Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Hardtop
"You've headed for wide open pleasure in this spirited new hardtop,
just one of eight lively, lovely sport models. All reflect
Chevrolet's dashing new styling. All are alive with new colors and
accents of gold or chrome. All offer new comfort and luxurious
interiors. No wonder the '57 Chevrolet is such fun to go in, so
glamorous to be seen in!" From the 1957 brochure, showing a salmon
colored 4 door Bel Air with gold trim.
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door hardtop showing
71,989 miles but true miles are unknown. Along with a new interior,
this example is dressed in a bright red with Chevrolet's epic gold
accent lettering and emblems. This two tone beauty is everything
iconic about 1957 and America's ascendency in automotive design and
style.
Exterior
Perhaps one of the best known cars in history, the tail fin insert
on the Bel Air accounts for its overwhelming recognizability, the
aluminum wedge shaped ornamental addition is a fantastic match for
the Imperial Ivory roof of this car which melts like vanilla ice
cream onto the V-shaped C-pillar. We could stop there on this
Matador Red car and it would have earned your consideration, but
the 1957 design extends to every corner of the car, including the
front where inset torpedo hood ornaments top perfectly bezeled
headlights, wide eyed over a massive chrome grin, the mouth corners
accented by rubber bullet shaped bumpers and inboard ambler marker
lights. The fins out back are bordered by chrome and dip inward
toward moon shaped tail lights, protruding reverse lights, and a
straight chrome bumper. The teardrop wheel opening in the back,
already covering the wheel like schoolgirl bangs, is stretched
further by fender skirts which line up with the stainless rocker
panels that finish the bottom edge. Imperfections include some
orange peel, inclusions in the paint, tiny bubbles in one area, and
a larger bubble down low.
Interior
Red, black, and gray pebble patterned material serves as the
dramatic insert on the doors, accompanied by smooth red and black
vinyl kick panels and all four of the doors are in great shape with
the front being of a more elaborate design. That pebble pattern
returns on the bench seat, this time with decorative buttons and
surrounded by a sea of smooth red vinyl, all of which is naturally
mirrored on the back bench where legroom is vast and occupants will
need to share a single ashtray located on the back of the front
seat. Finger grooves line the red steering wheel, offset by a
polished horn ring and sharing the red column with the speedometer
which, like flowing wax, gives way to two flanking gauges. The mid
panel is perforated aluminum with black knobs and an AM/FM radio
and the entire configuration has aeronautical vibes as space age
design continues on its trajectory into the 1960's. Black loop
carpet covers the floor cleanly and the red headliner, though not
perfectly tight, is fully clean and intact. The massive trunk has a
full size spare and rubber mat that fits the floor like a glove,
and all is super clean.
Drivetrain
A big aluminum radiator fronts an otherwise stock looking, rebuilt
283ci V8, fed by a 4-barrel carburetor and tied to a 700R4 4-speed
automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear axle with 3.36
gears and power brakes are supplied, discs up front and drums out
back. The Corvette valve covers and some dirt on the orange intake
could use a little detailing, and that alone would make the engine
visually pop and get spectators oohing and aahing.
Undercarriage
The underside is fantastically clean with minimal surface rust and
only residual oil around the engine. Dual exhaust flows past the
uniformly black belly and meets stock style mufflers before exiting
via chrome tips out back. Suspension is simple, coil springs up
front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
They called them baby Cadillacs not only for their outward
opulence, but for the smooth and floaty ride that was more luxury
than sport, even as "sport" appeared in some model names in the
original brochure. No, this is about kicking back, left arm on the
door, right hand draped over the top of the steering wheel, and
letting the big Chevy do its thing. And that's just what we did,
rolling along with plenty of power from the V8, straight tracking,
and fine braking. We take note that the luxurious clock on the dash
is not working and the wipers are not functioning either. All other
operational items work as they should on this rolling work of art.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Every collection should have one. Every car show should have at
least one. Every car lover should see one in person. Here's a show
worthy Bel Air in striking red and white exterior decor, black and
red on the inside, and rocking every epic design element put into
perhaps the most iconic American car ever produced. Ask anyone over
the age of 20 to identify it, and 9 out of 10 will be able to do it
with age and make. Try that on any other car! Meanwhile, this one
needs a loving home. We're ready to ship it your way!
VC57F167116
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
167116-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 1039D-1957 Bel Air 4 Door Hardtop
BODY F4855-Flint Body #
TRIM 6761C-Black & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 794A-Imperial Ivory
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
