"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.
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door hardtop showing
9,672 miles, but the true miles are unknown. With sights set on
building a safe and comfortable car for his wife, lots of time and
effort has been put into this car by our consignor, with
improvement coming to the brakes, interior, and engine.
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 contrast
to the single stage Onyx Black of this car. We could stop there on
this, but the 1957 design extends to every corner of the car,
including the front where inset torpedo hood ornaments complement
perfectly bezeled headlights, wide eyed over a massive chrome grin,
the mouth corners accented by rubber bullet shaped bumpers and
inboard 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
front and back arch over 14-inch red wheels with full moon wheel
covers wrapped in white wall tires. Imperfections include some
minor pitting on some metal parts, scuffs at a wheel opening and a
dented scuff on a bumper.
Interior
Black and gray pebble patterned material serves as the dramatic
insert on the doors, accompanied by smooth silver and black vinyl
panels and all four of the doors show some age but are in good
shape with some fading of the pebbles. That pebble pattern returns
on the bench seat, this time with decorative buttons and surrounded
by a sea of smooth silver 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 silver steering wheel, showing some patina
and offset by a polished horn ring and sharing the silver column
with the speedometer which gives way to two flanking gauges. A
tachometer has been added, and it sits below the dash. The mid
panel is perforated aluminum with black knobs and an AM/FM/Cassette
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 silver headliner sits high
and tight. The massive trunk has a full size spare and fitted loop
carpet mat that fits the floor like a glove, and all is super
clean, including the custom cover on the spare.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a bright orange 283ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor
and a horsepower rating of 185. A Powerglide 2-speed automatic
transmission is behind it and sends power to 3.36 gears in the rear
axle. The bay features a newer radiator and some chrome dress up
bits.
Undercarriage
The addition of a newer gas tank included the installation of a new
fuel pump and lines. The dual exhaust travels through an H-pipe,
then stock style mufflers and eventually exits via chrome tips in
back. The four wheel drum brakes were completely overhauled for
safety all the way down to new axle seals. Suspension consists of
lowering springs up front and leaf springs in the back. Overall
underside condition is good with some typical surface rust, a few
drops of oil on the pan, and some oil sling at the rear
U-joint.
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 radio is 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.
Lots of TLC went into the Bel Air already and it can be driven
exactly as is, or let your imagination run wild and thumb through
the aftermarket catalogs to see the endless esthetic upgrades and
restorative items available. As is, it's one of the number one head
turners in all the classic car environment, and a sure bet for near
timeless collectability
VC57B151822
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
151822-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 1039D-1957 Bel Air 4 Door Hardtop
BODY M4084-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 670-Black & Silver Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 793-Onyx Black
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!
Vehicle Details
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Listing ID:CC-1999790
Price:$29,000
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1957
Make:Chevrolet
Model:Bel Air
Exterior Color:Onyx Black
Interior Color:Black
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:9672
Stock Number:7800
VIN:VC57B151822
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