This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air "Fuelie" Convertible is beautifully restored Tri-Five Chevy equipped with Rochester Fuel Injection! During a span of 3 years, 1955, 1956, and 1957, Chevrolet produced some of its most iconic passenger cars of all time in a period which has become known as the Tri-Five era. Many would agree that the 1957 rendition was the most recognizable and quintessential Tri-Five Chevy in the final year of the Tri-Five Era. In 1957, Chevrolet undertook a significant stylistic redesign from the previous 2 years in its passenger cars, and especially the top-of-the-line model, the Bel Air. Perhaps, the most famous and recognizable change in 1957 was the addition of the large fins protruding from the rear quarter panels that give the Bel Air a truly classic 50s look. But, it wasn't just the pronounced tailfins that were redesigned. Up front, Chevrolet introduced a totally new looking grille and bumper layout tucked beneath a flatter hood appointed with dual wind splits. A new taillight design was also introduced in 1957, as Chevrolet moved away from the '56 design that hid the gas filler inside the taillight. Moreover, to further elevate the Bel Air above the lower-end 150 and 210 models, the Bel Air trim featured an elevated gold anodized "V" emblem on the front of the hood with matching trim in the three small indentations located on the front quarter panels behind the headlights along with a matching gold "V" emblem and gold "Bel Air" script on the trunk. While not obvious while cruising down the road, the other substantial upgrade instituted by Chevrolet in 1957 was the inclusion of additional more powerful engine options on its top-of-the-line Bel Air series and most notable was its Fuel Injected 283 V8. Utilizing a Rochester mechanical Fuel Injection system, the "Fuelie" 283 V8s were way ahead of their time and were among the first mass-produced American made cars with this type of technology. Powering this particular '57 Chevy is a 283 Cubic Inch V8 engine fed by a Rochester Fuel Injection unit that together were said to have produced 250 horsepower when new. The Fuel Injected 283 is backed by a Powerglide Automatic transmission which makes this Bel Air Convertible an easy car for just about anybody to drive. Exhaust exits this Fuelie via a dual exhaust setup that generates a fantastic throaty sound out the rear tailpipes. This '57 Chevy Fuelie comes absolutely loaded with options! Power steering makes turning into a tight parking space at the local car show or drive-in a total breeze. Further aiding in parking is the addition of a pair of chrome outside mirrors. With power brakes, bringing this Bel Air to complete stop is made much easier as well, especially with all that extra horsepower under the hood. The white vinyl power convertible top is in fantastic condition as well and it goes up and down with the simple push/pull of a knob mounted under the dash. Riding on a set of wide whitewall radial tires, each accented with a Spinner-style wheelcover, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has a fantastic look and even better ride. The chrome and brightwork around the outside of this Bel Air Convertible looks great as well. The body on this Chevy Belair has been correctly refinished in a beautiful Imperial Ivory paint, that completes the exterior look of the car. The interior on this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in red and silver vinyl. The red carpeting, red/silver upholstered door panels, red painted dash, and steering wheel are all in great shape and all appear to be in the stock configuration. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with a clock, push-button AM radio, and locking glovebox, along with an under-dash tissue holder. Whether you're buying your first classic car or you're adding to your existing collection of Tri-Five Chevys, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible would make an excellent addition. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
