GREAT RUNNING ZZ4 350CI CRATE MOTOR, SLICK RED PAINT, GOOD/CLEAN 57 CONVERTIBLE

Description

Cars like this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible remain popular year after year, and it's easy to understand why. They're handsome, comfortable, reliable cruisers that pluck at a lot of people's heart strings. When most folks think of the '50s, this is the car they imagine. This attractive '57 Bel Air has been faithfully restored in correct Matador Red and there's no denying that the good looks endure year after year. The iconic bodywork is nicely executed with good gaps and signs of a substantial investment in time and effort to get the panels straight and ripple-free. The paint is deep and shiny thanks to the ministrations of an expert buffer, and if attracting attention is what you want, few cars can do it better. It's not perfect, of course, and it has been driven, but it's also the kind of car you can get in and have fun without a second thought, which is always better than a trailer queen. All the chrome has been re-plated, and given the costs of such work these days, it probably accounts for half the restoration costs. All the stainless was straightened and polished, and if there are any reproduction trim pieces on the car, they're indistinguishable from original. The gold anodized Chevrolet emblems front and rear, as well as the distinctive quarter panel inserts are all in very good condition. This Chevy is ready to rock.Inside, the lovely silver and red interior is the perfect contrast to the bright red body. Workmanship on the interior parts is quite good and the materials are correct duplicates of the original stuff. There are no wrinkles or misaligned seams, suggesting that someone took their time, and new foam underneath ensures your comfort. The dash and all the gauges have been restored as well, and the bright strip of trim that extends from end to end shows the correct finish and texture. The steering wheel is perhaps the only part showing its age, but even that is pretty darned good and with a 4-speed cue ball next to it, you'll never even notice. Fresh carpets are protected by heavy-duty rubber mats, and the car wears a white convertible top, power-actuated of course. The trunk is pretty original with a correct mat and a full-sized spare that's just a little too fat to fit in the original spare tire well.Power comes from a recent ZZ4 350 cubic inch crate motor, which, thanks to the wonders of the small block Chevy V8, fits neatly in the '57's engine bay. Inside there's a mild cam and a Holley 4-barrel carb under the chrome air cleaner, and the combination generator/power steering pump is always a cool option. The engine spins a 4-speed manual gearbox driving the original rear end, making this '57 quite a bit more entertaining than the usual light-duty cruiser. The frame wears correct satin black paint and while it's tidy and clean, it's not so perfect that you'll shy away from road trips. The dual exhaust system has a healthy rumble, but isn't overpowering, and it rides on a set of recent 215/70/14 front and 225/70/14 rear white-letter radials mounted on '60s-style aluminum wheels.Despite building record numbers of 1957 Chevys, they remain in demand today, and with this one bringing with it a host of smart upgrades, you can definitely buy with confidence. A great opportunity to own an icon. Call today!