Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a frame-off restoration that was completed in
1998
Correct 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8
Correct Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
Correct Onyx Black paint / White top
Correct Red and Silver vinyl interior
Sale includes restoration receipts and restoration photos
Factory power steering
14-inch wheels
Sometimes a hobby turns into obsession, the best simply isn't good
enough, and the student eventually becomes the teacher. With that
in mind, we can't think of a better car to be obsessed with than
the Chevy Bel Air. Long coveted by pretty much anyone who has an
affinity for mixing chrome and gasoline, tri-fives like this sweet
'57 continue to prove that, in the realm of mobility, age increases
desirability. But this isn't just some fixed-to-cruise charmer
that'll look good in front of the local Dairy Queen. It's a highly
correct drop-top that's benefitted from a comprehensive frame-off
restoration. Looking for some solid throwback metal that's been
polished for the 21st century? Then take a look at your next
classic!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Much more impressive than when it originally rolled down GM's
storied Flint assembly line, this well-done Chevy has been
transformed into a super slick cruiser that consistently turns
heads. Its glossy Onyx Black fa�ade is the product of a detailed,
frame-off restoration that was completed in 1998. Naturally, that
rebuild included a full strip of the car's chassis and sheetmetal,
which lead to the installation of new rocker panels. Not
surprisingly, those panels complete fit and finish that's almost
good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately, it
all adds up to one super cool classic that, thanks to its
spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely
magnetic presence!
The '57 is certainly the most well-known of the tri-fives, with
brilliant chrome and crisp, retro styling that strikes a perfect
balance between grandiose '50s bling and exaggerated '60s
proportions. That styling begins with a heavy, body-width bumper
that props a clean Bel Air grille behind a pristine Chevrolet crest
and two clear parking lamps. Above that crest, gold header
ornamentation rides between hooded T3 headlights and '57
Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullets and spoons'. At the sides of those
lights, classic tri-five stainless is flanked by gold fender
louvers and dent-free rocker guards. Above those louvers,
curvaceous chrome trim splits the difference between a small
mirror, tinted glass, polished wipers and guarded door handles.
Behind that mirror, power-operated vinyl folds in front of angled
antennas. And behind those antennas, peaked fin caps highlight a
second chrome bumper, '57 Chevy-exclusive taillights and trademark
trunk ornamentation.
ENGINE
In 1957, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most
common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power,
created plenty of torque and, even in today's world of 300
horsepower grocery getters, is still lively and impressive. Follow
this Bel Air's deep Onyx shine in to its muted engine bay and
you'll find a fully rebuilt small block that's been layered in a
thick coat of Chevy Orange skin. At the top of that legendary mill,
an old school, Satin Black air cleaner funnels wind in to a
familiar Rochester carburetor that's equipped with stainless fluid
lines and a glass AC filter bowl. At the base of that carb, a
vintage intake feeds air and fuel in to proven cast iron heads that
are capped by stamped and silver-detailed valve covers. At the back
of those heads, a traditional points distributor shoots fire
through pliable plug wires. Once those fires have been lit, a big
radiator circulates coolant through "GM" branded hoses and vintage
squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, traditional V-belts
spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite factory power steering.
Once combustion is extinguished, stock exhaust manifolds whisk
spent gases in to true-dual pipes. And items like correct decals
and a Delco yellow cap battery topper set a retro tone.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under this razor-sharp drop-top, a stunningly straight chassis is
finished in standard Satin Black paint and, when viewed next to the
car's plethora of clean suspension parts, will give you doubts
about the age of its 1998 restoration. Above that top notch
chassis, Oxide Red floorpans wear a correct amount of Onyx Black
overspray. Behind the engine, a correct Powerglide 2-speed twists
torque to a factory-spec rear end. Holding that road ready
powertrain in place is a fully restored suspension which includes
traditional control arms up front and familiar leaf springs out
back. Cushy turning characteristics are provided by the
aforementioned power steering. Confident stops come courtesy of
manual drum brakes. At the center of the floor, a 2.5-inch,
true-dual exhaust system pipes spent gases through deep-sounding
turbo mufflers. And power hits the pavement thanks to 14-inch
steelies, which spin G78-14 Cushion Aire POLY 4 whitewalls around
ornate spinner hubcaps.
INTERIOR
In the '50s, GM was the king of design. Period. And this Bel Air's
correct 2-tone interior is one of the most beautiful cockpits ever
mounted behind a motor. As fastidiously crafted as the car's
bodywork, the red and silver seats are firm and extremely spacious.
There's a sculpted dash that's based in red, trimmed in stainless
and equipped with a correct AM radio. At the base of that dash,
tight carpet floats bowtie-branded floor mats. Note the car's
spectacular door panels, which carry their combination of stainless
and 2-tone vinyl past crank windows to a color-keyed convertible
cowl. The centerpiece of this tailored environment is an expertly
restored steering wheel, which anchors a chrome horn ring between a
chrome shifter and classy Bel Air column topper. And behind the
cockpit, a spotless trunk features a correct jack, a full-size
spare tire and plenty of room to pack whatever your itinerary calls
for.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts
A set of fender skirts
When you add up all the ingredients that went in to creating this
killer Bel Air, it becomes obvious that the builder really
cherished the car. There are no shortcuts, no marginal parts and
nothing that looks out of place on what is uniformly a high-quality
piece. Of course, quality never goes out of style. And when you hit
the strip in this awesome drop-top, you can literally watch the
crowds form!