Nicely Restored w/ Smooth Running 350 V8, Auto, PS/B w/ Front Disc, Looks Sharp!

Description

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, strong 350 V8, and factory suspension setup with a couple of upgrades, so it drives and feels like a '57 should, not like some modern hybrid or restomod hack-job. But it's also been updated with a few things that make motoring more pleasant if you're the kind of person who likes... to hit the road on a moment's notice. Matador Red is the archetypal '57 Chevy color, 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 not that long ago, so it still carries a great shine that will sparkle at shows and makes other cars look downright shabby in comparison, although a multi-stage detail would really put it over the top if you want to go after some trophies. 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 and are likely brand new, just like the rest of the brightwork that was attended to during the restoration. Accessories include Bel Air-specific gold trim in all the right places along with those iconic hood rockets, giving it a pure 1950s look that everyone loves. Correctly sorted and dripping with pure Americana, this is a beautiful hardtop that attracts a lot of attention everywhere it goes. 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 restored nicely and mostly back to stock condition, including the black dash and its accompanying trim, factory gauges inside the correct bezel, and of course all the soft parts. But a few upgrades were added too, including a sporty black steering wheel atop a tilt column, a set of auxiliary gauges below the dash, and a B&M shifter that manages the automatic transmission below. The black carpets are protected by reproduction floor mats with Chevrolet emblems on their faces, and a Retro-Sound AM/FM/AUX radio now lives in the factory dash slot so it looks right. There's also a neat, red headliner above that lightens things up inside a little and seat belts were retrofitted for safety both front and rear. And with a correct mat, the spacious trunk is finished properly as well and has enough room for just about any travel plans. Under the hood, the 350 cubic inch V8 still makes all the right 1957 sounds and has that unmistakable small block growl any fan of classic cars will find familiar. It's a nicely detailed block that features an Edelbrock 600CFM 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake, and long-tube headers that feed a dual exhaust for a bit more horsepower, and it's all very clean inside the satin-black engine bay. Chevy Orange paint on the block, a chrome Edelbrock air cleaner with matching chrome valve covers, and a big aluminum radiator up front not only serves a larger purpose, but also make you proud to lift up the hood and show off a little bit. Other notable additions include a modern alternator, power steering, and a newer power front disc brake system, but you can't argue with a guy for choosing those safety and convenience options, even if they weren't all exactly stock in 1957. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission makes this is an easy car to drive, and it spins an original-style rear end. The underside is highly detailed with satin black on the floors, frame and suspension components, and a newer shocks, springs, and big sway bars fore and aft mean it handles about as well as a '57 ever will. Cragar SS wheels add some flash and are wrapped in 205/75/15 front and 255/60/15 rear blackwall radials to reinforce the period look with modern performance. Smartly restored and well finished, this is the '57 you've been hoping to find, combining all the things that make Tri-5 Chevys so popular, with impressive presentation. Call now!