1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop is truly one of those no-compromises old cars. It's one of the most popular cars ever built and retains its awesome original look, stock 283, and factory suspension setup, so it drives and feels like a '57 should, not some modern hybrid. But it's also been upgraded with a few things that make motoring more pleasant if you're the kind of guy who hits the road on a moment's notice.

Matador Red and India Ivory are the archetypal '57 Chevy colors, and for good reason. It's a high-profile car no matter what color you paint it, but the bright red only emphasizes the look. Good straight bodywork is mandatory on a car of this caliber, so spending the extra time and money to get it right has paid off here. It's a few years old, so it's not trailer-queen perfect, but for a great shine that will sparkle at local shows and that won't make you worry every time a cloud shows up, this car nails it. All the standard Bel Air glitz is there, including the anodized panels, polished stainless strips along the tops of the fins, and the brightly chromed bumpers that look great. Accessories include twin deck-mounted antennas and fender skirts, giving it a pure 1950s look that everyone loves. And for easy driving, you'll find twin exterior rear-view mirrors for safety and the gold anodized badging reminds onlookers that there's a 283 under the hood.

Few interiors in cars at any price point in 1957 looked better than Chevy's two-tone cloth and vinyl setup. Particularly dramatic in black and red, it paints a bright picture in an already very colorful car. Everything has been expertly restored to stock condition, including the steering wheel and horn ring, instruments, and of course all the soft parts. Of note, this car has power windows, a rare power front seat, and a very cleverly integrated modern A/C system that almost looks the way the factory might have done it. The carpets are protected by slick floor mats with Chevrolet emblems on their faces, and the original radio was filled with modern electronics, so there's FM to go with whatever they're playing on AM radio these days. And that little devise standing on the top of the dashboard is an accessory red light viewer that will have you craning your neck. With a correct mat and a full-sized bias-ply spare, the trunk is finished properly as well.

The 283 cubic inch V8 still makes all the right 1957 sounds and has that unmistakable small block growl, but has been sensibly upgraded to be driven every day if needed. A 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust are favorite mods that are timeless, but other items like the modern A/C components and electric fan mean that this car keeps its cool where its siblings would be boiling over. Factory power steering is another rare option, and in conjunction with power brakes and a PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission, this is an easy car to drive. The underside isn't detailed but it doesn't show any red flags that would keep you from setting out on a road trip and as far as '57 Chevys go, this is how I'd prefer my own: clean enough to show with pride but not so perfect you're afraid to drive it. 7.50-14 whitewall bias-plys reinforce the period look and feel.

Smartly restored with photos to back it up, this is the '57 you've been hoping to find, combining all the features with exactly the right condition to drive and enjoy. Call now!