Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet Belair 2-dr Convertible
Designer: Clare Mackichan
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Estimate: $100,000 - $130,000
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Chassis Number: VC57B132527
Decoded: V=V8 engine; C=Belair Series; 57=1957; B=Baltimore MD<
assembly, 132527=Serial
Engine: 283 cid OHV "small-block" V8
2X4-barrel Carburetors/245 bhp
2-Speed Powerglide Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Most Iconic 1950's American Car
Professional Level of Restoration and Detailing
Dual Four-Barrel Intake with Hydraulic Lifters
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The Model: In early 1955, just as the quickly re-worked the 1956
Chevrolets had been finalized, work was started on the 1957
edition. Corporate HQ had already dictated that 1957 would have to
be face-lift of the 1956, that's all that was in the budget. Rumors
were flying that the other two members of the low-priced three
would have brand new cars with ground-breaking designs. Mackichan's
team went to work and the finished product was a master-piece. Only
because Ford pushed to produce and dump low-line models on their
dealers, did the best Chevrolet's numbers, and then only by a slim
margin. The iconic look of the Chevrolet, with its impressive and
beautiful up-front grille and bumper design, the the finely crafted
and distinctive side trim, made the 1957 Belair and instant
classic. To celebrate this new look the popular small-block V8
introduced in 1955, was enlarged to 283 cubic inches and came in
six flavors of horsepower. From the base two-barrel, the Power-Pack
4-barrel, a pair of dual four-barrel engines and another pair of
V8's with fuel-injection, made Chevrolet the car performance minded
buyers most often turned to. Top of the lne was the Belair
convertible with 47,562 being produced.
The Car: Color is everything with cars from the 1950's. While some
collectors can only see red, it takes a true patron of beauty to
look at the wide range offered from the palette offered by the 1957
Chevrolet. This stunning example is finished in Colonial Cream, a
light yellow that is accented with seat bolsters finished in
matching vinyl complimented by silver vinyl inserts. Showing just
over 90,000 miles, which are believed to be from new, this car has
been lightly used and always kept in top condition. A new top was
recently added and it was recently re-worked to accept lead-free
gas pumping through those dual four-barrel carbs. While the
bat-wing style air-cleaner is the center of attraction under the
hood, the entire engine compartment has been restored to
better-than-new in appearance and function. The interior is well
appointed with factory AM radio, heater-defroster and clock with
even the luggage compartment looking fresh and new. This 1957
Belair convertible is really a cut-above the regular crowd in its
appearance, performance and iconic design.
