Vehicle Description
Here's the short version: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop. Nice
older restoration with 350 cubic inch V8 and overdrive
transmission. Bright Matador Red paint with white top. Several
upgrades to make it easy and fun to drive. Get in and have fun!
The long version is pretty much the same story: a really nice 1957
Chevrolet Bel Air that was restored to cruise. The world's most
popular collector car always looks right in Matador Red, which is
probably the quintessential '57 Chevy color; when you close your
eyes and picture a '57, isn't this how it always looks? The white
top certainly doesn't hurt, either. And despite the restoration
being a few years old, the car looks fantastic and provides the
kind of worry-free motoring that will make it a favorite cruiser.
There are a few signs of use here and there, but the quality of the
work was quite good and it's obviously been loved and properly
maintained since it was completed. There's a nice shine to the
paint, the doors and hood fit well, and all the bright Bel Air trim
lines up neatly. The unique anodized panels that define the Bel Air
look great and someone obviously invested pretty heavily in the
chrome, because it still looks quite good.
A sporty black and red interior isn't quite the way the factory
would have done it, but it definitely looks period-correct. Black
and red vinyl with vertical pleats are a traditional '50s look and
matching black carpets offset all the red that is everywhere else.
Beautiful door panels look sporty and tie the design together while
the bright instruments in the color-matched dashboard look great
and you'll note the shift indicator has a few extra gears. A Retro
Radio AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit lives in the center of the
dash, neatly replacing the original AM unit in a way that doesn't
draw attention. There's also a very subtle A/C system tucked under
the dash and it remains fully functional thanks to modern hardware
under the hood. The seating surfaces and carpets sure don't look
like they've seen much use, again indicative of quality workmanship
and materials. The trunk is fully carpeted and shows a pair of
oversized wheel tubs for the big rubber, and it's all in fine
condition as well.
You shouldn't be surprised to see a 350 cubic inch V8 under the
hood of this '57, and with several smart upgrades, it's a fantastic
driver. An Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor give this small
block the Power Pack punch that most owners added anyway, and the
detailing is extremely good throughout. Chrome dress-up pieces and
some polished aluminum make it look up-to-date, while drivability
upgrades like the modern dual master cylinder, an aluminum
radiator, and a modern alternator make it quite road-worthy. The
original 2-speed PowerGlide automatic was ditched in favor of a
700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, which delivers
great performance and reasonable economy. Long-tube headers and
stock-style mufflers give it a traditional '50s sound and while the
underside shows signs of use over the years, you also know it's
sorted out and ready to enjoy. You can see why those big wheel tubs
were needed: 17-inch Torque Thrust wheels with 215/60/17 front and
giant 255/60/17 rear Michelin radials.
The long and short of this car is that a bright red '57 Bel Air
hardtop will never go out of fashion. If you've longed for one, now
might be your best chance to own the dream. Call today!
