Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel AIr Convertible
Sometimes a hobby turns into obsession, the best simply isn't good
enough, and the student eventually becomes the teacher. With that
in mind, we can't think of a better car to be obsessed with than
the Chevy Bel Air. Long coveted by pretty much anyone who has an
affinity for mixing chrome and gasoline, Tri-Fives like this sweet
'57 continue to prove that, in the realm of mobility, age increases
desirability.
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest Bel Air of them all??
For consignment, a 1957 Bel Air, top of the line restoration in
1998 and in the current consignor's possession for 51 years! The
car still shines and has the classic 50s color scheme bathed in
turquoise with fine trimmings and some fin action, this all correct
and great example is looking like a piece of Fiesta dinnerware.
Exterior
"And then he will carry me away to the castle, where I will live
happily ever after." In your dreams Snow White, and exactly what
this car is made for, pure enjoyment. From its golden toothy grille
that floats between a small upper bumper and lower large bumper
complete with rubber tipped "Dagmars", to the beltline swoop spear
that makes a downward turn on the rear quarter panel, this
restoration is truly the definition of the term "buttoned up." Dual
rocket style hood embellishments are fronting curved gentle tubes
that are on either side of the hood. These run back toward the
windshield where they die into the hood. Very nice, (just like the
bumpers and trim), chrome headlight bezels frame the single
headlights, and wonderful chromed side view mirrors, door handles,
and window trim are all good. Continuing rearward, we see an
offshoot of the downward sloping spear, that also runs to the rear
of the car, and borders a horizontally ribbed aluminum panel with a
gold Be lAir badge in your grandmother's handwriting, and cloisonne
Chevrolet bowtie badge. We need to talk about the straight steel
panels all around, with nicely minded gaps, and covered in
turquoise paint. A white canvas convertible top which has all new
hydraulics put on, moves up and down with ease and the flip off a
switch. 4 shiny chrome Torque Thrust 5 spokes are wrapped by black
wall radials...I'm all shook up! Original wheels and hubcaps as
well as fender skirts are coming with this baby.
Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty
turquoise and ivory white vinyl that has an abundance of chrome
thin trimmings throughout on the door panels. For the seats wide
white bolsters have turquoise inserts, and also add in a white
button in the mid section of each back for these classic chairs. A
nice turquoise full metal 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 AM/FM/Cassette radio, and various
control knobs. Beautiful turquoise carpet floods the floors and a
white tonneau cover very clean covers the white canvas top when
it's in the down position. OK stop staring and put your tongue back
in. Extra seat material and padding are going along for the ride to
your garage.
Drivetrain
Now showing in the clean engine bay fully restored is a 350ci
Chevrolet orange/red block crate motor. On top is a 4-barrel
carburetor, and there is now a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
on back and a 3.36 rear axle. Plenty chromed bolt ons, and an
electric fan to keep everything way cool under this dual rocket
styled hood.
Undercarriage
The frame off restoration has left the undercarriage simply
beautiful looking all painted in black and some slight chip off of
said paint. Shiny black floor pans and pristine black rust free
rockers are mounted securely to a jet black straight rust free
frame. Dual exhaust is like new, worms it's way back past all this
finery, and sports glasspack style mufflers. Power front drum
brakes brakes and the same for the rear make stopping a breeze.
Power steering and independent coil spring front suspension and
leaf spring rear suspension are all clean and pristine.
Drive-Ability
As like the rest of the car, it runs very well, starting
immediately, shifting smoothly, and providing a smooth ride.
Putting the top in the down position and we were off. Plenty of
power from those 4 barrels feeding the 350 cubes, it really takes
off!
If you are in the market for the best year of the Tri-Fives, that
is as close to really nice as one can get, then look no further
because this is the coolest example I've seen in a long while.
Bathed in wonderful 1950's turquoise with white accenting, and a
fab frame off restoration. 1957 was indeed a great year and the
last for the Tri Five domination.
VIN DECODE
VC57A118435
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
57-1957
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
118435-Sequential Unit Number
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.