For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Saint Louis, Missouri

The American car industry reached a fever-pitch in the mid-1950s as the Big Three engaged in a design arms race as fresh, bold new designs arrived with virtually every model year. The Jet Age and Space Race inspired designers as cars sprouted increasingly wild tail fins, intricate grilles, and jet-motif details. Naturally, there were hits and misses in this time period, and while some designs came across as fussy or awkward, a select few exemplify the era with the distinctly bold, graceful designs.
In 1957, Chevrolet introduced new styling, and three trim levels across a multitude of body styles. At the bottom sat the One-Fifty series, then the mid-range Two-Ten series, and at the top sat the beautiful Bel Air. Engine options were similarly diverse, starting with the basic inline-six, then a plethora of V8s, all displacing the same 283 cubic inches, but varying widely in output. Bel Air buyers could even spec their cars with Corvette engines - up to the 283-horsepower fuel-injected V8!
The 1957 Chevrolet is an undisputed icon of the 1950s, transcending the world of automobiles, emerging as pop culture star. With its pronounced eyebrow headlamp treatment, clean slab-sided body, and distinctive tail fins with optional contrasting cove, the 1957 Chevrolet was certainly a handsome car. Interestingly, the Ford Fairlane outsold Chevrolet in 1957, yet the Chevy has endured as a symbol of the carefree, consumer-crazy era when high style was available to the everyman. The Chevy's popularity endures across generations, and genres - perennially popular with restorers, hot rodders, and Kustom Kulture enthusiasts around the world.
This incredible 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible custom is a gorgeous example of a high-end custom, meticulously built from the ground up by Bradley Built Restorations of Phoenix, Arizona, a firm renowned for superb quality. Finished in jet black paint over a laser-straight steel body, it is dressed in full Bel Air trim. The body shape is faithful to the iconic original design, but virtually every aspect of the car including the fit, finish quality, and detailing has been elevated to breathtaking standards. At first glance, only the stunning paintwork and polished billet Schott wheels give it away as something truly special.
While the body remains largely unmodified, this car is thoroughly modernized under the skin. It starts with an Art Morrison Performance GT chassis complete four-wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, coil-over dampers, and massive four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes. The sophisticated chassis is necessary to tame the GM Performance LS3, reportedly rated at a heady 525 bhp, which is mated to a 4L60E automatic transmission. The drivetrain setup will handle everything from tire-smoking shenanigans to effortless, all-day high-speed cruising.
Swing open the precisely fit driver's door and you're met with beautiful glove-soft white leather bucket seats and door panels against black carpets and console. The seats feature contrasting black deviated stitching and perforated inserts. The custom console houses neatly integrated spun alloy cup holders, switches for the electric windows and power top, and a full screen audio head unit with all the modern connectivity. A Vintage Air a/c system keeps occupants cool, while stylish Dakota Digital instruments monitor the vitals.
Impressive details abound, such as the polished billet hood hinges and uncluttered engine bay, complete with a smoothed firewall adorned with custom Bel Air script. There is also a fully upholstered trunk with accent lighting, and even the classic-style side mirrors hide built-in LED turn signals in the lenses.
While custom projects can sometimes dilute the essence of the subject, this incredible 1957 Bel Air combines world-class craftsmanship by Bradley Built Restorations with modern underpinnings, while preserving the magic that makes the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air a celebrated design icon.

Offers welcome and trades considered.