For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Hardtop

"The iconic 'wedge' side trim on the 1957 Chevrolet, (popular on the Two-Ten series), was born out of a frantic corporate rush. General Motors originally planned an entirely new body design for 1957, but production delays forced stylists to heavily facelift the existing 1955-1956 shell for one more year. Designers led by Harley Earl scrambled to craft fresh, eye catching side spear accents and tail fins by hand in clay. This emergency refresh created the distinct tapered, wedge shaped side molding that housed contrasting paint or anodized inserts." Hemmings.com

For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door hardtop showing 49,536 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. This has been family owned since new and has one repaint while retaining its original interior.

Exterior
Code 811 is alive and well on this beauty with India Ivory capping the Tropical Turquoise body, all perfectly outlined by polished stainless trim that provides strong edges to the roofline, a side spear along the side, and of course, accentuates the iconic fender wedge in back. Like a fine Picasso, the designers must have put down their pencils with great satisfaction at the completion of this car, so perfectly proportioned with fins and fenders and fanciness. A whale sized grille with alert eyes in the form of bezel lined headlights and torpedo hood ornaments makes up the fascia while in back, robust trim lines the fenders and drops down to cover the fins, blending seamlessly into the substantial bumper out back. 14-inch wheels carry the blue paint, white walls and artful wheel covers to complete the ideal profile. Imperfections include edge chips, inclusions in some trim, uneven filler at the roof/trim connection, bubbling, body chips, light pitting on the chrome, scuffs, and a rock chip in the windshield.

Interior
The original interior begins with black based cobblestone print sandwiching turquoise vinyl panels on the doors and other than some light patina, all four open with more than presentable coverage. Cobblestone inserts on the turquoise vinyl is the configuration of both the split bench up front and full bench in back, again showing some light patina and a seam split on the driver's side but overall in nice condition. It's a sea of glossy turquoise up front that starts with the steering wheel and continues to the dash where round gauges protrude proudly forward with lights and knobs a bit further backstage, but in a planned symmetrical and classic design. The mesh mid panel takes in the AM radio, square clock, and slightly aged Bel Air call out in gold. Below the dash, we find an added triple gauge pack with woodgrain faceplate and an AM/FM radio over turquoise carpet and rubber mats. The headliner keeps the palette going and shows some slight age but remains fully intact while the trunk is fitted with a rubber mat and houses the spare.

Drivetrain
A bright orange engine is revealed to be a date correct 283ci V8, capable of 220 horsepower and receiving go juice through a 4-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear axle and 3.36 gears.

Undercarriage
We've got a typical patina with surface rust, oxidation, and a bit of oil on the pan, as well as some surface rust on the door bottoms. Dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers with one side looking newer than the other. In addition, the gas tank looks newer. Drum brakes are on all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
We can only imagine the family fun this car provided, especially in the late-50's when it was still new. But it has survived well and provides a virtually trouble free ride from the roomy cabin with great visibility. We note the AM radio doesn't work and the heater blower only works on the low setting. Beyond that, all functions work as they should. 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.

The color, the wedge, the interior! Look up "classic car" in the encyclopedia, (an ancient series of books that would illustrate and explain anything and everything), and surely, a photo of a '57 Chevrolet Bel Air would surface as the design standard bearer for the mid century period. Here's a fantastic example that will never be out of style!

VC57B181261

V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
181261-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

STYLE 57 1039D-1957 BelAir/210 4 Door Hardtop
BODY M7774-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 673-Black & Turquoise Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 811-India Ivory & Tropical Turquoise

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.

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