Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
The Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the most recognized and beloved
classics of all time. Its clean lines, tasteful trim and excellent
proportions make for the 1957 version to be a favorite of the
Tri-Five fan. The fins were just right, grille proportions correct,
and it is undoubtedly the most desirable of the Tri group.
For consignment the highest end car offered in the Tri-Five lineup
is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. This year it felt that it hit its
mark right on the bullseye with the shapes and proportions. This
beauty has undergone a recent fuel line and delivery system update,
some new coil over shocks, and a new headliner. Some other upgrades
for mechanical convenience and longevity, and all rust free right
out of 1957 GM plant.
Exterior
Matador Red drapes the straight steel panels of this car, with a
beautifully shined trim spear just below the belt line which flares
into a larger panel on the rear quarter in stainless prior to
ending abruptly on the rear fin. Speaking of trim, the remaining
fender toppers, B pillar trim and window wraparound trim are all
somewhat faded and dimpled with some slight rust within chromed and
polished stainless condition. All paint is patina, dulled and has
an abundance of areas where wear off has taken some of the paint
off the metal, but not rusted. Wrap around glass for the front
windscreen, and slightly on the rear create a passenger bubble with
frames of chrome. In front we have the lower smiling grille wrapped
in a wide curve above and a bumper below which curves around the
front quarter. Within the center of this bumper/grille is a gold
egg crate design correct for 1957. Single headlights for either
side flank a curved down hood that sports twin chromed rockets
jetting from the windshield. 14-inch standard Bel Air red rimmed
and chrome trimmed wheel covers are on all 4 corners. Gaps are all
minding their spaces between each other well, and steel is straight
and rust free all around.
Interior
A more squared off dash instrument cluster for this year presents
itself in red and has symmetrically placed round gauges embedded
within it. Just below all this gauge cluster runs a band of screen
chromed metal mesh, which houses all the knobs and pulls as well as
the ignition. Moving along this mesh area, is a GM AM radio and
some badging above the red matching lower dash band which houses
the glovebox. Keeping going in that direction we see Bel Air
badging in your grandmother's handwriting in gold and a rectangular
inset clock...(very 50's!) Snazzy black insert with patio stone
pattern and red bolster vinyl cover the front split back bench and
rear bench. The front bench has a cover in it. Deep black carpet
floods the floors and has some areas of fading showing on the
passenger's side. Shifting is done from the original tree topped
with the red plastic and chrome horn ringed steering wheel. A few
areas of paint wear off and slight plastic peel on the chromed
surrounds on the dash are noted.
Drivetrain
All 1957 under this hood with a 235ci inline 6-cylinder with a
1-barrel carburetor atop. A 2-speed Powerglide transmission is on
back along with a 3.36 gear ratio rear axle. Engine bay shows some
nice aging with paint chipping, patina, and a new master
cylinder.
Undercarriage
The frame and suspension are all solid on this car with an overall
fine coating of surface rust. Floorpans look good and solid as do
rockers with just more coating of surface rust, but totally
structurally sound. Body hangers appear structurally sound near the
mid rockers as does the frame. New disc brakes for the front, and
rear drums have been recently installed as well as new lines.
Bottom end of the engine is drip free and looks nice. A new fuel
tank is mounted on back.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and after a short warmup it was off to the test
track where this car performed well as we took it through the
paces. A bit of excessive body roll when going into the turns, but
good handling, good acceleration and a thumbs up to the brakes
which worked very well. The radio proved inoperable, as was the
speedometer which the consigner states the cable was damaged near
the muffler, so it can be fixed.
A good looker, and a cooker on the street, this very partially
restored car with good mechanicals and maintenance. A few upgrades
and new parts. A 1957 very desirable Bel Air with some work to be
done, but it's all rust free and all there for the taking. Just
race on down to Classic Auto Mall and drive her away into the
Matador Red sunset! Happy trails to you...
VIN DECODE
C57S217589
C-2400 Series BelAir
57-1957
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
217589-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 1037D-1957 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO S10653-St. Louis Body #
TRIM NO 676-Black & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 819D-Matador Red & India Ivory
EZ1-Tinted Glass
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.