1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hard Top

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.

Basic black always looks right on a '57 Chevy, and for good reason. It's a high-profile car no matter what color you paint it, but the black only emphasizes the long, lean 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 perfect, but for a decent shine that will look good 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 practically define the car. The chrome appears to be mostly original and in decent shape with no critical issues, so the car has an all-of-a-piece look.

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 silver, it paints a great picture in an already very appealing car. Everything has been expertly restored at some point but it's showing some age today; nothing major, mind you, just enough to let you know that this car has been driven and enjoyed. The carpets are protected by slick floor mats with Chevrolet emblems on their faces, and the original radio was replaced by a digital AM/FM head unit so you don't have to suffer through whatever they're playing on AM these days. And yes, that's a manual transmission on the steering column, which makes this car a lot of fun out on the road. The trunk is outfitted with a proper rubber mat, and includes a pair of accessory fender skirts in case you'd like to change the look.

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. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, intake manifold, and dual exhaust are favorite mods that are timeless, and there's an electronic ignition system and chrome alternator for reliability. Bright Chevy Orange paint is the right look in the all-black engine bay and you'll be happy to see a safer dual master cylinder that manages a pair of front disc brakes. 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. Long-tube headers feed a pair of Flowmasters with turn-downs, but that's the only notable modification underneath. Polished Torque Thrusts are a good look and carry a recent set of BFGoodrich blackwall radials that give it a performance attitude.

Clean and reliable, 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!