Dazzling in bright orange metallic paint with a powerful and reliable 350 V8 under the hood, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has been built to show, yet drives like a modern muscle car. Tastefully modified, it retains all the styling cues that make the '57s so iconic, but done to standards they just couldn't have imagined when it was built. You can see from the reflections in our photo booth that there are no ripples or waves in the panels, even the big ones like the doors and quarters. Gaps are excellent, and there's something about the way the doors close on cars of this vintage that you can't find anywhere today. It's a solid, precise feeling that suggests the engineers were at the top of their game when they designed these cars. And that orange paint practically vibrates in the sun it's so bright. With that lowered stance, it almost looks chopped or sectioned, but I assure you that it's 100% as the General intended; it's just the awesome workmanship that makes it look so incredible. All the chrome and stainless is in good shape, too, from the big grille with chrome "Dagmars" to the beautifully polished stainless on the flanks and around the windows. It's got some age on it, but nothing serious and nobody will ever notice the little flaws simply because the overall effect is so jaw-dropping. The interior more than lives up to the promises made by the body. Although it looks totally custom, those are factory seat frames wrapped in custom vinyl and cloth upholstery that neatly disguises the factory stuff, and like the paint, it has been done to an extremely high standard. The door panels have been upholstered to match the seats and everything else was painted to match the bodywork. The original dashboard has been retained and restored, and even the modern AM/FM/cassette radio looks like the 1957 version. A tilt steering column was cleverly added and painted to hide in plain sight, and the custom steering wheel is simply beautiful. Other features include heat and A/C (needs to be serviced), power windows, and a nicely finished trunk that looks just as trick as the rest of the interior. Power comes from a 350 cubic inch crate motor that looks right at home in the Bel Air's engine bay. That billet air filter feeds a Carter 4-barrel carb, and the aluminum valve covers sit atop a set of center-bolt heads. All the power accessories you'd expect are included, from the A/C to the power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes, making this a car that is daily-driver reliable and show car beautiful. Underneath, the chassis is nicely finished in black with gray floors, with a big front sway bar, a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 10-bolt rear end hanging on leaf springs. A custom-made dual exhaust system gives it just the right rumble, and traditional American Racing Torque Thrust wheels carry staggered 215/50/17 front and 255/45/17 rear performance radials. This is an exceptional '57 with a build that could not possibly be duplicated for the asking price. Best of all, it's a no-compromises car that is reliable enough to drive every day and beautiful enough to take home trophies. Call today!
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