1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
In our illustrious six years of operation, we've seen our share of beautiful '57 Bel Airs. They are, of course, iconic and the quintessential American classic car. The flying wedge is probably more appreciated now than it was in 1957 and in fact, was discontinued after the model year. That one year feature sealed its fate as the most recognizable and most desired car of the 1950's without a close second.
For consignment, a nicely restored '57 in a stunning color. Recipient of a frame off restoration just four years ago, the rust free body was prepped for paint and the engine bay was painted as well. Instead of opting for more popular colors like Tropical Turquoise or Larkspur Blue, this owner went to the bronze family and it makes for a stunning show car that anxiously awaits its next caretaker.
Exterior
Two stage Sierra Bronze paint coats this big car and is matched with Adobe Beige on the roof. The beige is picked up by the 17-inch Wheel Vintiques wheels which circle around dog dish hubcaps, all wrapped in white wall tires for an old school feel. Emblems and side hashes are gold while the hood rockets, grille, and headlight surrounds are contrasting chrome all in beautiful condition. The black bumper guards are bullet shaped and the inset market lights complete the wonderfully symmetrical front end. The chrome like aluminum wedge is in good condition as are all the chrome pieces on the back and those that top the fins. Beige extends down onto the A-pillar and B-pillar while the C-pillar has metal trim. Minor imperfections in the paint are noted towards the bottom where it meets the rocker panel.
Interior
The coherent color pattern starts with the door panels which alternate stretches of bronze and beige in three layers of vinyl. To no one's surprise, that color combo is found on the split bench front seat and the rear bench, both of which look like they've had very little seat time. The steering wheel and dash are painted with the exterior Sierra Bronze and is contrasted by polished metal parts and a textured dash insert. Beautiful black faced gauges add more contrast while an aftermarket tachometer and trilogy of Sunpro gauges are mounted under the dash for critical engine systems feedback. An AM/FM radio sits center and a clock is in direct view of the passenger. The rust colored loop style carpet is in good condition and the beige headliner is spotless. The trunk is glossy bronze and the floor of it is covered in a fitted black carpet piece where a full size spare is found.
Drivetrain
A 283ci V8 with a mild cam sits flawlessly in the engine bay. The block and valve covers are traditional orange and a chrome topped air element is perched on a 600cfm 4-barrel carburetor which in turn sits on an Edelbrock intake manifold. A 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission takes the spin and sends to the rear wheels where it meets 3.36 gears. Power disc brakes in the front and power drums in the rear add a more modern option to a vintage car.
Undercarriage
This is another place where rotisserie and frame off restoration pay off, the ability to clean, paint and detail the underside is unmatched and it's very nice under this '57. Spots here and there of surface rust on unpainted steel and some rust on the transmission pan are about the only blemishes here. The dual exhaust routes through stock mufflers then up over the rear axle and out the back. We note a welded plate on the frame that shows some rust and pitting issues. The rest of the frame is coated in black and clean. Independent front suspension with coil springs is present along with 2-inch McGaughy drop front spindles. In the back, leaf springs are accompanied by 2" lowering blocks.
Drive-Ability
17-inch wheels with 225/55R17's do a lot for the ride as does the two inch drop. The car is more planted of course than it would be with the original setup. But we jumped ahead because the startup process was impeccable and the car purrs forward without issue. We did a steady paced lap around our loop and let the Powerglide do its thing, then it's back to the stable where the brakes took over and all worked well. Here's where we note the horn was not working, nor the clock, and the reverse lights would not illuminate.
A very well done restoration and a stunning color combination, this '57 Bel Air will be iconic 100 years from now. So think of it as a family heirloom because they should be driven and seen by future generations as an example of how Chevrolet and the U.S. took the lead and perhaps unknowingly, created a legend of automotive magnificence.
VC57N171561
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
171561-Sequential Unit Number
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