Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional example of
this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible in striking 'Onyx Black'
color paint and with an absolutely superb condition 'Silver
& Red' vinyl interior, with a 283 'Turbo-Fire' V8 engine
matched to a 'Powerglide' automatic transmission, full wheel covers
with 14" white wall tires, three spoke steering wheel with full
horn ring, electric clock, stainless steel trim on windshield, side
windows & rear windows, stainless steel front fender trim,
gold anodized front fender louvers, power top, full carpeting and
with added factory options of the AM radio and vintage LP record
player, and DeLuxe Heater & Defroster.The 1957 Chevrolet
Bel Air Convertible offered here features a still very presentable
older, frame off restoration finished in its original factory color
combination of 'Onyx Black' over 'Red and Silver' interior. The car
comes optioned with the 283 V8 engine and automatic transmission.
Other highlights include: power top, classic spinner hubcaps, new
convertible top and top frame, new hydraulic cylinders, 5 new wide
white wall tires, recent brake service, AM-FM with cassette and
working vintage ARC under dash mounted 45RPM record player with
auto record changer One of the USA's most recognized classic cars
ever, the Chevrolet Bel Air was introduced in 1950 as a sporting 2
door Hardtop Coupe powered by a 6 cylinder engine and using a
smooth Powerglide transmission. The Bel Air range was expanded in
1953 to sedans and a very desirable convertible and by 1954, a
station wagon, the Nomad was added to the range of models. By 1955
a comprehensive restyling arrived at its definitive classic shape
and the Bel Air was the flagship model of the entire Chevrolet
division. There's no better example of GM's styling and engineering
prowess in the late fifties than the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Convertible - drive one like this particular example and you will
see why - its hard to believe that this car was built over 58 years
ago!In 1957 the all new Bel Air was advertised as having "exciting
new looks, zippy new power and luxurious new interiors" and boy did
they ever! 'Zippy new power' included a larger displacement 283 CID
V8 engine in 6 different variations of a 2 or 4 barrels
carburretor, dual 4 barrels available with either hydraulic or
solid valve lifters and for the first time ever, a fuel injected
version. 'Exciting new looks' included a complete restyling of both
the front & rear of the car. At front, an integrated bumper
and grille for a massive wide expanse of chrome. A full width
center grille bar held the parking lights at each end with the
Chevrolet 'Bowtie' crest in the center. Headlight surrounds
included screen-type trim that actually doubled as fresh air
intakes. The face of the hood featured the Chevrolet script with a
'V' under it on cars equipped with the new V8 engines, with the
top-of-the-line 'Bel Air' models featuring a gold anodized grille
and the 'Bel Air' bodyside script. Atop the hood were new twin
'windsplit' ornaments instead of the traditional hood ornament of
the older models. At back were higher rear fenders with tail fins
lined in chrome. These would be the only true vertical tail fins to
appear on a Chevy with the later 1959 & 1960 models having
horizontal tail fins. The 'Bel Air' had a ribbed two-tone silver
anodized aluminum panel between the quarter rear trim pieces.
'Luxurious new interiors' featured new fabrics, colors and designs
complimented by a new instrument panel design with gauges centered
over the steering column in two small round pods flanking a larger
speedometer pod.This particular example has obviously always been
cherished as a 'Garage Queen' with only very few miles since its
restoration.
