1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Cars like this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop remain popular year after year, and it's easy to understand why. They're handsome, comfortable, reliable cruisers that pluck at a lot of people's hearts. If you're like us, and all too familiar with looking at red and black '57s all the time, it looks simply stunning.

Finished in correct Code 815 Colonial Cream with an Onyx Black top, the paint is clean, with crisp reflections, and the bodywork was well executed with tight gaps. Signs of a substantial investment in time and effort to get the panels straight and ripple-free. All of the chrome looks fresh, possibly re-plated, and given the costs of such work these days, it probably accounts for half the restoration costs. The stainless looks clean and recently polished. The gold anodized Chevrolet emblems front and rear, as well as the distinctive quarter panel inserts, are all in good condition. Black 14'' rally wheels complement the black top nicely.

Inside, the lovely black and silver interior is the perfect contrast to the Colonial Cream and Onyx Black body. Silver vinyl seat covers lay over the front and rear bench seats and contain black cloth inserts. There are no wrinkles or misaligned seams, suggesting that someone definitely took their time, and new foam underneath ensures your comfort. The dash houses factory gauges, and the bright strip of trim that extends from end to end shows the correct finish and texture. A reproduction AM/FM/Cassette player has auxiliary input capabilities, and the factory steering wheel and a manual shifter connect the driver to the road.

Power comes from a 283 cubic inch V8, which has been nestled into a stock looking engine bay with a painted firewall. It's devoid of any flashy chrome or huge performance upgrades, it remains as the factory intended, right down to the oversized air cleaner. Correct Chevy Orange paint has a nice period feel, and doesn't look super-shiny, which always makes a car seem over-restored. It spins a 4-speed manual transmission. The dual exhaust system has a healthy rumble, but isn't overpowering. And it rides on a set of 225/70/14 BF Goodrich radials that stop with power front disc brakes.

Despite GM building record numbers of 1957 Chevys, they remain in demand today. This speaks to both their enduring appeal to buyers as well as their inherent quality. This one, with a nice drivetrain make it reliable and comfortable, is a great opportunity to own an icon. Call today!