Vehicle Description
This great-looking 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is the kind of car we all
hope to own someday. Combining one of the most popular models of
all time with a few thoughtful upgrades, it's the ultimate Saturday
night cruiser that looks like 1957 and drives like 2012.
Finished in Matador Red paint that has a lovely soft shine, this
Bel Air showcases why these cars are eternally popular. The
workmanship is very nicely done, and there's every indication that
this was a solid, clean car all along. Bodywork is very good, with
no ripples or waves in the final product, and all the body panels
line up as they should. And while the car is lightly modified
underneath, the body and trim was left alone, because, well, you
just can't improve this design. Restoring the chrome on a car like
this is an expensive proposition, but it appears that these guys
stepped up to the plate and did it right, with everything nicely
polished against the red finish. Just about the only tipoff that
this isn't a totally stock '57 are the blue dot taillight lenses,
but heck, that's a period accessory, too!
Contrast is the key to a great 1950s car, and the slick black
interior has been heavily upgraded and looks quite modern. The
custom front bench is handsome as well as comfortable, and shows
virtually no wear since the build was completed, and the back seat
has been upholstered to match, giving it a very finished look.
Power windows have been hidden inside custom door panels and
there's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the center of the dash. The
instrument panel has been fully restored, including the strip of
machined turned trim that runs from end to end, and it includes a
set of auxiliary gauges plus a tach mounted down low and out of
sight. Clever tricks include a tilt column that still looks stock,
and a smaller-diameter steering wheel that most folks will mistake
for an original. Oh, and one more thing: there's fully functional
A/C stashed under the dash-cool, huh? The trunk is finished in
black carpets with a custom cover for the spare tire.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch crate motor, appropriately
dressed in Chevy Orange with polished aluminum valve covers and a
chrome air cleaner. It makes all the right V8 sounds and runs
beautifully, with a very 1957 combination of performance and
reasonable economy. Note that all the accessories are fresh,
including the A/C compressor and updated alternator, and there's a
big aluminum radiator up front keeping everything cool. Power
brakes and power steering were added, along with a dual master
cylinder and front discs for safety. It's backed by a beefy TH400
3-speed automatic and the stock rear end. There's a fresh
Flowmaster exhaust system and it rolls on a set of 225/75/14
whitewall radials with original style hubcaps, but think of how
good a set of wide whitewall radials might look!
This '57 is ready to cruise, and thanks to a few well-chosen
modifications, is an absolute pleasure to drive. This one is proof
that great cars never go out of style. Call today!
