Vehicle Description
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air wins the argument for the most iconic
classic American car. There is a magnetism from this patriotism
that makes everyone need to check these out at car shows and give a
polite honk when one passes by. It only gets better when you see a
painstakingly restored example with an award-winning level of
original style.
This '57 Chevy was completed in stunning and factory-correct Dusk
Pearl. The restoration was a labor of love with a grandfather and
grandson, and so they took years to make sure everything was
correct. That's why the finish on this car is show quality in every
way. Details like the fender edges remain well-defined and panel
gaps are quite good. There's excellence in everything from the way
the doors close, to the fitment of the hood integrating into the
bumper. Speaking of the front end, the bumpers, grille, and other
brightwork has been refinished to show standards. Correct Chevrolet
badges have been installed front and rear, with the stylized golden
V that let you know this Bel Air had power under the hood. Nothing
has been shaved or removed, so this one feels genuine right down to
the fender skirts and factory-style wheel covers. Even the addition
of the continental kit feels like a factory piece, because they got
the details correct, right down to the color-matched wheel
within.
Inside, you'll find one of the most striking factory color
combinations. The silver with black fabric inserts on the seats and
door panels are a timeless color combo, and the bright silver
accenting makes this look like it's ready for a night on the town.
The headliner, floor, and dash all coordinate for a sophisticated
total package. There are crisp, clean gauges behind the highly
stylized Bel Air steering wheel. And the details are great, right
down to the working AM radio and accessory tissue box.
Lift the hood to reveal a nicely detailed engine bay. This is the
dawn of the small block era, and so it's great to have what's
believed to be the original 283 cubic-inch V8 still under the hood
today. Everything from the tag on the radiator to the black paint
on the generator makes this look like you were picking this up from
the Chevy dealer in the summer of '57. As you dig deeper, you'll
also see this looks correct from the Carter four-barrel carburetor
to the Powerglide transmission. And the investment was about more
than the correct components. This fires up easily and runs smoothly
like a well-built classic should. Plus, the correct new suspension
component make this a true comfortable cruiser. But before you put
too many miles on this one, don't forget to check out the
undercarriage photos that prove you'll be putting a mirror under
this one at the car shows.
This is a true nut and bolt restoration that was even recognized at
the Chevy Classic show for its excellence. Few cars can compete
with this one's star power. After all, a '57 Chevy never goes out
of style and this one outshines them all.