1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

A little original, a little restored, and a lot of personality define this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop sedan. It offers cool features like that Dusk Rose paint, which is its original color, plus a factory A/C system that's incredibly rare.

It's hard to say where the line between original and restored parts is, because this car has an all-of-a-piece look that's quite appealing. No, it's not shiny and perfect, but if you're a fan of survivors, it has that great look that comes from years of care. The paint is a bit crazed, a little faded, and there are signs of use, but you can consider all that stuff as badges of honor that mean it has always been a cherished machine, not relegated to obsolescence once something better came along. The 4-door hardtop styling is almost indistinguishable from the 2-doors unless you count door handles, thanks to some clever styling by the guys at GM and you simply can't go wrong with a '57 of any kind. This is the car's original color combination and it works well on the '50s cruiser, especially with fender skirts and all that chrome, most of which is in very good condition.

The interior just has to be original, protected for the last several decades by your grandmother's favorite accessory, clear plastic seat covers. The gray upholstery remains in good condition overall, showing only light signs of aging and not much use thanks to the plastic, and it's possible that the carpets have been replaced at some point. On the other hand, there's no question that the dash, door panels, and windows are original and while they show a bit of age, like the bodywork it would probably be a mistake to restore or replace any of it. Experts will spot the big, round vents on the dash which are indicative of factory A/C, an incredibly rare option found on only a handful of Chevrolets in 1957. The system is not currently functional, but it appears that all the parts are there and it would definitely add value to get it up and running again. Original gauges look decent and there's a factory AM radio in the center of the dash, giving the car a very correct look. A nicely finished trunk includes a correct rubber mat, full-sized spare, and original-style jack assembly.

The engine is a 327 cubic inch V8 borrowed from a 1962 Chevrolet, but there's really no way to spot it without checking the numbers. It's properly detailed with Chevy Orange paint, a heavy-duty air cleaner, and stamped steel valve covers with Chevrolet script on their faces. The big A/C compressor dominates the top of the engine bay, but you'll also note a correct generator/power steering pump assembly, another desirable option. There are plenty of signs of care and maintenance over the years, and it does run and drive well thank to a 4-barrel carburetor and nice-sounding dual exhaust system. Backed by a 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission, it's fun to drive and eminently practical for the hobbyist with a family. The chassis is fairly original save for a brand new gas tank out back and it sits on four 7.50R14 wide whitewalls with correct hubcaps.

Icons don't get much more affordable than this and with several desirable options and a cool color combination, it's a very worthy car for the guy who wants to take it to the next level. Call today!