1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

There are '57 Chevys and then there are '57 Chevys that serious collectors wait all their lives to own. This gorgeous Sierra Gold 1957 Bel Air convertible falls into the latter category, thanks to its 283, unusual color combination, loads of accessories, and a top-quality restoration. Expensive? Only if you don't insist on the best.

Unusual colors on familiar cars make a huge impact at shows, and the Sierra Gold finish on this stunning Bel Air definitely makes a statement. The restoration was performed to extremely high standards a few years ago and still looks spectacular. The finish is deep and glossy, the sheetmetal is laser straight, and it fits together the way the best cars do, with almost imperceptible joints between the panels. Obviously a lot of money went into the build, but it's also obvious that this car was worth it. Note the rare California bumpers, the accessory fender skirts, and a correct continental kit that actually bolts to the frame rather than the bumper mounts like the cheap imitations. It also goes without saying (although I'll tell you anyway) that the chrome and stainless trim were expertly restored to glitter like jewelry on this lovely convertible, and even the anodized quarter panel trim is beautifully rendered.

A matching two-tone interior is equally beautiful and extremely well done. The seat upholstery shows super clean stitching and firm foam underneath means there are no wrinkles or sags. Door panels are exact reproductions with lots of bright trim and the color-matched carpets include matching custom floor mats. The dash offers bright trim and body-colored surfaces with a contrasting cream instrument panel and steering wheel that gives this car an artful, sophisticated look. The gauges are fully restored, there's a correct AM radio in the dash, and it's apparent that this car may have originally been ordered by a guy who knew what he was doing, because there's a 3-speed manual transmission with factory overdrive on the column and factory heater delete. Talk about having your cake and eating it too! A nice-looking convertible top fits well and hides under a full boot, while the trunk is correctly finished with a rubber mat and a vintage spare tire assembly.

Pull up that gorgeous 57 hood and you'll find a smooth running 283. Finned valve covers are a sporty feature, but everything looks quite correct, from the hose clamps to the generator to the single master cylinder on the firewall. The aforementioned 3-speed manual with overdrive makes this a superb highway cruiser that's still plenty punchy around town, and the glasspack-style mufflers give it an appropriate 1950s sound under throttle. The chassis was detailed for show when the car was restored, but it's been driven a bit since then so it's no longer perfect, but the details are right and there's no sign that it needs any attention today. The factory rear end still wears red oxide primer on the center section and there's overspray in just the right places. Factory steel wheels with hubcaps are fitted with unassuming 7.50-14 wide whites that look great and don't give away the secrets hiding under the hood.

This is the '57 we all wish we could own, and the market has always been very strong on these cars. If you've been waiting, this is the time, this is the car. Call today!