Vehicle Description
The 1957 Bel Air is widely known as the pinnacle vehicle for the GM
brand in the late '50s. Chevrolet was locked in a sales battle with
Ford at the time, resulting in aggressive and ongoing developments
in styling and performance, both of which influenced the 1957
models in important ways. In September 1955, Chevrolet announced
its intentions for the new model year, when engineer Zora
Arkus-Duntov piloted a disguised 1956 Bel Air sedan to a new
American Stock Car class record at Pikes Peak. The secret to his
success was the car's 265ci small-block V8, a new version also
available in the Corvette that employed dual inline Carter 4-barrel
carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold for 225hp and 270 ft/lbs
of torque. Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, OH, recently
completed the concours-grade rotisserie restoration on this 1957
Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that carries that same powerplant as
Zora's at Pikes Peak. The Steinmetz restoration has returned this
Bel Air convertible to factory-original condition in every aspect,
from the authentically detailed engine compartment to correct
factory markings and undercarriage. The body was stripped to bare
metal and repainted in deep gloss code-802 Matador Red, while the
underside was correctly finished as it was on the assembly line in
1957. The dual-quad 265ci small-block V8 engine, featuring the
correct batwing air cleaner, produces solid horsepower and is mated
to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The
car's sporty red paint scheme is complemented by a white power
convertible top and sharp two-tone red and gray interior. Another
touch of elegance is the 3-bar spinner wheel covers and BFGoodrich
Silvertown wide whitewall tires. Further optioned with power
steering, deluxe heater, AM radio, chrome fender-mounted antenna
and a dash-mounted tissue dispenser, this 1957 Bel Air convertible
has been driven a mere 37 miles since completion. From the Raser
Collection.
