Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
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-Five group.
For consignment, the highest end car offered in the Tri-Five
lineup, 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 presents as a 1-owner California black plate car
withonly one repaint in the original hue, a snappy 2 tone interior,
factory tinted glass and runs like a sewing machine. Remaining 98%
rust free and just the way that the Los Angeles production plant
built it, we proudly offer to you this final year Tri-Five
Chevrolet.
Exterior
A single respray of the factory Onyx Black hue drapes the straight
steel panels of this car. Trimmings abound 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 the rest of the trim, the
remaining fender toppers, B pillar trim and window wraparound trim
are all looking good with shiny chromed and polished stainless. All
the paint presents well with only a few minor chip offs that come
from being driven and the gaps are well minded throughout. 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 faded 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 and
the large Vee front and center of the hood. 14-inch standard Bel
Air black rimmed and chrome trimmed wheel covers are on all 4
corners. A shout out to the trunk with its solid black steel and
full size spare.
Interior
A more squared off dash instrument cluster for this year presents
itself in black and has symmetrically placed round gauges embedded
in silver 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 the
factory AM radio and some badging above the black 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!). A snazzy
black insert with a patio stone pattern and silver bolster vinyl
cover the front split back bench and rear bench. Deep black carpet
floods the floors and is protected by an over the hump rubber mat.
Shifting is done from the original tree topped with the silver
plastic and chrome horn ring steering wheel. All is looking just
dandy with age appropriate wear including the gray vinyl headliner,
for this believed to be the original interior.
Drivetrain
All 1957 under this hood with a 283ci of V8 power with a 4-barrel
carburetor atop. A 2-speed Powerglide transmission is on the back
along with a 3.36 gear ratio rear axle. Engine bay shows some nice
aging with paint chipping and patina but showcases the orange/red
block and optional power steering splendidly.
Undercarriage
The boxed frame and suspension are all solid on this car with an
overall fine coating of surface rust and patina. 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. Power
drum brakes are seen all around and the bottom end of the engine is
mostly drip free and looks nice. Independent coil spring suspension
is on the front and the ride in the rear is a leaf spring format,
meanwhile dual exhaust with stock replacement mufflers handles the
exhale of spent fossils.
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. All functions proved working well during
our drive and our consignor is correct when he says the engine runs
like a sewing machine.
A good looker, and a cooker on the street for this partially
restored car with good mechanicals and maintenance. A 1957 very
desirable Bel Air presenting as mostly original save for the paint
and 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 Onyx Black
sunset! Happy trails to you...
VC57L196106
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
57-1957
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
196106-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 1037D-1957 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY VN13824-Los Angeles Body #
TRIM 670-Black & Silver Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 793A-Onyx Black
EZI-Tinted Glass
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.
