1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

It's likely that Streetside Classics sells more 1957 Chevys than anyone else in the business, so when we say this one is special, you know it demands some extra attention. Fitted with modern fuel injected power, this classic-looking Bel Air has the moves of a modern muscle car and will easily withstand the test of time to remain at the top of collectors' wish lists.

Hard to go wrong with a black '57 Chevy hardtop, and by eschewing the two-tone treatment, this one skips the friendly '50s look and goes right to serious street machine. The build is fairly recent so the finish is glossy and slick, but they were careful not to delete even one single piece of that gorgeous Bel Air trim. Black means some overtime in the block sanding department and that was time well spent here, and while it does show a few very minor signs of age, this is one black car that was definitely done right. The sheetmetal is wave-free, the finish is deep enough to swim in, and yes, those Fuel Injection badges are earned, not just decoration. There was also a sizeable chunk of change invested in the trim, from the beautiful bumpers to all the stainless that lines up so well, to the gold anodized pieces that are an inkling that there's a potent V8 under the hood. The unique window flappers that Chevy used in '57 are brand new, so they work properly and LED taillights out back retain the original look with a neat light show when the sun goes down.

The same "everything old is new again" look was used inside, where factory bench seats were reupholstered in light gray leather that looks period perfect and suitably updated. The factory instrument panel was stuffed full of Dakota Digital instruments that light up when you turn the key, and the steering wheel looks slightly fatter and slightly smaller in diameter than the original, but it would take an expert to spot it. An AM/FM stereo with CD changer provides all-day entertainment and with a powerful A/C system tucked under the dash, this car is as comfortable as your daily driver. A big B&M shifter for the 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission is perhaps the most noticeable addition but it certainly doesn't look out of place given this Bel Air's performance credentials. The trunk was finished with durable satin black paint and a matching black carpet, and moving the battery back here makes room for the L98 up front.

That 350 cubic inch L98 and matching 700R4 transmission were rebuilt just last year and the engine includes new fuel injectors and a new fuel pump, so it runs superbly. The intake is distinctive and you already know that the L98 is perhaps the most durable and torquey small block you can choose for your rod. Factory equipment was used wherever possible, although there is a big aluminum radiator up front to keep it cool effortlessly and power rack-and-pinion steering provides a more up-to-date feel. Twin Flowmasters give it that modern muscle car sound that'll definitely get noticed at car shows, causing guys to do a double-take when they see it's a '57, and the lowered stance gives it just a bit of attitude without killing ride quality. Polished Torque Thrusts in staggered 16- and 18-inch sizes is an old-school trick and they wear 205/60/16 front and 235/60/18 rear radials.

Very nicely built with all the equipment that makes it reliable and comfortable, this is the kind of Bel Air that you've always wanted to own. Call today!