For Sale at Auction: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. VC57L144439
Engine No. F1017EA

Distinguished by its lower stance, bold grille, dramatic hood rockets, full-disc wheel covers, and signature gold-anodized trim, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air represents the pinnacle of the celebrated Tri-Five era, combining new levels of style, comfort, and power. Imbued with an unmistakable presence and Cadillac-inspired styling cues, this refined end-of-an-era design by Harley Earl stands apart from its contemporary competition. While its effortless style has come to define the model, its high-performance V8 and trim options made the Bel Air a hot rod straight off the assembly line, marrying show-stopping looks with the performance to match.

This 1957 Bel Air Convertible features a comprehensive restoration in its original colors of elegant single-tone Onyx Black (793) with a matching soft top over a red and silver (683) upholstered interior. Information supplied with the car records that the appropriately Los Angeles, California-built Bel Air remained in the Golden State as a rust-free example in advance of the rotisserie restoration that retained its original single-piece California-only front bumper, original sheet metal, stainless steel brightwork, and replated chrome trim.

It is fitted with the rarest and most powerful engine available for 1957-the optional 283 cu-in, 245 horsepower V8 with twin four-barrel carburation and a 9.5:1 compression ratio which Chevrolet dubbed the "Corvette V8." For maximum performance, the selection of this engine when new required the fitment of modified heads, a special air cleaner, rumbling dual exhaust system, and the desirable three-speed Synchro-Mesh transmission.

This example is currently equipped with one of the costliest catalog options available in 1957-the desirable Carrier-Wheel option, better known as the Continental Kit. Positively loaded with additional period options, it is currently outfitted with power steering, windows, and seats, an AM Wonder Bar push-button radio, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires, 'spinner' hubcaps, and a power-operated top with a red interior-matching top boot.

Emerging from a collection where it has resided since 2010, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible exemplifies the '57 Chevy's celebrated combination of dramatic styling, powerful V8 performance, and period luxury that has secured its legendary status among American classics. Offered with just 50 miles since a full, high-quality nut and bolt restoration in its original colors with superb attention to detail and benefiting from its California history, it presents an especially handsome and well-equipped example of Chevrolet's celebrated Tri-Five flagship.