1957 Chevrolet Other for sale $129,900

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is in a pretty elite group when it comes to significance and overall impact on the collector car hobby. Its one of the most easily recognized cars on the planet and clean stock examples routinely fetch a solid six figures at auction. Sporting impressive turquoise aesthetics a correct 283/2-speed drivetrain and a thorough frame-off restoration this Bel Air is the kind of well-done classic that goes above and beyond the nearly universal appeal of a stock model. If youre considering a show-stopping tri-five why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars building a similar car when you can take home this completed masterpiece for a fraction of the money?

BODYWORK/TRIM

The 57 Chevy has become a symbol of an automotive golden age exemplifying some of the best America had to offer for the 1950s. Even before it was the subject of a comprehensive frame-off restoration conducted by Chevy specialist Bob Phelps this Bel Air was bestowed the prestigious Senior Award from the Antique Automobile Club of America. Since that body-off reboot which was completed in 2006 the car has left climate-controlled storage for just 180 miles of sunny weekend cruising. And today this drop-top rolls as one super cool classic that thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim has an absolutely magnetic presence!

Speaking of trim all this Chevys incredible chrome is present accounted for and ready to show. At the front of the car a guarded bumper props a correct gold grille behind clear parking lamps a small AACA plaque and a brilliant Chevrolet crest. At the top of that grille chrome-trimmed factory-spec headlights and gold header ornamentation lead a domed hood thats decorated with familiar Speer Bullet Spoons. At the back of that hood polished wipers clear tinted glass which is trimmed in polished frames a correct mirror and power-operated vinyl. At the base of that glass Bel Air-branded spears split the difference between traditional door handles correct fender louvers and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of those spears a classy continental kit reflects small tail lamps dual antennas and optional trunk trim.

ENGINE

In the late 50s Chevrolets 283 cubic inch Super Turbo Fire V8 was a common choice for factory GM performance. And with an advertised 220 horsepower its an impressive piece even in todays world of 300 horsepower grocery getters. At the top of the bright orange mill a dressed and decaled air cleaner funnels wind in to a reliable Carter carburetor. At the base of that carb a correct cast iron intake feeds correct cast iron heads that are finished with stamped and silver-detailed valve covers. At the back of those heads a familiar points distributor shoots fire through loomed Radio GM plug wires. Once those fires have been lit a re-cored radiator circulates coolant through pliable GM hoses and authentic squeeze clamps. Once that air and fuel is torched Rams Horn exhaust manifolds whisk spent gases in to big true-dual pipes. Once combustion is created new V-belts spin a tagged Delco-Remy generator opposite a tagged Delco yellow cap battery. And since this small block was thoroughly rebuilt during the cars extensive restoration everything from its neat GM washer system to its old school AC fuel bowl is complete clean and well sorted.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this slick Bel Air a straight Satin Black frame rides a plethora of clean suspension parts. Above