Vehicle Description
We talk about opportunities a lot in the old car world, but this
1957 Chevy Bel Air hardtop certainly qualifies. It's a nicely-done
build that's got a lot of eyeball appeal, and if you look at the
hardware, the overall look, and particularly the price, then you'll
see that there's definitely upside to putting this handsome bowtie
in your garage.
You have to admit that the look is high-impact and it totally
works. Taking advantage of the Bel Air trim is a natural, and the
bright yellow highlighter finish gives it an up-to-date look that
isn't a rehash of the pastel '50s and that definitely makes this
Chevy stand out in a crowd. The work was done a few years ago and
shows a few signs of age, but looking past those very minor flaws
you'll find great gaps, good attention to detail, and familiar
straight sheetmetal that can be shown off with confidence and
pride. None of the critical '57 Chevy styling cues were altered, so
it still has a look everyone agrees on and the remaining trim was
nicely refinished with the rest of the car. Someone obviously spent
good money on the chrome and stainless, with bright front and rear
bumpers, correct emblems all around, and beautiful iconic inserts
on the quarters that lets everyone at the show know that the top
dog is coming through. And tying it all together are those flashy
Cragar rims, a fan favorite for decades.
Inside this Bel Air got some nice custom touches, and although
yellow certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea, it's been broken up
nicely with black accents and you can't argue that it isn't
distinctive and if you dig the look, there's a lot of other stuff
to like inside too. The custom vinyl upholstery on the benches and
door panels are in very good condition, a testament to the
high-quality workmanship and great personal care since the build
completion. The entire dash was painted the same shade of yellow as
the exterior, and that color really ensures that the brightwork
inside it pops wonderfully. Factory gauges are still doing their
thing in the three-pod instrument panel, the steering wheel is
original spec and is joined on the factory column by the shifter
for the 700R4 automatic transmission. An aftermarket A/C system
hangs under the dash and there's a retro-style AM/FM/cassette
stereo head unit in the dash, so it's totally set up for cruising
at a moment's notice. The trunk is nicely finished just like the
cabin, including a custom Bowtie mat and plenty of room to
accommodate all travel plans.
Powering this Bel Air is a strong 350 V8, which makes plenty of
power without any hassles. Topped by an Edelbrock 4-barrel
carburetor and open-element air cleaner, the engine bay is
functional and gets all the important stuff right. There's an
upgraded intake manifold, HEI ignition system, and a big aluminum
radiator up front. Sought-after power steering and brake systems
improve day-to-day drivability, while the 700R4 4-speed automatic
overdrive transmission means this Bel Air can handle highway
cruising speeds with relative ease. A custom dual exhaust system
with Flowmaster mufflers barks out a fantastic soundtrack and the
stock rear end is still at work out back. It's been driven and
enjoyed, of course, but the hardware is in good order and ready to
rock. The stance looks right, and the flashy 17-inch Cragar wheels
wear 255/45/17 performance radials for just the right look.
Finished 1957 Bel Air hardtops aren't often this affordable and
this one is ready to go! Call today!