubcaps.

INTERIOR

In the '50s, GM was the king of design. Period. And this Bel Air's correct 2-tone interior is one of the most beautiful cockpits ever mounted behind a motor. As fastidiously crafted as the car's bodywork, the red and silver seats are firm and extremely spacious. There's a sculpted dash that's based in red, trimmed in stainless and equipped with a correct AM radio. At the base of that dash, tight carpet floats bowtie-branded floor mats. Note the car's spectacular door panels, which carry their combination of stainless and 2-tone vinyl past crank windows to a color-keyed convertible cowl. The centerpiece of this tailored environment is an expertly restored steering wheel, which anchors a chrome horn ring between a chrome shifter and classy Bel Air column topper. And behind the cockpit, a spotless trunk features a correct jack, a full-size spare tire and plenty of room to pack whatever your itinerary calls for.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Restoration photos

Restoration receipts

A set of fender skirts

When you add up all the ingredients that went in to creating this killer Bel Air, it becomes obvious that the builder really cherished the car. There are no shortcuts, no marginal parts and nothing that looks out of place on what is uniformly a high-quality piece. Of course, quality never goes out of style. And when you hit the strip in this awesome drop-top, you can literally watch the crowds form!