1957 Chevrolet Bel AirImagine a car so popular that a new term came to be, based on that design. That name is Tri-Five, which refers to 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolet...
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Imagine a car so popular that a new term came to be, based on that design. That name is Tri-Five, which refers to 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular the Bel Air, 150, 210 Sedans, and the Nomad. With beautiful proportions and new skins each of those successive years, and a thorough peppering of chrome, these cars produced in this time became iconic. From all original to highly modified versions, many Tri Five clubs have sprung up to showcase individuality, originality, and the beloved Chevrolet concepts of Harley Earl and his team.
Gracing our numerous showrooms here at Classic Auto Mall is an example from the Tri Five's most glorious year, 1957. Also, the top of the line model in the Bel Air. This baby is fuel injected, and dressed in black and white, and has a gorgeous black textured flagstone patio pattern broadcloth with red vinyl interior. All in very nice condition, she's ready for the prom!
Exterior
Straight rust-free steel panels draped in black cover the exterior of this car. A white ribbed fin panel is inserted on the rear quarters and has gold Bel Air badging in your grandmother's handwriting along with a cloisonné bowtie badge. Upfront two jet age hood inserts fly forward leaving a jet trail in the form of a small bump that dies at the windshield. The smiling front grille is all very nicely chromed and has a large lower bumper complete with two small Dagmars with rubber tips. The correct for Bel Air trim gold egg crate is buried within the smile. A swoop trim spear runs from the headlights to the rear quarter where it divides and allows for the ribbed insert. White paint for the roof, and more chrome trim around the windows. The rear of the car now goes full bore with the vertical fins all trimmed in chrome with the crescent moon taillights and backup lights melting into a clean and mirror-like chrome bumper. A note to this car's exterior paint, there are numerous scratches and even some early signs of crazing and a few areas where paint has been scratched off revealing the under coat. 14-inch wheels with Bel Air trimmed wheel covers and wide whites are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty broadcloth that has a fine red bordered flagstone pattern stitched into a black background. This greets red vinyl and is used this way on the door panels, and the seats. A nice red dash is upfront and has the upwardly mobile curved cove for the instrument cluster and turn signal lights. Cutting through the middle of the dash is a chromed mesh horizontal trim that houses the radio, and various control knobs. Beautiful black carpet floods the floors and a tight pristine red headliner is floating above all this 50's design.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are met with the beautifully restored 1957 version of fuel injection. It is truly an engineering wonder and is atop a 283ci V8. This car also is coded to have a 283 hi lift cam. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back and throws power rearward to a 3.55 rear axle. A shout out to the engine bay which is well done and very clean.
Undercarriage
Not to be outdone by the upper restoration, underneath is totally rust free, and beautifully restored. All black save for the red oil pan, dual cherry bomb mufflers, and blue shock absorbers it is just near perfect. Independent coil springs are the front suspension, and leaf springs bring up the rear. Drum brakes are seen all around.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and ran smoothly, shifted effortlessly, and the fuel injection propelled us forward in a serious manner. We noted a high idle so some adjustments to the fuel injection may be necessary.
A very nicely preserved Bel Air, a few faults in the black paint on the exterior, but a stunningly retro interior, fuel injection which is marvelous to look at and ponder, and a clean and pristine undercarriage. Let's go to the hop!
VIN Decode
VC57N105526
V-V8
C-2400 Series BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
57-1957
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
105526-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
STYLE # 57 1037D-1957 BelAir 2 Door Hardtop
BODY # N322-Norwood Body #
TRIM # 676-Red & Black Vinyl & Cloth
PAINT # 807-Onyx Black & India Ivory