Frame Off Restored Dusk Pearl Bel Air 283 4 Barrel V8 2 Speed Powerglide PS

SUMMARY

The Chevrolet Bel Air is in a pretty elite group when it comes to significance and impact on the automotive world. As one of the most easily recognized cars on the planet, clean, stock examples routinely fetch six figures at auction. With its impressive color combination and 283/Powerglide drivetrain, this Bel Air is the kind of well-done cruiser that perpetuates the nearly universal appeal of a stock model. And, if you're in the market for a fully-sorted tri-five, it can be your next crowd-pleasing classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Delightfully vintage and decidedly fresh, this slick sedan is proof that Chevrolet's decision to take a curvaceous fuselage, weld it to a sweeping roofline and decorate it with an ample amount of chrome was an excellent idea. Unlike the exaggerated designs of the late '50s and early '60s, the car's proportions are spot-on, there's appropriate use of trim, and the sharp rear fins that would eventually grow to controversial wings are fully integrated into attractive, planar surfaces. Judging by appearances, this hardtop was an extremely solid piece when its life as a collector car began. Nonetheless, it was subjected to a full, ground-up restoration that, despite being weathered in all the right places, presents very well. That freshening reflects conservative Polo White over Dusk Pearl paint. And today, this Chevy rolls as one fantastic bowtie that turns heads wherever it goes!

Chic is the name of the game with this clean chameleon, as the car's striking combination of highly polished stainless and subdued pearl pigment readily assimilates to either modern or retro depending on its context. That assimilation begins with a heavy, body-width bumper that props a clean Bel Air grille behind a pristine Chevrolet crest and two clear parking lamps. Above that crest, gold header ornamentation rides between hooded T3 headlights and '57 Chevy-exclusive 'spear bullets and spoons'. At the sides of those lights, classic tri-five stainless is flanked by polished fender louvers and dent-free rocker guards. Above those louvers, curvaceous chrome trim combines with a small mirror, electric wipers and a stylized antenna to perfectly frame factory-tint glass. And, opposite that antenna, peaked fin caps highlight a second chrome bumper, '57 Chevy-exclusive tail lights and trademark trunk ornamentation.

ENGINE

In 1957, Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power, created plenty of torque and, even in today's world of 300 horsepower grocery getters, is still lively and impressive. Follow this Bel Air's slick pearl shine in to its muted engine bay and you'll find a fully rebuilt small block that's been layered in a thick coat of Chevy Orange skin. At the top of that legendary mill, an old school, Satin Black air cleaner funnels wind in to a familiar Rochester carburetor that's equipped with stainless fluid lines and a glass AC filter bowl. At the base of that carb, a vintage intake feeds air and fuel in to proven cast iron heads that are capped by stamped and silver-detailed valve covers. At the back of those heads, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through blue MAX PROTECTION MAX POWER wires. Once those fires have been lit, a big radiator circulates coolant through pliable GM hoses and vintage squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, traditional V-belts spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite factory power steering. Once combustion is extinguished, stock exhaust manifolds whisk spent gases in to true-dual pipes. And items like a correct black oil filler and Delco yellow cap battery set a retro tone.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

During its calculated restoration, this Chevy's original 'Glide Ride' suspension was fully rebuilt to include correct power steering. Above that suspension, rust-free floorpans were, like most of today's best tri-fives, lovingly coated in Red Oxide primer. Behind the stout small block, a correct Powerglide 2-speed spins a factory rear end. Braking is handled by power assisted drums. Exhaust rumbles through the aforementioned pipes to mean glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the pavement via painted steel wheels, which lap 205/75R14 BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewalls around ornate stainless hubcaps. All of the car's lines, hoses, brackets and fasteners, which were completely replaced at the time of restoration, show little to no weathering. And everything, from this Chevy's orange oil pan to its bright stainless fuel tank, is fully sorted and ready to hit the road!

INTERIOR

Featuring a stunning array of black and silver accents, this tri-five's carefully fitted interior is both clean and impressive. At the center of the car, silver-detailed seats wear a striking combination of cloth and vinyl skin. In front of those thrones, a pristine dash hangs clear, factory-spec gauges next to a familiar Wonder Bar radio. At the floor, fresh black carpet is protected by beefy rubber mats. Opposite those mats, a tight headliner stretches from the car's curved front window to its straight, black package tray. On the doors, 2-tone panels hang chrome handles, stainless trim and simple armrests below glossy black toppers. The driver stays connected through a glossy, large-diameter steering wheel that spins a full horn ring around a simple shifter. And the passengers stow their essentials in a fully restored trunk that anchors a full-size spare tire between a correct jack, fresh fender decal and new rubber mat.

Cars like this tidy Bel Air are very special, and they represent incredible value to buyers. With its hot drivetrain, quality restoration and retro color combination, THIS is the kind of build you simply can't touch for our asking price. If you're in the market for a well-executed copy of America's most iconic automobile, don't miss your chance to own this killer '57 Chevy!