1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
Classic Auto Mall is quickly becoming your go to spot for Tri-Five Chevys...'55, '56, and '57. At the moment, we have nineteen 1957 Chevys in their various iterations; 150, 210, Bel Air, station wagon, Nomad, hardtops and convertibles. They might be a gasser race car, an unrestored survivor, a resto-mod, or simply a great cruiser you can use for show and go.
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that's a good looker that's just right for show and go. In a 2018 Hemmings article, they outline in great detail the ten reasons why the '57 Bel Air is the quintessential 1950's American car. It's quite the validating tome, and it's why you should definitely consider putting this car in your garage.
Exterior
Stand out from the crowd with this copper metallic Chevy looking very nice with the light beige roof. The quarter panel insert adds even more contrast and 14-inch Cragar wheels provide a little hot rod inspiration. The prominent front chrome grille is in excellent condition as is the rear, though we note one area where the plating has chipped off and surface rust has formed. All other metal work, including body trim, side mirror, window trim, and rocket hood accents are also nice. The fender louvers, front V, and Chevrolet are in anodized gold which looks especially nice on the copper paint. Two chrome exhaust tips exit in the back flanking the bumperettes. Some imperfections were noted including some bubbles in the paint, chipped paint, and some less than perfect gaps.
Interior
A really nice pattern is on the door cards with textured black material, ivory colored vinyl and copper cloth. The front bucket seats take that black material and fill the center stripe while the outer edges are ivory vinyl. The rear bench copies that pattern and is in fine condition. Did we say front bucket seats? Yes, and that means there's a floor mounted shifter and this one happens to be from Hurst! Ivory and copper predominate the dash palette and the steering wheel shares the column with a Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge and an Autogage tachometer. The stock dash retains the speedometer with period font numbers, flanked by a temperature gauge and a gas gauge. An aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player is dead center, and a clock is in the sight line of the passenger. Very nice copper colored loop style carpet covers the floor and above an ivory headliner is in excellent shape. The trunk is no frills and has a fitted rubber mat, spare tire, and jack.
Drivetrain
A correct 283ci V8 is in the car fed by a single 4-barrel Holley carburetor on a Winter's foundry aluminum intake manifold. The transmission is a Muncie M20 four-speed manual sending horses to the back wheels and 3.55 gears. The engine is painted orange except for the intake and the alternator has a polished housing. The bay is very clean and presentable, so pop that hood at the car show! Drum brakes remain and are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
We confirm the new gas tank and much of the underside is clean and dry. The dual exhaust flows from headers, into two Cherrybomb mufflers and out to the back. Independent coil spring suspension floats the front, while leaf springs with traction bars help out back. A few items of note; the left rear axle seal is leaking, there are several sizable rust holes in the body hangers and inner rocker panels, but it has been painted or encapsulated so rust does not appear to be spreading.
Drive-Ability
It's nice to have a bucket seat Bel Air for a change and this one does not disappoint. The car started up without protest and rumbled onto the test loop with the twin hood rockets leading the way. These big cars were made to be "smooth, sweet, sassy" and by 1950's standards, it is. It's got a bit of pep and looks good moving through the gears. We did note that the horn is inoperable, and the heater blower is as well.
The two door Bel Air sedan was touted as "luxury beyond its class" in the 1957 dealer brochure. And 100 years from now, the classic lines of one of the most iconic cars ever produced in America will still look luxurious. For its eye candy appeal, epic design, and good running capabilities, this is one '57 that's worthy of a close look.
VC57B103778
V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
103778-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
