"During the 1950s and 1960s, American automakers began
manufacturing a wide range of convertible models to meet increased
consumer demand after WW2. The challenge? Older designs continued
to present issues with window sealing and rattling. The solution?
Manufacturers introduced convertibles with full frame doors and
folding fabric tops, which was first seen with the 1950 Nash
Rambler. Close on the heels of this new and improved model, and we
saw the birth of popular vehicles such as the AMC Rambler American,
Studebaker Lark, Packard Caribbean, Oldsmobile 98, and Chrysler
Imperial." Motorlease.com
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible 375 miles,
but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. The
pride and joy of a body shop proprietor for many years, this car
served as the parade transport vehicle for Miss America in Atlantic
City on many occasions. It was fully restored between 2010 and
2014.
Exterior
One of the more iconic of the fourteen colors available for the
fifty seven Chevrolet is this Tropical Turquoise, here gleaming in
two stage excellence and of course, offset by the white toned
fender wedge. Stunning coordination is accomplished with a white
canvas top above and the white wall tires below which are wrapped
around turquoise 14-inch wheels, themselves complemented by proper
polished wheel covers. And speaking of polish, chrome and polished
trim is everywhere on the car but most especially out back where
the fins are bordered by it, the Continental kit is wrapped in it,
and the bumper and tail lights become one enveloped in it. There
are no angles on this car that wouldn't look great photographed or
painted and framed on the wall; it's rolling art to be sure! But
our job is not done until we take a super close look. Alas,
imperfections include some inclusions, chips, light mars in the
wedge, edge chips, some rust on the trunk guide, cracking paint
over front wheel, filler and gap issue on driver's door, paint run,
and a scuff on rocker trim.
Interior
Turquoise and white don't miss a beat and become the palette on the
inside, beginning with alternating bands of vinyl on the door
panels, both presenting in pristine condition. The seats that
include a front split bench and full rear bench, also show very
nicely, alternating panels of turquoise and white vinyl with white
button ornamentation. Turquoise is expressed with shine on the
steering wheel and dashboard with only black faced gauges, the AM
radio, and the aluminum mid panel trim veering from the color and
it all shows just as it did on the showroom floor 69 years ago.
Turquoise carpet is below and the trunk is neatly finished with a
rubberized mat and matching spare wheel.
Drivetrain
Presenting in original configuration is the 283ci V8 under the
hood, with a 2-barrel carburetor and a horsepower rating of 185. A
Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission is attached behind, and
power is routed to the rear axle and 3.36 gears. The car runs on a
12 volt system.
Undercarriage
Another homerun as the underside is in spotless condition, backlit
by the red oxide primer on the belly pans in a rust free and grime
free environment. Here, dual exhaust travels through stock style
mufflers then find their exit through steel pipes out back. Drum
brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil
springs in front and leaf springs out back.
Drive-Ability
We take a step back in time and pilot this clean '57 onto the test
loop where the engine runs well, the throttle responds with vigor,
and the car tracks straight and true. We note the radio, reverse
lights, and heater blower are not working but all other functions
on this pampered piece operate 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.
There are drivers and then there are show cars, and some that fall
in between. We'd put this one in the show category with an interior
that's close to pristine and in every other way, as clean or as
close to it as when new. So, if your collection lacks a proper
Tri-Five, consider this masterpiece for your stable!
VC57B208287
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
208287-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 1067DTX-1957 BelAir Convertible
BODY L27366-Lansing Body #
TRIM 683-Red & Silver 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. 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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