An icon in American automotive design known throughout the world! Considered the junior Cadillac to consumers, it possessed the classic 1950's rear fins, plenty of trim to polish from front to back, and a very handsome look overall! Chevrolet called it “Sweet, Smooth, and Sassy!” in their advertising copy. Words that continue to ring true today, and a perfect embodiment of young mid-Fifties America!
We couldn't be prouder to offer this brilliantly preserved 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air .....
Sport Coupe! It's finished in its original, factory code-correct Onyx Black (originally with an India Ivory roof) exterior (807D) with correct Black & Red cloth and leatherette interior (676)! Powered by its original Super Turbo Fire 283ci Power Pack 4bbl/dual exhaust V8 engine offering 220 horsepower, a Powerglide automatic transmission, and original 3.36:1 rear axle ratio! Additional factory options and accessories on this special Bel Air are abundant, totaling 28 in all, including power steering, Bendix Treadle-vac power brakes, power front seat, electric windshield wipers, GM accessory windshield washer system, deluxe heater, reverse lights, electric clock, original dealer-installed continental kit, trunk lid accessory trim, Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio with rear seat speaker, door handle paint protectors, 14” wheels with wide whitewall tires, tri-bar spinner hubcaps, parking brake warning light, Chevrolet passenger vanity mirror, Chevrolet litter bag under the dash (very rare), vacuum operated ashtray, fender skirts with accessory stainless trim, front bumper guards, rear bumper bullets, and rocker panel molding accent strips to name a few.
It is hard to stress the impressive caliber of a car this well survived! It shows only 53,022 actual miles on the odometer and was owned by its original Jacksonville, FL owner for the first 34 years! He would visit the Chevrolet dealership in late 1956 at the age of 33 and personally order his Bel Air Convertible with all the options he wanted, and later took delivery of one of the first 1957 Bel Air convertibles in the country. Bearing Atlanta factory Fisher body #258, it remains one of the earliest production examples ever seen amongst both experts and seasoned Chevy collectors alike! It was admired by the second owner after spotting it at a Dade City, FL car show in 1984, and after 6 years of building a relationship with the original owner, and encouraging him to sell it to him, it finally happened in July 1990 with only 50,239 miles on the odometer. It would go into a large collection based in Brooksville, FL driven sparingly over the next 14 years.
The third owner, also based in Florida, came to own the vehicle in 2004 with 50,526 miles on the odometer. It remained very original with the exception of one repaint completed by the original owner in the 1970's along with new interior carpet, and one professional engine rebuild in the 1980's to better perform on today's unleaded fuels. It would be shown as a very nice, original driver until a judging event at the 2006 Classic Chevy Club International Winter Nationals where experts would highlight multiple fascinating details regarding the car's originality, rarity of options, and its early build characteristics! It would earn 3rd Place honors and inspired this third owner to complete a deserving, high point frame-on restoration.
The original, rust-free body would be stripped of its original stainless trim and chrome for a complete, professional respray in 6 coats of Black Chroma Base and 4 clear coats before being color sanded to a smooth, mirror-like finish. The front and rear bumpers were re-plated to concours quality with the original, factory stainless trim and clips left untouched as they remained in excellent condition. An exacting replacement interior upholstery would be supplied by CARS Inc, with the original headliner and sun visors remain factory original. The balance of the engine compartment and chassis would be thoroughly cleaned and detailed with fresh components. One extra option that was added during restoration included Classic Auto Air of Tampa, FL to professionally install their air conditioning system with factory correct dash vents and upgrading to a Griffin aluminum radiator. A complete list of individual items rebuilt or updated was provided in great detail by the restorer, including many photographs of unique, early Bel Air build attributes noted during the process.
Also provided with the sale are personal letters from all three of the original owners documenting their individual ownership history, copy of the Florida transfer from first to second owner with actual mileage listed, owner's manual, sales brochure, original and extra sets of keys, and binder full of interesting vehicle information. It is a remarkable piece of General Motors automotive history, and one of the most favorably optioned Bel Air Sport Coupes we've had the privilege of offering! Thanks for looking and please call to discuss adding this classic to your collection!