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.
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest Bel Air of them all??
For consignment, a 1957 Bel Air amateur frame off restoration from
the late 80's that is still showing well today. A few upgrades
along the way in the form of dual quads, a 383ci stroker V8 and a 3
speed automatic make this end of the Tri-Five era hard to pass by.
Bathed in Larkspur Blue with fine trimmings and some fin action,
this well done and near perfect example won't leave you feeling
blue, even if purchased on a lark.
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 Bel Air badge in your grandmother's handwriting, and cloisonne
Chevrolet bowtie badge. Bringing up the tail end is a switch to the
station wagon rear bumper perched just below the heavilychrome
emblazoned tail lights. We need to talk about the straight steel
panels all around, with fair minded gaps, and covered in Larkspur
Blue paint, just beautiful! 4 shiny Larkspur Blue painted steel
wheels with chrome center hubs and trim rings are wrapped by wide
whites...It's gettin' deep!
Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty
broadcloth that has a fine blue bordered flagstone pattern stitched
into a black background. This greets blue vinyl and is used this
way on the door panels, and the seats. Also add in a silver chromed
button in the mid section of each back for these classic chairs. A
nice blue 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 modern AM/FM/Cassette stereo and various control knobs.
Beautiful blue hook and loopcarpet floods the floors, and a tight
pristine blue headliner is floating above all this 50's design.
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue??"
Drivetrain
Fully restored and rebuilt, a 383ci stroker V8 is sitting within
one of the cleanest engine bays in Classic Auto Mall. From
appearances it's mostly correct with its orange block but that
fades as we see ribbed aluminum Edelbrock valve covers and dual
Edelbrock 4-barrel carbs feeding this beautiful mill. In back is a
non original 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission with a shift
kit,and way in the back is a rear axle configuration with a 3.36
ratio. All very nice finishes abound...All I Have To Do Is
Dream.
Undercarriage
The frame off restoration has left the undercarriage simply
beautiful looking absolutely right out of the showroom. Textured
black floor pans and pristine black rust-free rockers are mounted
securely to a jet black straight rust free frame. Dual exhaust
withTurbo mufflers, that is like new, worms its way back past all
this finery. Drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners just like from
the factory and we also note manual steering. Independent coil
spring front suspension with tapered roller bearings 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. A roll
down of the window and we were off. Plenty of power from those dual
4 barrels feeding their 383 cubes, which is more than capable of
making the rear end get loose if you get goosey with your boot.
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 nicest example I've seen in a long while.
Bathed in wonderful Larkspur Blue, and a fab frame off restoration.
Restored to showroom fresh looks, don't let your wish grow cold, so
come take a look.
VC57B123423
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
123423-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
