The newly released 1957 Chevrolets were hailed by the automotive press as cars way ahead of their time. Chevrolet Division General Manager Ed Cole was quoted as saying, “It will take more than styling to sell cars. The 1957 Chevrolets are truly both an engineering and styling story.” Aside from the obvious tail fins—featuring a hidden and vented fuel-filler door in the driver’s-side fin—and wind-splitter-equipped dual-runner hood, the ’57 Chevrolet’s windshield viewing area was increased a full 10 inches in visibility from the previous year, resulting in its lower hood line. Engineering innovations also included a new ventilation system with air for the passenger compartment, funneled in through screened headlight openings, and then transferred to the passenger compartment via a dual-runner ducting system sandwiched between the top of the fender and the wheel well. A total of 17 exterior colors and an incredible 460 color combinations were possible for the landmark design. This Red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, with a vinyl power convertible top finished in white, is a 2016 AACA National Junior award winner and believed to have only 28,000 original miles. The engine bay has been detailed by Jeff Steinmetz of Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, Ohio, and houses the now legendary 283 CI small-block V-8 engine. Mated to this powerplant is an automatic transmission. The Tri-Five’s original red-and-silver two-tone interior features a 120 MPH speedometer, Wonderbar AM radio, vacuum ash tray, power convertible top and a heater and defroster. Stopping and handling is helped by power steering, power drum brakes and BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewalls on steel wheels with full-size spinner wheel covers. The Bel Air Convertible is accessorized with gold-anodized trim and grille, front and rear bumperettes, backup lights, brushed stainless trunk trim, twin deck antennas, a Continental Kit and backed with ownership history.
