1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Beautifully built and finished, this 1957 Chevy Bel Air hardtop is ready for a summer of cruise nights, Sunday afternoon shows, and a lifetime of creating memories.

One of the most recognized cars of all time, the '57 Chevy is an icon of car culture, and no matter how you equip it, it's hard to make a mistake. Fortunately, the craftsmen who put this car together stayed with the original recipe-Matador Red paint, an Imperial Ivory top, and those gorgeous Bel Air aluminum inserts on the rear quarters. Bodywork is laser straight, panel gaps are very good, and the crispness of details like the wheel well lips suggest that great care was used in crafting this car. Chrome and stainless-and there is a lot of it on a '57 Chevy-has all been fully restored. The body trim and window surrounds have been polished and smoothed, along with the long trim pieces along the tops of the tailfins. Accessories like the fender skirts and dual antennas reinforce the '50s nostalgia look.

1957 Chevys received ten new interior fabric choices, and the top-of-the-line Bel Air was the only series to get the cool black and red patterned fabric found in this hardtop. Beautifully restored to original condition, the front and rear bench seats feature new seat covers in authentic materials that are both stylish and all-day comfortable. The matching steering wheel is beautifully finished, and the bright metal trim that stretches from one side to the other is a nice connection to the anodized panels on the exterior. For the first time, all Bel Airs received full carpeting as standard equipment, and this one also features color-matched reproduction floor mats. The radio hasn't been replaced with a modern unit, which is a pleasant surprise, and the list of accessories includes a coveted tissue dispenser under the dash. The trunk is finished to stock specs, including a full-sized spare, rubber mat, and a jack assembly.

Under the hood you'll find a traditional 283 cubic inch V8, looking as if it just rolled off the transporter and into the dealer's showroom. Rebuilt just over 1,000 miles ago, it sparks to life quickly and idles with that wonderful Chevy V8 sound from the reproduction exhaust system. Extra care shows in the authentic details such as the wire hose clamps, beautifully detailed accessories, and even a tar-top battery. It's backed by a 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission, so cruising is easy and effortless, and the stock rear end out back makes it a comfortable cruiser on the highway. Thanks to frame-off restoration in 2010, the chassis is highly detailed, featuring red oxide primer on the floors, a new gas tank, correct exhaust system, and rebuilt brakes. Stock steel wheels with hubcaps and BFG wide whitewall radials give it an authentic look with slightly more modern performance.

Take the time to look at the photos-this car is extremely well detailed and fully sorted and can compete for the big trophies at just about any venue. Values on '57 Chevys are skyrocketing, and next to convertibles, Bel Air hardtops are the ones to own. Call us today and get your piece of yesterday.