"The 1957 Chevrolet may be the most iconic American vehicle of the
1950's despite being outsold by more comparable full size Fords for
the first time since 1935. Where Chevrolet excelled was in the
style department: the '57 Bel Air featured pronounced tail fins and
more aircraft inspired front body treatment. To counter the
"Forward Look" Virgil Exner Chrysler designs of the day, Jordan
called for taller tail fins, headlight surround vents, and
bumperettes that resembled jet aircraft nose cones as key style
points on the Chevrolet. Excerpted from Audrainautomuseum.org
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible showing 4,831
miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one features a newer
350ci V8 and accompanying transmission and single stage repaint
applied in 1980.
Exterior
Can we start with the epic gold trim of the Bel Air including the
big V in front, the ornamental hashmarks on the front fenders, the
grille, and of course, Bel Air scripted on the iconic aluminum tail
fin. This car checks other boxes of classic royalty, aided by the
white canvas top that provides the perfect contrast but blends well
with the side wedge in pure 50's expression. While the rear wheel
is mostly obscured by the streamlining fender skirt, the fronts put
on quite a show with hubcaps and spinners, color matched steel
wheels, and white wall tires. The face of the '57 is an artful
treat, from the headlight bezels, the bold chrome bumper, grille
surround, and center bar, and the torpedo shaped hood ornaments
embedded into the sheet metal. Finally, a Continental kit out back
adds a regalness missing from the standard configuration.
Imperfections here include staining to the top, (there's a new one
included), chipping and cracking paint throughout, crazing,
blistering and chipped paint on deck lid filler and on the fins,
and edge chips throughout.
Interior
Red and silver make up the interior colors beginning on the door
panel with alternating colors delineated with polished trim, and
both doors present cleanly. Excellent condition is how you'll find
the split bench as well with predominantly red vinyl, silver
inserts and button adornment, all in vinyl, mirrored by the back
bench with perfection. With shapes and curves and a mix of
materials, the steering wheel and dash can only be described as
ornate as it artfully houses the gauges, knobs, clock, and AM radio
with the surrounding dash glistening like red lipstick had a run in
with lip gloss. Black loop carpet presents in very nice condition
and the trunk presents as if untouched since 1957.
Drivetrain
Chrome, aluminum and iron contribute the clean presentation of the
350ci V8 under the hood, featuring an Edelbrock intake and Holley
4-barrel carburetor. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission that sends power to the rear axle and 3.36 gears.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath where dual exhaust runs through
MagnaFlow mufflers exiting and exiting at the rear corners. Disc
brakes up front and drum brakes in back are accompanied by coil
springs suspension and leaf springs, front and rear. Overall, the
underside is solid and we note some painted over flakiness on the
door bottoms, any progression seemingly halted by the red
coverage.
Drive-Ability
A roomy and clean interior awaits, and the 350 comes to life
without issue, and we slowly roll this classic American around the
test loop as our tires are dated from 1994. They still track
straight and there's good power underfoot, and eye candy prevails
on the inside and outside of this iconic car. We note the reverse
lights and AM radio are not working but all other functions work as
they should and it's off to the showroom for this beauty. 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.
Look up classic car in the dictionary, (remember those?), and
you're likely to find an image of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. This is
the top of the food chain and a design that will never cease to
attract and amaze. Others tried to match it with designs of their
own, but no manufacturer captured the heart of Americans like
Chevrolet did with the wedge.
C57T198887
C-2400 Series
57-1957
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
198887-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 1067DTX-1957 BelAir Convertible
BODY NO L17399-Lansing Body #
TRIM 682-Yellow & Silver Vinyl
PAINT 800-Colonial Cream
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. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
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!
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