1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Sport Sedan – Matador Red Cruiser, Road-Trip Ready, California Solid
If you’re looking for a truly classic American cruiser that’s turn-key ready and dripping with character, take a look at this beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Sport Sedan. Finished in eye-catching Matador Red and lovingly cared for over the past 19 years, this Bel Air is more than just a pretty face—it’s a strong, dependable driver with a rich history and plenty of upgrades where they count.
This ‘57 was originally restored back in the 1990s by a professional shop in Gilroy, California. It was commissioned by none other than Michael Bonfante—yes, that Michael Bonfante—the heir to the Nob Hill grocery chain and a well-known Chevy collector. The car stayed in good hands from there: it was purchased by the second owner in 2002, and the current owner has maintained and cherished it since October of 2006. It’s been garage-kept every day of the last 19 years.
Under the hood, you’ll find a rebuilt 283 V8 that received a fresh lease on life in 2007. Heads were pulled and replaced, and the setup now includes electronic ignition and an electric fuel pump for reliable cruising. Feeding that small block is a two-barrel carburetor—just enough to keep it easy-going and smooth around town or out on the highway.
Backing the V8 is a fully rebuilt Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, completed in 2024. The car starts easily, runs strong, and shifts like it should. Brakes are solid, all lights and gauges are functional, and it’s riding on good tires with a brand-new spare in the trunk.
Inside, the Bel Air sports stock-style upholstery in great condition and a brand-new reproduction headliner that fits right in. It feels like stepping back in time. The dash is clean, the trim is all there, and it’s exactly what you’d want from a California classic—straight, solid, and rust-free.
Included in the sale is a binder packed with receipts and documentation from the last two decades of ownership, plus some great extras: a spare generator, starter, master cylinder, the original radio, and carburetor all come along with the car.
This is the kind of car you can hop in and enjoy today. It’s reliable, comfortable, and just flat-out cool. Whether you want a weekend cruiser, a reliable driver for the local car shows, or just something nostalgic to enjoy on the open road, this Bel Air is ready for its next chapter.
$42995— Contact for more photos, video walkarounds, or to set up a time to see this beauty in person. Located in California. Title in hand.
