1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

This great-looking 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is the kind of car we all hope to own someday. Combining one of the most popular models of all time with a few thoughtful upgrades, it's the ultimate Saturday night cruiser.

Finished in handsome purple paint that has a great shine, this Bel Air showcases why these cars are eternally popular. The workmanship was very nicely done about 15 years ago, and there's every indication that this was a solid, clean car all along. Bodywork is very good, with no ripples or waves in the final product, and all the body panels line up as they should. And while the car is lightly modified underneath, the body and trim was left alone, because, well, you just can't improve this design. If not for the wheels, this resto-mod could pass under a lot of enthusiasts' radar.

Contrast is the key to a great 1950s car, and the slick gray interior has been heavily upgraded and looks quite modern. The custom front bench is handsome as well as comfortable, and shows virtually little to no wear since the build was completed, and the back seat has been upholstered to match, giving it a very OEM look. They whipped up a set of custom door panels to tie it all together and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the center of the dash. The instrument panel remains pretty much the way they built it in 1957, including the strip of machined turned trim that runs from end to end, and even the steering wheel is the original piece. Heavy duty floor mats mean that this one was built to drive and we like the fact that they kept it neat, simple, and tidy inside, letting the extroverted color do all the talking. And with this Chevy, you also get a properly finished trunk that includes a stock-style rubber mat. You'll also note that the spare tire well has been converted to the battery compartment, a great way to use that space.

Power comes from a 350 cubic inch V8 that dates to the early '9s. It's dressed up with chrome Erson valve covers and a matching air cleaner. It makes all the right V8 sounds and runs beautifully, with a very 1957 combination of performance and reasonable economy. Note that all the accessories are updated, including the alternator, and there's a big radiator up front keeping everything cool. Long-tube headers bolster the torque curve and feed a pair of glasspack-style mufflers, so it has that snappy 1950s tone. It's backed by a beefy TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and the stock rear end. The suspension is pretty stock, but that's not really a demerit when it's a '57 Chevy, and it rides beautifully. It rolls on a set of 205/70/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials on flashy Weld Pro-Star wheels.

This '57 is ready to cruise, and thanks to a few well-chosen modifications, is an absolute pleasure to drive. This Chevy is proof that great cars never go out of style. Call today!