Vehicle Description
Chevrolet Bel-Airs were the pinnacle of Chevrolet's lineup in 1957.
Other than the Corvette, there were three versions of the marque's
full-size car - the workaday 150, the mid-range 210 and the cream
o' the crop Bel-Air. Collectively, the 1955 to 1957 models are
referred to as Tri-Fives, along with the Nomad two-door station
wagon. This stunning example was held as a prized possession for
the past 50 years. It recently went through a cost as no object,
nut and bolt restoration to a show quality standard, simply
stunning!
Finished in a red from the Porsche paint palette, the car's paint
and refreshed trim are in overall excellent condition, this
convertible was made in GM's Norwood, Ohio factory. While the car
was getting a fresh coat of paint, a replacement red, fabric
power-folding top with a glass back window was installed. The
chrome trim was triple plated, plus new side moldings and chrome
bumpers. The V-shaped emblem on the trunk lid doubles as a center,
high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).
This droptop rolls on new radials - General Altimax 43 RTs in
front, size 215/60R17, and Nitto NT555s in back, size 255/50ZR17,
in back. Each one is mounted to new, five-spoke gray wheel. The
wheels and tires are in excellent order. Classic Performance
Products have been installed to lower and modify the suspension
with a steering box and control arms plus two-inch drop spindles
and an aftermarket front sway bar.
Under the hood is a newly rebuilt 305 CID V-8 engine with an
aftermarket camshaft, FiTech fuel injection and a Champion aluminum
radiator, all installed by the previous owner. The engine breathes
via dual exhausts. Backing the motor is a Turbo Hydramatic 350
three-speed automatic transmission. Driver convenience features
include power steering, upgraded power four-wheel disc brakes
(cross-drilled rear rotors) and power windows, plus the front vent
windows. The car rides and drives as good as it looks.
On the inside, the car has a new red interior with black trim. The
front and rear bench seats are upholstered in red and black vinyl
and look fantastic. So does the red carpet, which looks
showroom-new. There's a three-spoke aftermarket steering wheel with
a red rim, a red instrument panel and inner door panels that are
red with black trim. A column-mounted shift lever and a Wonderbar
AM radio with Bluetooth connectivity complete the interior.
The 1957 Bel-Air is considered by many to be an icon of its age. .
.right alongside Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and the Leave it to Beaver
television show, and is among the most recognizable American cars
of all time; well-maintained examples, especially sport coupes and
convertibles are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
They are roomy, with tastefully restrained, period use tail fins
and chrome. A second automatic transmission, Turboglide was
optional. While the original two-speed Powerglide continued
unchanged, Turboglide provided a continuously variable gear-ratio
which made "shifting" imperceptible. The shift quadrant on
Turboglide cars followed a "P R N D Gr" pattern.
From 1955 to 1957, production of the two-door Nomad station wagon
was assigned to the Bel-Air series, although its body and trim were
unique to that model. Prior to becoming a regular production model,
the Nomad first appeared as a Corvette-based concept vehicle in
1954. Chevrolet has since unveiled two concept cars bearing the
Nomad name, most recently in 1999. The 1955-1957 Chevrolets are
commonly referred to as Tri Fives.
Documentation includes original firewall trim tag, color swatches,
FiTech fuel injection instruction manual, an Aurora BTW user
operations manual and other Canadian documents.
The previous owner states that approximately 50,000 miles have been
added under his ownership and less than 200 more miles since
completion of the refurbishment.
Competition to this Bel-Air in 1957 included Ford's Fairlane 500
and Plymouth's Belvedere convertibles.
If you've always wanted a show quality Tri-Five Chevy like your dad
or granddad had, this is your chance. If a classic convertible
appeals to you, this head-turner will draw crowds wherever it goes,
regardless of season. Visit MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check
out this Tri-Five beauty today!
VIN: VC57N183736
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis,
Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 2,315 miles. It is
sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title.
GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that
pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.
