We are representing for it's owner, this really beautiful 1957 Chevy Bel Air. Purchased new in 1957 by Mr Nicholas Bono from IL, the car was ordered with the Bel Air options with a 6 cylinder and automatic transmission. Mr. Bono was very thrifty and wanted the great looks of the Bel Air 2 door hardtop, without spending a lot of money. He ordered it with no a/c and no radio. He installed his own radio later. Used as a daily driver for years, Mr. Bono's son, who is the current owner, used the car to take his drivers test when he turned 16 in 1959.
The car remained in IL until 1975 and then came to Texas where Sam decided to start working on the car in 1982. He had a family and money and time were tight, so the car sat in storage for 10 years before he worked on it and then there was another stretch of 15 years where it sat again. Finally a few years ago he decided it was time once and for all to restore the car completely. So, a complete frame off restoration began.
On January 29th 2022, Sam and his wife picked up their newly restored car. They couldn't have been happier. The car looked like new with some very nice modifications.
Here are the features now:
Frame Off Restoration
New ZZ2 V-8 Crate Engine w/Cam 350/345hp
Rebuilt Original Turbo 350 Auto Transmission w/ Trans Cooler (within last year)
Electric Cooling Fan
Aluminum Cylinder Heads an Manifolds Ported and Polished
New Edlebrock Performance intake Manifold
New 650 Edlebrock Carburetor
Aluminum Radiator w/ Fan Shroud
CLP-CP50000-2 Power Steering Box
Front Power Disc Brakes
Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
New A/C from Cold Air Products
New Original Interior
New Retro Radio w/Blue Tooth
Rally Wheels & Hubcaps
Some of the things that were done in the last year include:
New power Steering pump and the box
New Master Cylinder
The Intake and Corvette Exhaust Manifolds were Powder Coated and new 2 1/2" exhausts added
The 57 Runs on high octane pump gas and had it's break in oil changed at 700 miles. There are now 1799 miles on the car since completion.
It has won numerous awards in best of class and best of show at local shows her in the DFW area. The chrome and stainless were all completely refinished and Sam decided to have everything done to show quality specs. The car looks great inside and out.
The ZZ2 engine runs great and between it and the 2 1/2" exhausts, she sounds great. Be sure to watch the video.
The paint looks excellent and there are only 2 little chips that I found and 1 is under the hood and the other on the lower door sill. There is also a bit of a scratch on one wheel. All of these are shown in my photos.
This car is going to make someone a great car for showing or just cruising. It's ready to just turn the key and go. Everything is working on the car except the original clock.
You are more than welcome to arrange a viewing and test drive. Just give me a call at 214-616-2317. I can also help you arrange financing and shipping, if needed.
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