Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Chevrolet designers were really hitting their stride in the mid
1950's with their Tri Fives, and you would arguably say the Magnum
Opus was the last model of the Tri Five era the 57 Chevrolet. So
how exactly does one take this masterpiece of bowtie design, and
take it one step further? Something to really end up with the
pie'ce de re'sistance, and stand out from the crowd a bit, but all
the while not ruining the original concept.
For consignment, a restored 1957 like none other. Catering to a
very specialized crowd (let's call it elite crowd?) we have a
shaved primered with finish coating, and orange highlighted version
of the last hurrah for the Tri Five era the '57 Chevy Bel Air.
Exterior
Led off by its California front chromed and Dagmared front bumper
which is retained in chrome presenting mirror-like, we then move to
the orange highlights for the upper grille headlight bezels and
visors and ultimately all the steel rally wheels sporting police
hubcaps (NOS) on all 4 corners. The hood chrome has also been
shaved; curved window shiny surround remains as does the tinted
window trimmings. Also, the swoop spear with ribbed metal insert on
the rear quarter is looking original. Door and fender panels are
straight, rust free and mind their gaps very well. All the exterior
metal has been bathed in epoxy primer then a shot of clear coat is
on top giving it its sexy sheen. The door handles have also been
shaved, and new body matching primer aerodynamic side view mirrors
are now on both doors. Bringing up the rear is another curved and
bounded by shiny chrome rear tinted glass, and a neatly curled
around trundled which is flanked by the finned rear quarters
complete with chrome and lower taillights. Seen on the bottom is a
bumper for a 57 wagon adding a nice extra touch.
Interior
A swing of the door and the panels for said doors are looking
original with some wear on the flagstone pattern broadcloth
presenting in maroon. Black vinyl inserts and bottoms add some
contrast to the broadcloth but show wear, undulating surfaces and
tears on the bottoms. Inside the seats are believed to be original
based on their matching maroon (although faded) flagstone
broadcloth inserts, yellow piping and smooth black vinyl bolsters.
Wear is noted throughout the front split back bench, which has
3-point seat belts installed, and rear bench which has more
consistent broadcloth inserts. Like new black carpeting covers the
surfaces of the floors and in the center is a B&M shifter. In
front of the modified dash is a LeCarra steering wheel and now a
stainless surround frames a digital dash. Doors are actuated
electrically as is the trunk. A new headliner is noted above.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the restored engine bay now sits a 350ci HO V8
direct from GM according to its stamping. An 4bbl Edelbrock
carburetor is atop, and a TCI TH350 3-speed automatic is on back.
All under this hood is very nice and even some ceramic headers are
now added on to add to the ever-present bling from the polished
surfaces and bolt ons.
Undercarriage
The first thing I notice is the new shiny exhaust system taking
spent gases from the headers and moving them rearward past the
rust-free frame, floorpans and rockers. This car has been lowered 2
inches and now has suspension help from a set of Posie's Super
Slider rear springs, a new heavy-duty front sway bar, and new rear
shocks. Drum brakes are all around. Also, of note this car has been
totally rewired courtesy American Auto Wire which was their
prototype for a '57 Chevy rewire kit.
Drive-Ability
That new crate 350ci V8 fires right up and runs like a dream.
Plenty of power on the acceleration front, and smooth shifting from
the TCI tranny. All functions were working well, and it was a
pleasurable test drive.
Our consigner states that all the hard work is done, and now you
just need to add your color to this beauty, and it can truly be
yours. Some nice mods for the inside and shaving for the outside
and we can present a unique 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air for your viewing
pleasure and consideration to add some adornment to your
driveway.
VIN DECODE
C57B243081
C-2400 Series BelAir
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
243081-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 1011D-1957 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M72997-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 669-Black & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 807-India Ivory, Onyx Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
