Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
In our illustrious six years of operation, we've seen our share of
beautiful '57 Bel Airs. They are, of course, iconic and the
quintessential American classic car. The flying wedge is probably
more appreciated now than it was in 1957 and in fact, was
discontinued after the model year. That one year feature sealed its
fate as the most recognizable and most desired car of the 1950's
without a close second.
For consignment, a nicely restored '57 in a stunning color.
Recipient of a frame off restoration just four years ago, the rust
free body was prepped for paint and the engine bay was painted as
well. Instead of opting for more popular colors like Tropical
Turquoise or Larkspur Blue, this owner went to the bronze family
and it makes for a stunning show car that anxiously awaits its next
caretaker.
Exterior
Two stage Sierra Bronze paint coats this big car and is matched
with Adobe Beige on the roof. The beige is picked up by the 17-inch
Wheel Vintiques wheels which circle around dog dish hubcaps, all
wrapped in white wall tires for an old school feel. Emblems and
side hashes are gold while the hood rockets, grille, and headlight
surrounds are contrasting chrome all in beautiful condition. The
black bumper guards are bullet shaped and the inset market lights
complete the wonderfully symmetrical front end. The chrome like
aluminum wedge is in good condition as are all the chrome pieces on
the back and those that top the fins. Beige extends down onto the
A-pillar and B-pillar while the C-pillar has metal trim. Minor
imperfections in the paint are noted towards the bottom where it
meets the rocker panel.
Interior
The coherent color pattern starts with the door panels which
alternate stretches of bronze and beige in three layers of vinyl.
To no one's surprise, that color combo is found on the split bench
front seat and the rear bench, both of which look like they've had
very little seat time. The steering wheel and dash are painted with
the exterior Sierra Bronze and is contrasted by polished metal
parts and a textured dash insert. Beautiful black faced gauges add
more contrast while an aftermarket tachometer and trilogy of Sunpro
gauges are mounted under the dash for critical engine systems
feedback. An AM/FM radio sits center and a clock is in direct view
of the passenger. The rust colored loop style carpet is in good
condition and the beige headliner is spotless. The trunk is glossy
bronze and the floor of it is covered in a fitted black carpet
piece where a full size spare is found.
Drivetrain
A 283ci V8 with a mild cam sits flawlessly in the engine bay. The
block and valve covers are traditional orange and a chrome topped
air element is perched on a 600cfm 4-barrel carburetor which in
turn sits on an Edelbrock intake manifold. A 2-speed Powerglide
automatic transmission takes the spin and sends to the rear wheels
where it meets 3.36 gears. Power disc brakes in the front and power
drums in the rear add a more modern option to a vintage car.
Undercarriage
This is another place where rotisserie and frame off restoration
pay off, the ability to clean, paint and detail the underside is
unmatched and it's very nice under this '57. Spots here and there
of surface rust on unpainted steel and some rust on the
transmission pan are about the only blemishes here. The dual
exhaust routes through stock mufflers then up over the rear axle
and out the back. We note a welded plate on the frame that shows
some rust and pitting issues. The rest of the frame is coated in
black and clean. Independent front suspension with coil springs is
present along with 2-inch McGaughy drop front spindles. In the
back, leaf springs are accompanied by 2" lowering blocks.
Drive-Ability
17-inch wheels with 225/55R17's do a lot for the ride as does the
two inch drop. The car is more planted of course than it would be
with the original setup. But we jumped ahead because the startup
process was impeccable and the car purrs forward without issue. We
did a steady paced lap around our loop and let the Powerglide do
its thing, then it's back to the stable where the brakes took over
and all worked well. Here's where we note the horn was not working,
nor the clock, and the reverse lights would not illuminate.
A very well done restoration and a stunning color combination, this
'57 Bel Air will be iconic 100 years from now. So think of it as a
family heirloom because they should be driven and seen by future
generations as an example of how Chevrolet and the U.S. took the
lead and perhaps unknowingly, created a legend of automotive
magnificence.
VC57N171561
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
171561-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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