1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2dr Sport Coupe (True VC code - No Post car)
Built in The Chevrolet plant in Oakland California, this car remained a California car until a gentleman from Missouri purchased it in 1991. He enjoyed the car as is until 12years later when he decided it was time for a freshen-up. The freshen-up turned into a full-on, top to bottom restoration done by the owner himself. What a beautiful restoration it was. Nearly three years later, it was completed to perfection. Body panels were rust free and in excellent condition to start and are still on the car today. Gaps are perfect. Original floors were also kept as they too were in excellent condition. He repainted the car in its original colors; the rare combination of Black Onyx & India White which today still looks beautiful and far better than the factory had intended. All stainless has been hand polished. Emblems were either polished or are NOS replacements.
The interior was completely redone using all NOS parts and material and remains every bit as original as the day it left the factory in 1957. Every gauge lights up and works properly as well as the speedometer and odometer, lights, wipers, horn, signals and the AM radio after the tubes warm up (20 seconds). An aftermarket FM converter from the 70s/80s was installed under the dash. It works by tuning in the factory AM radio to a certain channel which then plays the FM stations on the converter. Cool Old School stuff and it does work. The steering wheel is the original. Windows roll up & down easily. Doors open & close as they should and the factory drip rails above the doors work as well. The seats are "like new" using NOS material in the original colors of black & gray. This car is ready for the drive-in!
The car retains its original FC code 283ci 4barrel engine pushing 250hp. It was completely rebuilt top & bottom at that time. The 2 speed PowerGlide was also rebuilt and shifts smoothly. The engine bay is highly detailed and there are NO fluid leaks. The odometer had been reset to zero and since the reset and rebuild, only 3500 miles have been added. The Bel Air has power steering that easily handles the car. The manual brakes have been gone through recently and stop as they should. Also done recently was the fuel lines, brake lines and all new bushings. The suspension is tight and firm. To finish of the look of originality, a set of 4 Bias Ply Wide White Wall tires on stock rims and hubcaps are on the car. Yes, Radials would be better for todays driving but you cant argue with the period correct look of the Wide Whites. The undercarriage is immaculately detailed and was treated to a coat of Red Oxide Primer during the frame-off restoration. Frame rails were blasted and coated with POR 15 Black. The trunk compartment is restored to better than new condition complete with correct trunk mat, jack & spare. Trunk floors are perfect.
Not an inch was missed in the restoration of this true classic and American Icon and although the restoration was completed just over ten years ago, it stands up today as it did then.
After 25 years of ownership, the now older gentleman from Missouri decided it was time to move on and let go of his beautiful Chevy Bel Air. Ten years or so later, this stunning Bel Air looks absolutely incredible as it did over ten years ago. Kept in a climate control garage since then, this car hasnt lost any of its luster since it was taken apart and restored.
To sum it all up, this Bel Air Sport Coupe has been fully restored to its original condition and specs. No modification have been added. The engine starts and runs perfectly and the tranny shifts smoothly. It stops as it should and does not pull at all. All trim & chrome show exceptionally well. There are no dents or dings anywhere! It is as good as it gets! We may not go as far as to say that this is a true #1 condition show car because there is always someone who will find a piece of dirt on the bottom of a tire but it is as close as it can get. We'll leave that to your discretion and we wont be insulted by your decision.
Come take a look and let us know what YOU think. Thats all that matters now! For questions or a site visit, please call or email us!
