I am not sure if there is anything we can say about the tri five
Chevy's that hasn't already been said. These vehicles continue to
be among the most sought after classics on the market. They are the
ultimate "classic" that both novices and hobbyists can easily
identity. They make the base for some of the coolest customs on the
planet and this clean 57 BelAir Hardtop falls into that class. It
started life as a true V8 BelAir Hardtop but has been transformed
into a high end, top of the line, pro touring custom. The car has
completed a body off restoration where everything was entirely gone
through. It took 7 years to complete and was finished in 2021. It
has all of its original body panels which are in excellent shape
with zero rust issues. It is painted in a Blue Pearl Satin paint
combined with a Silver Metallic top which combines very well
together. The body sits on a powder coated chassis and the entire
undercarriage is in very clean show ready condition. The chrome and
stainless trim is in beautiful condition as well and cleanly
mounted in place. All the glass has a slight tint and complements
the dark body color perfectly. The windshield has 2 speed electric
wipers from Specialty Windows. The car rides on a very clean set of
Budnik Tungsten wheels (18x7 - front, 19x9 - rear) which are
wrapped in Hankook Ventus V12 tires.
In lieu of that vintage 50's V8 this classic is now sporting a new
LS3 motor. Vintage Chevy power with modern Chevy performance
technology. It is a match made in heaven. The entire engine
compartment was very well laid out with lots of chrome and matching
Blue Pearl throughout. Even the plumbing was well thought out and
kept cleanly routed and hidden. Even the computer system and heater
control valves/AC dryer were hidden in the inner fenders. It
features an American Auto Wire harness, Kwik Performance serpentine
belt system, chrome AC compressor, chrome high amp alternator,
polished Be Cool radiator, dual electric fans with Dakota
controller, Kwik brackets, ceramic coated Sanderson headers, and
ceramic coated exhaust. Paired with the motor is a 4L65E automatic
transmission that transfers power back to the Johns narrowed Ford 9
inch posi rear end with 3:70 gears. Both the motor and transmission
were a new package known as the Connect and Cruise which is offered
by GM Performance Parts. As you can tell this car wasn't created to
just be a looker but a performance driver as well. It has a Wilwood
disc brakes system including 4 wheels disc brakes including master
cylinder. It also has a power rack & pinion making it a very
comfortable car to cruise around in. It also has parallel leafs
springs in the rear with adjustable QA1 coil overs in the front. As
mentioned before, the undercarriage is very cleanly laid out with
everything being nicely painted or powder coated. Under the rear is
a Tanks Inc gas tank with an an in tank fuel pump.
On the inside you will find the Ron Mangus custom interior that is
just as well done as the rest. Look up his name and you will see a
history of awards for his high quality work. The OEM split bench
seat is done in Gray and all of the upholstery work, carpet, door
panels, and suede headliner are in excellent condition. The seat is
very comfortable and it has Black lap belts in front and rear. The
dash is very cleanly done in a matching Gray and has a great look.
A custom panel was built and added under the dash for the Vintage
AC system vents. This isn't your typical underdash unit though, it
fits with the rest seamlessly and looks right at home. In front of
the driver sits a Ididit tilt steering column with a matching
Budnik Tungsten steering wheel and Dakota Digital gauges. Other
nice interior features include the Dakota Digital cruise control
system, NuRelic power windows and Custom Audio sound system
(AM/FM/Bluetooth/MP3). The trunk is all finished out nicely and has
a hidden panel to hide the Optima Red top battery with kill switch.
The car comes with a show sign as well as receipts, records, and a
car cover.
You really aren't going to find a weak area anywhere on this
car.
You couldn't come close to building this beauty for only
$135,000.00!
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