This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop is truly one of those no-compromises old cars. It's one of the most popular cars ever built and retains its awesome original look, stock 283 V8, and factory suspension setup, so it drives and feels like a '57 should, not some modern hybrid. But it's also been upgraded with a few things that make motoring more pleasant if you're the kind of guy who hits the road on a moment's notice.
Matador Red and India Ivory are the archetypal '57 Chevy colors, and for good reason. It's a high-profile car no matter what color you paint it, but the bright red only emphasizes the look. Good straight bodywork is mandatory on a car of this caliber, so spending the extra time and money to get it right has paid off here. The restoration was finished just over 1800 miles ago, so it still carries a great shine that will sparkle at shows and makes other cars look downright shabby in comparison. All the standard Bel Air glitz is there, including the anodized panels, polished stainless strips along the tops of the fins, and the brightly chromed bumpers that look great. Accessories include twin deck-mounted antennas and fender skirts, giving it a pure 1950s look that everyone loves. And for easy driving, you'll find twin exterior rear-view mirrors for safety and the gold anodized badging reminds onlookers that there's a 283 cubic inch V8 under the hood.
Few interiors in cars at any price point in 1957 looked better than Chevy's two-tone cloth and vinyl setup. Particularly dramatic in black and red, it paints a bright picture in an already very colorful car. Everything has been expertly restored to stock condition, including the steering wheel and horn ring, instruments, and of course all the soft parts. The carpets are protected by slick red floor mats with Chevrolet emblems on their faces, and the original radio still lives in the dash so it looks right. There's also an under-dash accessory tissue dispenser that was popular when these cars were new and seat belts were retrofitted for safety. With a correct mat and a full-sized spare tire and wheel assembly, the trunk is finished properly as well.
The 283 cubic inch V8 still makes all the right 1957 sounds and has that unmistakable small block growl, thanks to a rebuild to factory specs. It's a Power-Pac car that features a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust for a bit more horsepower, and for the most part they kept it pretty much the way the factory intended. Chevy Orange paint, Chevrolet script valve covers, and a factory generator all make it look like it's 1957 all over again. In fact, the only notable deviation from stock is the addition of front disc brakes and a modern power master cylinder, but you can't argue with a guy for choosing safety over looks. The PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission makes this is an easy car to drive, and it, too, was fully rebuilt and works like new. The underside is highly detailed with red oxide primer on the floors, satin black frame and suspension components, and a fresh stainless steel exhaust system that gives it a nice V8 burble. There's also a new gas tank out back and fresh 205/75/14 whitewall radials to reinforce the period look with modern performance.
Smartly restored and incredibly well finished, this is the '57 you've been hoping to find, combining all the things that make '57 Chevys so popular, with impressive presentation. Call now!