Vehicle Description
An icon in American automotive design known throughout the world!
Considered the junior Cadillac to consumers, it possessed the
classic 1950's rear fins, plenty of trim to polish from front to
back, and a very handsome look overall! Chevrolet called it "Sweet,
Smooth, and Sassy!" in their advertising copy. Words that continue
to ring true today, and a perfect embodiment of young mid-Fifties
America!
We couldn't be prouder to offer this brilliantly preserved 1957
Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe! It's finished in its original,
factory code-correct Onyx Black (originally with an India Ivory
roof) exterior (807D) with correct Black & Red cloth and
leatherette interior (676)! Powered by its original Super Turbo
Fire 283ci Power Pack 4bbl/dual exhaust V8 engine offering 220
horsepower, a Powerglide automatic transmission, and original
3.36:1 rear axle ratio! Additional factory options and accessories
on this special Bel Air are abundant, totaling 28 in all, including
power steering, Bendix Treadle-vac power brakes, power front seat,
electric windshield wipers, GM accessory windshield washer system,
deluxe heater, reverse lights, electric clock, original
dealer-installed continental kit, trunk lid accessory trim,
Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio with rear seat speaker, door
handle paint protectors, 14" wheels with wide whitewall tires,
tri-bar spinner hubcaps, parking brake warning light, Chevrolet
passenger vanity mirror, Chevrolet litter bag under the dash (very
rare), vacuum operated ashtray, fender skirts with accessory
stainless trim, front bumper guards, rear bumper bullets, and
rocker panel molding accent strips to name a few.
It is hard to stress the impressive caliber of a car this well
survived! It shows only 53,022 actual miles on the odometer and was
owned by its original Jacksonville, FL owner for the first 34
years! He would visit the Chevrolet dealership in late 1956 at the
age of 33 and personally order his Bel Air Convertible with all the
options he wanted, and later took delivery of one of the first 1957
Bel Air convertibles in the country. Bearing Atlanta factory Fisher
body #258, it remains one of the earliest production examples ever
seen amongst both experts and seasoned Chevy collectors alike! It
was admired by the second owner after spotting it at a Dade City,
FL car show in 1984, and after 6 years of building a relationship
with the original owner, and encouraging him to sell it to him, it
finally happened in July 1990 with only 50,239 miles on the
odometer. It would go into a large collection based in Brooksville,
FL driven sparingly over the next 14 years.
The third owner, also based in Florida, came to own the vehicle in
2004 with 50,526 miles on the odometer. It remained very original
with the exception of one repaint completed by the original owner
in the 1970's along with new interior carpet, and one professional
engine rebuild in the 1980's to better perform on today's unleaded
fuels. It would be shown as a very nice, original driver until a
judging event at the 2006 Classic Chevy Club International Winter
Nationals where experts would highlight multiple fascinating
details regarding the car's originality, rarity of options, and its
early build characteristics! It would earn 3rd Place honors and
inspired this third owner to complete a deserving, high point
frame-on restoration.
The original, rust-free body would be stripped of its original
stainless trim and chrome for a complete, professional respray in 6
coats of Black Chroma Base and 4 clear coats before being color
sanded to a smooth, mirror-like finish. The front and rear bumpers
were re-plated to concours quality with the original, factory
stainless trim and clips left untouched as they remained in
excellent condition. An exacting replacement interior upholstery
would be supplied by CARS Inc, with the original headliner and sun
visors remain factory original. The balance of the engine
compartment and chassis would be thoroughly cleaned and detailed
with fresh components. One extra option that was added during
restoration included Classic Auto Air of Tampa, FL to
professionally install their air conditioning system with factory
correct dash vents and upgrading to a Griffin aluminum radiator. A
complete list of individual items rebuilt or updated was provided
in great detail by the restorer, including many photographs of
unique, early Bel Air build attributes noted during the
process.
Also provided with the sale are personal letters from all three of
the original owners documenting their individual ownership history,
copy of the Florida transfer from first to second owner with actual
mileage listed, owner's manual, sales brochure, original and extra
sets of keys, and binder full of interesting vehicle information.
It is a remarkable piece of General Motors automotive history, and
one of the most favorably optioned Bel Air Sport Coupes we've had
the privilege of offering! Thanks for looking and please call to
discuss adding this classic to your collection!
