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 but drives like something a bit
more modern.
Finished in handsome Larkspur Blue paint that has a great shine,
this Bel Air showcases why these cars are eternally popular. The
workmanship was very nicely done a few years ago, 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 were left alone,
because, well, you just can't improve this design. One of the
things we like most about the car is it's overall look, it's not
over the top restored and could be used as regular driver if
desired. Most of the chrome and trim appear to be original and have
a great aged look that matches the rest of the car. If not for the
wheels, this resto-mod could pass under a lot of enthusiasts'
radar.
Contrast is the key to a great 1950s car, and the two-tone interior
has been slightly upgraded and looks both traditional and modern.
The custom front bench is handsome as well as comfortable, and
shows very little wear since the build was completed, and the back
seat has been upholstered to match, giving it a bit of an OEM look.
They whipped up a set of custom door panels to tie it all together
and there's an upgraded AM/FM stereo in the center of the dash. The
instrument panel remains pretty much the way they built it in 1957,
including the strip of machined turned trim that runs from end to
end, and even the steering wheel is the original piece. Heavy duty
floor mats mean that this one was built to drive and we like the
fact that they kept it neat, simple, and tidy inside, letting the
extroverted color do all the talking. And with this Chevy, you also
get a properly finished trunk that includes a stock-style rubber
mat.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch V8, which fits like it was born
there. It's dressed up with chrome Erson valve covers and a
matching air cleaner. It makes all the right V8 sounds and runs
beautifully, offering a very 1957 combination of performance and
reasonable economy. Note that all the accessories are updated,
including the alternator, and there's a big aluminum radiator up
front keeping everything cool. Long-tube headers bolster the torque
curve and feed a pair of Flowmaster mufflers, so it has that snappy
performance tone. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission and the stock rear end so it cruises nicely on the
highway. The suspension is pretty stock, but that's not really a
demerit when it's a '57 Chevy, and it rides beautifully. It rolls
on a set of 235/45/17 front and 275/40/18 rear performance radials
on flashy Rev wheels that resemble vintage Torque Thrusts.
This '57 is ready to cruise, and thanks to a few well-chosen
modifications, is an absolute pleasure to drive. This Chevy is
proof that great cars never go out of style. Call today!
