1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hard Top

Description

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop is truly one of those no-compromises classic cars. It's one of the most popular American automobiles ever built and retains its iconic original look, along with a host of choice upgrades including a strong 327 V8, a 700R4 automatic overdrive transmission, and improved suspension setup. It drives and feels better than an original Tri-5, but not like some modern hybrid or restomod hack-job that's completely forsaken the original Bel Air spirit. Tastefully updated with a few things that make motoring more pleasant, it's a no-excuses classic that refuses to forget where it came from.

Onyx Black is an archetypal '57 Chevy color, and for good reason. It's a high-profile car no matter what color you paint it, but the sinister shade 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. The restoration was finished several years ago, but it still carries a great shine that will sparkle at shows and makes other cars look downright shabby in comparison, although a multi-stage detail would really put it over the top if you want to go after some trophies. It's certainly a driver, not too perfect where you're going to be scared to drive it, but still nice enough to show at your local cruise-in to great applause. 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 and are likely brand new, just like the rest of the brightwork that was attended to during the restoration. Accessories include Bel Air-specific gold trim in all the right places along with those iconic hood 'rockets', giving it a pure 1950s look that everyone loves. Correctly sorted and dripping with pure Americana, this is a beautiful hardtop that attracts a lot of attention everywhere it goes.

Few interiors in cars at any price point in 1957 looked better than Chevy's two-tone vinyl setup. Particularly dramatic in black and red, it paints a bright picture in an already very colorful car. Everything has been restored nicely and mostly back-to-stock condition, including the black dash and its accompanying trim, upgraded gauges inside a factory-correct bezel, and of course all the soft parts covered in that gorgeous black-and-red upholstery. We love the decision to restore the original dual-ring steering wheel rather than swap it for a modern unit, as it really sets the right tone inside the cabin, and with an AM radio and analog clock rounding out the dash, everything is as it should be up front. Even the aftermarket A/C system was discreetly installed with vents underneath so as to not detract from the original look, and it blows cold, R134a-treated air throughout the cabin. The black carpets are protected by custom Bel Air floor mats with red embroidery, the bright red headliner above was stretched taut and lightens things up, and the back seat looks virtually untouched. And with a correct black vinyl mat on the floorboard and spare-tire and jack set mounted in the correct position, the spacious trunk is finished properly with enough room to accommodate just about any travel plans.

Under the hood, the upgraded 327 cubic inch V8 still makes all the right 1957 sounds and has that unmistakable small block growl any fan of classic cars will find familiar. It's a nicely detailed block, dated-coded from 1967 and factory-rated at 275 horsepower, and it comes augmented with a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor, stock-style intake manifold, and ram's horn-style exhaust manifolds at the flanks that feed into a stainless steel dual exhaust for a bit more horsepower. It's all very clean inside the satin-black engine bay, while the block itself is coated in Chevy Orange enamel and is adorned with fInned aluminum valve covers and a matching oval air cleaner. A big aluminum radiator up front not only serves a larger purpose, but also make you proud to lift up the hood and show off a little bit, as does the upgraded alternator, A/C compressor, and power brake booster. The 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission makes this is an easy car to drive on modern roads, and it spins an original-style rear end that's very capable of handling the added power. The underside is detailed with satin black on the floors, frame and suspension components, and a newer shocks and springs mean it handles about as well as a '57 ever will in this configuration. 15-inch REV wheels add some flash and come wrapped in 245/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials that reinforce the period look with modern performance.

Smartly restored and beautifully finished, this is the dialed-in '57 Bel Air you've been hoping to find, combining all the things that make Tri-5 Chevys so popular with choice upgrades and an impressive presentation. Call now!