Vehicle Description
Chassis No. VC57S192323
Body No. 1222
The word "iconic" is applied so often to automobile designs that it
has almost lost much of its original punch; however, it feels wrong
to not apply it to describe the 1957 Chevrolet, especially the
top-of-the-line Bel Air convertible. It has been aptly described as
the most popular used car in history, having essentially always had
a hot following and always been in demand since its original
production. Most significantly, like a two-seat Thunderbird or a
Corvette Sting Ray, it is an instantly recognizable design to most
of the public. Even if one is not a "car person," they know a '57
Bel Air when they see it - tribute to its enduring power.
Registration copies in the file indicate that this particular Bel
Air convertible was owned by Leonard Fontana of Fountain Vault,
California, prior to its acquisition by the H. Robert Nelson Family
of Maple Glen, Pennsylvania. The Nelsons undertook a complete
restoration of the Bel Air to a meticulously factory-correct
standard, after which it was shown in AACA national competition,
winning the Louis Chevrolet Memorial Award in 2000. In 2005 it was
acquired directly from the Nelsons for the Gateway Automobile
Museum, where it has remained since.
The car has recorded 569 miles at the time of cataloging and
remains in truly excellent, show-quality condition throughout.
Finished in classic Larkspur Blue with a blue vinyl interior,
matching its trim tag, it is equipped with the Power Pack 283 cu-in
V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, as well as
Powerglide transmission, power steering and brakes, DCI tinted
glass, clock, Wonderbar radio, day/night rear-view mirror, power
windows, seatbelts, rubber-tip bumpers, and front parking lights.
The interior is properly finished with loop pile carpeting and a
top boot grained to match the white pinpoint vinyl top, and the top
irons are correctly restored.
Examining the undercarriage reveals very proper finishes, including
overspray in the correct areas, red oxide primer on the floor pans,
authentic spiral shock absorbers, and detail extending to the green
finish on the wire clips. The engine compartment is equally finely
finished to a high standard, with all hardware showing as-new, and
such niceties as a windshield washer with glass jar. Further, the
engine itself is properly coded for its equipment of Powerglide
transmission and the four-barrel carburetor.
Still an extremely fine example of a very important American
postwar car, this 1957 Chevrolet reflects the Nelsons' fine
standards as well as the continued excellent care that has received
in the Gateway Automobile Museum. It is an outstanding Bel Air in
every important regard.
Collection Guarantee Disclosure
Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at
live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection
has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including
this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price
obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.
