1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible 

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.  

Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest Bel Air of them all??  For consignment, a 1957 Bel Air convertible, with benefitting from an A-1 restoration in 2002.  The car still shines and has the red and white color scheme that is very appropriate for this car from the rock and roll era.  You ain't nuthin' but a hound dog!

Exterior
“And then he will carry me away to the castle, where I will live happily ever after..”  In your dreams Snow White, and exactly what this car is made for, and painted with just pure enjoyment.  From its golden toothy grille that floats between a small upper bumper and lower large bumper complete with rubber tipped “Dagmars”, to the beltline swoop spear that makes a downward turn on the rear quarter panel, this restoration is truly the definition of the term “buttoned up.”  Dual rocket style hood embellishments are fronting curved gentle tubes that are on either side of the hood.  These run back toward the windshield where they die into the hood.  Very nice, (just like the bumpers and trim), chrome headlight bezels frame the single headlights, and wonderful chromed side view mirrors, door handles, and window trim are all chrome and all good.  Continuing rearward, we see an offshoot of the downward sloping spear, that also runs to the rear of the car, and borders a horizontally ribbed aluminum panel with a gold Bel Air badge in your grandmother's handwriting, and cloisonné Chevrolet bowtie badge.  We need to talk about the straight steel panels all around, with nicely minded gaps, and covered in Imperial Ivory paint.   A white canvas convertible top which moves up and down with ease and the flip of a switch.  14-inch shiny dog dish style wheel coverings with faux knockoff central hubs and dice air nipples, are all wrapped up in wide whitewall tires.  I'm all shook up!  

Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of red vinyl mixed with silver panels that swoop through the middle of the door panels.  These silver panels have a repeating dot 3D pattern and house the shiny cranks and actuators and power window toggles.  The red vinyl has the sleek armrest, then more silver is on the bottoms all broken up by some chrome thin trimming on the edges.  For the seats wide red bolsters have the silver dot pattern inserts, and also add in a red button in the mid section of each back for these classic chairs, which are front split bench and rear full bench.  A nice red painted full metal dash is upfront and has the upwardly mobile curved cove for the round instruments in a cluster and turn signal lights.  Cutting through the middle of the dash is a chromed mesh horizontal trim that houses the AM radio, and various control knobs.  Beautiful near perfect black carpet floods the floors and a red tonneau cover very clean covers the white canvas top when it's in the down position.  OK stop staring and put your tongue back in.  Love me tender baby!

Drivetrain
Now showing in the showroom quality engine bay, fully restored, is a correct 283ci Chevrolet orange/red block and valve covered mill.  On top is a 2-barrel carburetor, and there is a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission on back and a 3.36 rear axle.  Plenty of beautifully painted black bolt ons, and a like new radiator to keep things cool under the hood.

Undercarriage
The frame off restoration has left the undercarriage simply beautiful looking all painted in black and some patina of said paint.  Shiny black floor pans which have some excellent repairs and pristine black rust free rockers are mounted securely to a jet black straight rust free frame.  Dual exhaust is like new, worms its way back past all this finery, and sports glass pack style mufflers.   Front disc brakes, a welcome upgrade, and drums for the rear brakes.  Power steering and independent coil spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension are all clean and pristine.

Drive-Ability
As like the rest of the car, it runs very well, starting immediately, shifting smoothly, and providing a smooth ride.  After putting the top in the down position I was off like a prom dress.  Plenty of power from this restored, rebuilt original engine.  A few frowns I found with the rear power windows being slow, the passenger front window is stuck down in the frame, the radio is in-op, and the top is about 3 inches short of reaching the windshield frame. 

If you are in the market for the best year of the tri-fives, that is as close to really nice as one can get, then look no further because this is the coolest example I've seen in a long while.  Bathed in wonderful 1950's white with red interior, and a fab frame off restoration that has stood the test of a 20 year time span.  1957 was indeed a great year and the last for the tri-five domination.

VC57T304852

V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
57-1957
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
304852-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.