1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the most recognized and beloved classics of all time. Its clean lines, tasteful trim and excellent proportions make for the 1957 version to be a favorite of the Tri-Five fan. The fins were just right, grille proportions correct, and it is undoubtedly the most desirable of the Tri-Five group.
For consignment, the highest end car offered in the Tri-Five lineup, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. This year it felt that it hit its mark right on the bullseye with the shapes and proportions. This beauty presents as a 1-owner California black plate car with only one repaint in the original hue, a snappy 2 tone interior, factory tinted glass and runs like a sewing machine. Remaining 98% rust free and just the way that the Los Angeles production plant built it, we proudly offer to you this final year Tri-Five Chevrolet.
Exterior
A single respray of the factory Onyx Black hue drapes the straight steel panels of this car. Trimmings abound with a beautifully shined trim spear just below the belt line which flares into a larger panel on the rear quarter in stainless prior to ending abruptly on the rear fin. Speaking of the rest of the trim, the remaining fender toppers, B pillar trim and window wraparound trim are all looking good with shiny chromed and polished stainless. All the paint presents well with only a few minor chip offs that come from being driven and the gaps are well minded throughout. Wrap around glass for the front windscreen, and slightly on the rear create a passenger bubble with frames of chrome. In front we have the lower smiling grille wrapped in a wide curve above and a bumper below which curves around the front quarter. Within the center of this bumper/grille is a faded gold egg crate design correct for 1957. Single headlights for either side flank a curved down hood that sports twin chromed rockets jetting from the windshield and the large Vee front and center of the hood. 14-inch standard Bel Air black rimmed and chrome trimmed wheel covers are on all 4 corners. A shout out to the trunk with its solid black steel and full size spare.
Interior
A more squared off dash instrument cluster for this year presents itself in black and has symmetrically placed round gauges embedded in silver within it. Just below all this gauge cluster runs a band of screen chromed metal mesh, which houses all the knobs and pulls as well as the ignition. Moving along this mesh area, is the factory AM radio and some badging above the black matching lower dash band which houses the glovebox. Keeping going in that direction we see Bel Air badging in your grandmother's handwriting in gold and a rectangular inset clock...(very 50's!). A snazzy black insert with a patio stone pattern and silver bolster vinyl cover the front split back bench and rear bench. Deep black carpet floods the floors and is protected by an over the hump rubber mat. Shifting is done from the original tree topped with the silver plastic and chrome horn ring steering wheel. All is looking just dandy with age appropriate wear including the gray vinyl headliner, for this believed to be the original interior.
Drivetrain
All 1957 under this hood with a 283ci of V8 power with a 4-barrel carburetor atop. A 2-speed Powerglide transmission is on the back along with a 3.36 gear ratio rear axle. Engine bay shows some nice aging with paint chipping and patina but showcases the orange/red block and optional power steering splendidly.
Undercarriage
The boxed frame and suspension are all solid on this car with an overall fine coating of surface rust and patina. Floorpans look good and solid as do rockers with just more coating of surface rust, but totally structurally sound. Body hangers appear structurally sound near the mid rockers as does the frame. Power drum brakes are seen all around and the bottom end of the engine is mostly drip free and looks nice. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front and the ride in the rear is a leaf spring format, meanwhile dual exhaust with stock replacement mufflers handles the exhale of spent fossils.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and after a short warmup it was off to the test track where this car performed well as we took it through the paces. A bit of excessive body roll when going into the turns, but good handling, good acceleration and a thumbs up to the brakes which worked very well. All functions proved working well during our drive and our consignor is correct when he says the engine runs like a sewing machine.
A good looker, and a cooker on the street for this partially restored car with good mechanicals and maintenance. A 1957 very desirable Bel Air presenting as mostly original save for the paint and it's all rust free and all there for the taking. Just race on down to Classic Auto Mall and drive her away into the Onyx Black sunset! Happy trails to you...
VC57L196106
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
57-1957
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
196106-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 1037D-1957 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY VN13824-Los Angeles Body #
TRIM 670-Black & Silver Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 793A-Onyx Black
EZI-Tinted Glass
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
