Original Drivetrain/283ci V8/2-Speed Auto/Excellent Condition/Straight Steel

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop

Sometimes a hobby turns into obsession, the best simply isn't good enough, and the student eventually becomes the teacher. With that in mind, we can't think of a better car to be obsessed with than the Chevy Bel Air. Long coveted by pretty much anyone who has an affinity for mixing chrome and gasoline, Tri-Fives like this sweet '57 continue to prove that, in the realm of mobility, age increases desirability. But this isn't just some fixed-to-cruise charmer that'll look good in front of the local Dairy Queen. It's a highly correct hard top that's benefitted from a comprehensive frame-off restoration, and resided for a time in a very well respected collector's possession.

Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest BelAir of them all?? For consignment a 1957 Bel Air, top of the line restoration and purchased from a collector's estate. Our consigner estimates that the restoration took place a mere 5 years ago or so, and all is really looking fab! Bathed in Imperial Ivory with fine trimmings and some fin action, this all correct and near perfect example is as pure as the driven snow.

Exterior
"And then he will carry me away to the castle, where I will live happily ever after.." In your dreams Snow White, and exactly what this car is made for, pure enjoyment. From its golden toothy grille that floats between a small upper bumper and lower large bumper complete with rubber tipped "Dagmars", to the beltline swoop spear that makes a downward turn on the rear quarter panel, this restoration is truly the definition of the term "buttoned up". Dual rocket style hood embellishments are fronting curved gentle tubes that are on either side of the hood. These run back toward the windshield where they die into the hood. Very nice (just like the bumpers and trim) chrome headlight bezels frame the single headlights, and wonderful chromed side view mirrors, door handles, and window trim all chromed are all good. Continuing rearward, we see an offshoot of the downward sloping spear, that also runs to the rear of the car, and borders a horizontally ribbed aluminum panel with a gold Bel Air badge in your grandmother's handwriting, and cloisonn Chevrolet bowtie badge. We need to talk about the straight steel panels all around, with fair minded gaps, and covered in Imperial Ivory paint. 4 shiny drilled chromed faux knockoff wheel covers are wrapped by wide whites...It's gettin' deep!

Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty broadcloth that has a fine red bordered flagstone pattern stitched into a black background. This greets red vinyl and is used this way on the door panels, and the seats. Also add in a silver chromed button in the mid section of each back for these classic chairs. A nice red dash is upfront and has the upwardly mobile curved cove for the instrument cluster and turn signal lights. Cutting through the middle of the dash is a chromed mesh horizontal trim that houses the AM/FM radio Wonderbar, and various control knobs. Beautiful black carpet floods the floors, and a tight pristine red headliner is floating above all this 50's design. What's the matter? Cat got your tongue??"

Drivetrain
Fully restored and rebuilt, a 283ci V8 is sitting within one of the cleanest engine bays in Classic Auto Mall. It is correct from the factory, orange block and valve covers and a single 4-barrel carb feeding this beautiful mill. In back is the correct 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission with a rear axle configuration of 3.36 ratio. All very nice finishes abound Pleasant Dreams!

Undercarriage
The frame off restoration has left the undercarriage simply beautiful looking absolutely right out of the showroom. Shiny black floorpans and pristine black rust-free rockers are mounted securely to a jet black straight rust free frame. Dual exhaust is like new, worms its way back past all this finery. Power front drum brakes brakes just like from the factory, and the same for the rear brakes. Power steering and independent coil spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension are all clean and pristine.

Drive-Ability
As like the rest of the car, it runs very well, starting immediately, shifting smoothly, and providing a smooth ride. A roll down of the window and we were off. Plenty of power from those 4 barrels feeding their 283 cubes, which according to factory specs will pump out 220 horses.

If you are in the market for the best year of the Tri-Fives, that is as close to really nice as one can get, then look no further because this is the nicest example I've seen in a long while. Bathed in wonderful Imperial Ivory, and a fab frame off restoration. Restored to its original factory finishes and color, don't let your wish grow cold, so come take a look..

VIN DECODE
VC57K196196
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir
57-1957
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
196196-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 1037D-Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO K10202-Kansas City Body #
TRIM NO 676-Black & Red Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO- 794-Imperial Ivory