Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Imagine a car so popular that a new term came to be, based on that
design. That name is Tri-Five, which refers to 1955, 1956, and 1957
Chevrolet automobiles, in particular the Bel Air, 150, 210 Sedans,
and the Nomad. With beautiful proportions and new skins each of
those successive years, and a thorough peppering of chrome, these
cars produced in this time became iconic. From all original to
highly modified versions, many Tri Five clubs have sprung up to
showcase individuality, originality, and the beloved Chevrolet
concepts of Harley Earl and his team.
Gracing our numerous showrooms here at Classic Auto Mall is an
example from the Tri Five's most glorious year, 1957. Also, the top
of the line model in the Bel Air. This baby is fuel injected, and
dressed in black and white, and has a gorgeous black textured
flagstone patio pattern broadcloth with red vinyl interior. All in
very nice condition, she's ready for the prom!
Exterior
Straight rust-free steel panels draped in black cover the exterior
of this car. A white ribbed fin panel is inserted on the rear
quarters and has gold Bel Air badging in your grandmother's
handwriting along with a cloisonne bowtie badge. Upfront two jet
age hood inserts fly forward leaving a jet trail in the form of a
small bump that dies at the windshield. The smiling front grille is
all very nicely chromed and has a large lower bumper complete with
two small Dagmars with rubber tips. The correct for Bel Air trim
gold egg crate is buried within the smile. A swoop trim spear runs
from the headlights to the rear quarter where it divides and allows
for the ribbed insert. White paint for the roof, and more chrome
trim around the windows. The rear of the car now goes full bore
with the vertical fins all trimmed in chrome with the crescent moon
taillights and backup lights melting into a clean and mirror-like
chrome bumper. A note to this car's exterior paint, there are
numerous scratches and even some early signs of crazing and a few
areas where paint has been scratched off revealing the under coat.
14-inch wheels with Bel Air trimmed wheel covers and wide whites
are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty
broadcloth that has a fine red bordered flagstone pattern stitched
into a black background. This greets red vinyl and is used this way
on the door panels, and the seats. A nice red dash is upfront and
has the upwardly mobile curved cove for the instrument cluster and
turn signal lights. Cutting through the middle of the dash is a
chromed mesh horizontal trim that houses the radio, and various
control knobs. Beautiful black carpet floods the floors and a tight
pristine red headliner is floating above all this 50's design.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are met with the beautifully restored
1957 version of fuel injection. It is truly an engineering wonder
and is atop a 283ci V8. This car also is coded to have a 283 hi
lift cam. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back and throws power
rearward to a 3.55 rear axle. A shout out to the engine bay which
is well done and very clean.
Undercarriage
Not to be outdone by the upper restoration, underneath is totally
rust free, and beautifully restored. All black save for the red oil
pan, dual cherry bomb mufflers, and blue shock absorbers it is just
near perfect. Independent coil springs are the front suspension,
and leaf springs bring up the rear. Drum brakes are seen all
around.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and ran smoothly, shifted effortlessly, and the
fuel injection propelled us forward in a serious manner. We noted a
high idle so some adjustments to the fuel injection may be
necessary.
A very nicely preserved Bel Air, a few faults in the black paint on
the exterior, but a stunningly retro interior, fuel injection which
is marvelous to look at and ponder, and a clean and pristine
undercarriage. Let's go to the hop!
VIN Decode
VC57N105526
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
57-1957
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
105526-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
STYLE # 57 1037D-1957 BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
BODY # N322-Norwood Body #
TRIM # 676-Red & Black Vinyl & Cloth
PAINT # 807-Onyx Black & India Ivory
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
