Vehicle Description
Dazzling in bright orange metallic paint with a powerful and
reliable 350 V8 under the hood, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has
been built to show, yet drives like a modern muscle car. Tastefully
modified, it retains all the styling cues that make the '57s so
iconic, but done to standards they just couldn't have imagined when
it was built.
You can see from the reflections in our photo booth that there are
no ripples or waves in the panels, even the big ones like the doors
and quarters. Gaps are excellent, and there's something about the
way the doors close on cars of this vintage that you can't find
anywhere today. It's a solid, precise feeling that suggests the
engineers were at the top of their game when they designed these
cars. And that orange paint practically vibrates in the sun it's so
bright. With that lowered stance, it almost looks chopped or
sectioned, but I assure you that it's 100% as the General intended;
it's just the awesome workmanship that makes it look so incredible.
All the chrome and stainless is in good shape, too, from the big
grille with chrome "Dagmars" to the beautifully polished stainless
on the flanks and around the windows. It's got some age on it, but
nothing serious and nobody will ever notice the little flaws simply
because the overall effect is so jaw-dropping.
The interior more than lives up to the promises made by the body.
Although it looks totally custom, those are factory seat frames
wrapped in custom vinyl and cloth upholstery that neatly disguises
the factory stuff, and like the paint, it has been done to an
extremely high standard. The door panels have been upholstered to
match the seats and everything else was painted to match the
bodywork. The original dashboard has been retained and restored,
and even the modern AM/FM/cassette radio looks like the 1957
version. A tilt steering column was cleverly added and painted to
hide in plain sight, and the custom steering wheel is simply
beautiful. Other features include heat and A/C (needs to be
serviced), power windows, and a nicely finished trunk that looks
just as trick as the rest of the interior.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch crate motor that looks right at
home in the Bel Air's engine bay. That billet air filter feeds a
Carter 4-barrel carb, and the aluminum valve covers sit atop a set
of center-bolt heads. All the power accessories you'd expect are
included, from the A/C to the power steering and 4-wheel power disc
brakes, making this a car that is daily-driver reliable and show
car beautiful. Underneath, the chassis is nicely finished in black
with gray floors, with a big front sway bar, a 700R4 4-speed
automatic transmission, and a 10-bolt rear end hanging on leaf
springs. A custom-made dual exhaust system gives it just the right
rumble, and traditional American Racing Torque Thrust wheels carry
staggered 215/50/17 front and 255/45/17 rear performance
radials.
This is an exceptional '57 with a build that could not possibly be
duplicated for the asking price. Best of all, it's a no-compromises
car that is reliable enough to drive every day and beautiful enough
to take home trophies. Call today!