1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Chevrolet designers were really hitting their stride in the mid 1950's with their Tri Fives, and you would arguably say the Magnum Opus was the last model of the Tri Five era the 57 Chevrolet. So how exactly does one take this masterpiece of bowtie design, and take it one step further? Something to really end up with the pie'ce de re'sistance, and stand out from the crowd a bit, but all the while not ruining the original concept.

For consignment, a restored 1957 like none other. Catering to a very specialized crowd (let's call it elite crowd?) we have a shaved primered with finish coating, and orange highlighted version of the last hurrah for the Tri Five era the '57 Chevy Bel Air.

Exterior
Led off by its California front chromed and Dagmared front bumper which is retained in chrome presenting mirror-like, we then move to the orange highlights for the upper grille headlight bezels and visors and ultimately all the steel rally wheels sporting police hubcaps (NOS) on all 4 corners. The hood chrome has also been shaved; curved window shiny surround remains as does the tinted window trimmings. Also, the swoop spear with ribbed metal insert on the rear quarter is looking original. Door and fender panels are straight, rust free and mind their gaps very well. All the exterior metal has been bathed in epoxy primer then a shot of clear coat is on top giving it its sexy sheen. The door handles have also been shaved, and new body matching primer aerodynamic side view mirrors are now on both doors. Bringing up the rear is another curved and bounded by shiny chrome rear tinted glass, and a neatly curled around trundled which is flanked by the finned rear quarters complete with chrome and lower taillights. Seen on the bottom is a bumper for a 57 wagon adding a nice extra touch.

Interior
A swing of the door and the panels for said doors are looking original with some wear on the flagstone pattern broadcloth presenting in maroon. Black vinyl inserts and bottoms add some contrast to the broadcloth but show wear, undulating surfaces and tears on the bottoms. Inside the seats are believed to be original based on their matching maroon (although faded) flagstone broadcloth inserts, yellow piping and smooth black vinyl bolsters. Wear is noted throughout the front split back bench, which has 3-point seat belts installed, and rear bench which has more consistent broadcloth inserts. Like new black carpeting covers the surfaces of the floors and in the center is a B&M shifter. In front of the modified dash is a LeCarra steering wheel and now a stainless surround frames a digital dash. Doors are actuated electrically as is the trunk. A new headliner is noted above.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in the restored engine bay now sits a 350ci HO V8 direct from GM according to its stamping. An 4bbl Edelbrock carburetor is atop, and a TCI TH350 3-speed automatic is on back. All under this hood is very nice and even some ceramic headers are now added on to add to the ever-present bling from the polished surfaces and bolt ons.

Undercarriage
The first thing I notice is the new shiny exhaust system taking spent gases from the headers and moving them rearward past the rust-free frame, floorpans and rockers. This car has been lowered 2 inches and now has suspension help from a set of Posie's Super Slider rear springs, a new heavy-duty front sway bar, and new rear shocks. Drum brakes are all around. Also, of note this car has been totally rewired courtesy American Auto Wire which was their prototype for a '57 Chevy rewire kit.

Drive-Ability
That new crate 350ci V8 fires right up and runs like a dream. Plenty of power on the acceleration front, and smooth shifting from the TCI tranny. All functions were working well, and it was a pleasurable test drive.

Our consigner states that all the hard work is done, and now you just need to add your color to this beauty, and it can truly be yours. Some nice mods for the inside and shaving for the outside and we can present a unique 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air for your viewing pleasure and consideration to add some adornment to your driveway.

VIN DECODE
C57B243081
C-2400 Series BelAir
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
243081-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 1011D-1957 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M72997-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 669-Black & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 807-India Ivory, Onyx Black

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.