Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
Eckler's Classic Chevy Bronze, Silver and Gold winner
Body-off restoration completed in 2010
Freshly painted in 2011
Engine rebuilt in 2015
Correct 283 Super Turbo Fire V8 / Dual 4-barrel carburetors
Correct rear axle / 3.42 gears
Correct Onyx Black paint
Correct Black & Silver interior
Sale includes: A title history / Restoration photos / Eckler's
judging sheets / Eckler's certificates
'60s-era Borg Warner T10 4-speed
Chevrolet's storied Bel Air is in pretty elite company when it
comes to automotive significance. In fact, the 'tri-five' era
produced some of the most admired classics on the planet, with
pristine, well-restored examples holding five and six digit value
exceptionally well. With its classy aesthetics and hot 283/4-speed
drivetrain, this clean coupe is the kind of well-done cruiser that
perpetuates vintage appeal. And if you're in the market for some
fully sorted metal that's good on the street and impressive at the
show, you've found your next head turner!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Delightfully vintage and decidedly fresh, this slick Bel Air is
proof that Chevrolet's decision to take a curvaceous fuselage, weld
it to a sweeping roofline and decorate it with ample chrome was an
excellent idea. Unlike the exaggerated designs of the late '50s and
early '60s, the car's proportions are spot-on, there's appropriate
use of trim, and the sharp rear fins that would eventually grow to
controversial wings are fully integrated into attractive, planar
surfaces. In 2010, this coupe's solid body, which had previously
benefitted from fresh floors and new quarters, was separated from
its now completely restored frame. In 2011, a correct coat of Onyx
Black 2-stage highlighted new glass and vibrant trim. And today,
this Chevy rolls as one fantastic bowtie that pretty much creates a
1-car parade wherever it goes!
ENGINE
In the late '50s, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Super Turbo Fire V8
was a common choice for factory GM performance. With an advertised
220 horsepower, it's an impressive piece even in today's world of
300 horsepower grocery getters. And when optioned with an aluminum
intake and two Carter 4-barrels, like this drop-top's "EB" stamped
mill, it hit the pavement 270 horses strong! At the top of the
bright orange mill, a correct oil bath air cleaner funnels wind in
to the aforementioned carbs and intake. At the base of that intake,
correct 997 heads hang stamped and silver-detailed valve covers
over a correct Duntov cam. At the back of those heads, a dual-point
centrifugal throw distributor shoots fire through loomed plug
wires. Once those fires have been lit, a tagged radiator circulates
coolant through pliable hoses and authentic squeeze clamps. Once
that air and fuel is torched, Ram's Horn exhaust manifolds whisk
spent gases in to big, true-dual pipes. Once combustion is created,
new V-belts spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite a tagged
Delco yellow cap battery. And, since this small block was
thoroughly rebuilt in 2015, everything in the car's monochromatic
engine bay is complete, clean and well sorted.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under this slick Bel Air, a straight, Satin Black frame rides a
plethora of clean suspension parts. Above that sturdy chassis, a
tough layer of undercoating protects solid floorpans. Behind the
engine, a '60s-era Borg Warner twists torque to a correct,
posi-traction rear end that's fitted with moderate, 3.42 gears. A
manual steering rack provides vintage turning characteristics.
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 meets the
pavement thanks to 14-inch steelies, which spin old-fashioned
8.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around ornate spinner
hubcaps.
INTERIOR
Featuring a stunning array of black and silver accents, this
tri-five's factory-correct interior is both clean and impressive.
At the center of the car, silver-detailed seats wear a striking
combination of cloth and vinyl skin. At the front of those seats, a
stainless-trimmed dash hangs clear, factory-spec gauges over a
standard radio and optional tissue box. At the floor, fresh carpet
frames a familiar Hurst shifter. On the doors, two-tone panels,
which almost look custom, hang chrome handles, stainless trim and
simple armrests below glossy toppers. And the driver stays
connected to the road through an ornate, large-diameter steering
wheel.
AWARDS
Naturally, this desirable Chevy has a pretty extensive show
history. Our sale includes the following notable awards.
Bronze Certificate for the Trailered Contemporary class at Eckler's
Music City Chevy Show
- Awarded in of July of 2010
- Earned 890 out of 1000 points
Silver Certificate for the Trailered Contemporary class at Eckler's
36th Annual International
- Awarded in of June of 2011
- Earned 935 out of 1000 points
Gold Certificate for the Trailered Contemporary class at Eckler's
Music City Chevy Show
- Awarded in of July of 2012
- Earned 963 out of 1000 points
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An original Owner's Guide
A photo of the car from 1957
A title history that dates to 1978
Restoration photos
Judging sheets for the car's Eckler's Gold Certificate
Cars like this timeless Bel Air represent incredible value to
potential buyers. With its hot drivetrain, quality restoration and
desirable aesthetics, THIS is the kind of classic that, when
properly maintained, can create serious equity. If you're in the
market for a well-executed copy of America's most iconic
automobile, don't miss your chance to own this killer '57 Chevy!
