Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest Bel Air of them all?? For consignment, a 1957 Bel Air amateur frame off restoration from the late 80's that is still showing well...
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest Bel Air of them all?? For consignment, a 1957 Bel Air amateur frame off restoration from the late 80's that is still showing well today. A few upgrades along the way in the form of dual quads, a 383ci stroker V8 and a 3 speed automatic make this end of the Tri-Five era hard to pass by. Bathed in Larkspur Blue with fine trimmings and some fin action, this well done and near perfect example won't leave you feeling blue, even if purchased on a lark.
Exterior
“And then he will carry me away to the castle, where I will live happily ever after..” In your dreams Snow White, and exactly what this car is made for, pure enjoyment. From its golden toothy grille that floats between a small upper bumper and lower large bumper complete with rubber tipped “Dagmars”, to the beltline swoop spear that makes a downward turn on the rear quarter panel, this restoration is truly the definition of the term “buttoned up". Dual rocket style hood embellishments are fronting curved gentle tubes that are on either side of the hood. These run back toward the windshield where they die into the hood. Very nice, (just like the bumpers and trim), chrome headlight bezels frame the single headlights, and wonderful chromed side view mirrors, door handles, and window trim are all good. Continuing rearward, we see an offshoot of the downward sloping spear, that also runs to the rear of the car, and borders a horizontally ribbed aluminum panel with a gold Bel Air badge in your grandmother's handwriting, and cloisonné Chevrolet bowtie badge. Bringing up the tail end is a switch to the station wagon rear bumper perched just below the heavily chrome emblazoned tail lights. We need to talk about the straight steel panels all around, with fair minded gaps, and covered in Larkspur Blue paint, just beautiful! 4 shiny Larkspur Blue painted steel wheels with chrome center hubs and trim rings are wrapped by wide whites…It's gettin' deep!
Interior
Dripping in 50's styling there is abundant use of the nifty broadcloth that has a fine blue bordered flagstone pattern stitched into a black background. This greets blue vinyl and is used this way on the door panels, and the seats. Also add in a silver chromed button in the mid section of each back for these classic chairs. A nice blue 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 modern AM/FM/Cassette stereo and various control knobs. Beautiful blue hook and loop carpet floods the floors, and a tight pristine blue headliner is floating above all this 50's design. What's the matter? Cat got your tongue??”
Drivetrain
Fully restored and rebuilt, a 383ci stroker V8 is sitting within one of the cleanest engine bays in Classic Auto Mall. From appearances it's mostly correct with its orange block but that fades as we see ribbed aluminum Edelbrock valve covers and dual Edelbrock 4-barrel carbs feeding this beautiful mill. In back is a non original 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission with a shift kit, and way in the back is a rear axle configuration with a 3.36 ratio. All very nice finishes abound...All I Have To Do Is Dream.
Undercarriage
The frame off restoration has left the undercarriage simply beautiful looking absolutely right out of the showroom. Textured black floor pans and pristine black rust-free rockers are mounted securely to a jet black straight rust free frame. Dual exhaust with Turbo mufflers, that is like new, worms its way back past all this finery. Drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners just like from the factory and we also note manual steering. Independent coil spring front suspension with tapered roller bearings and leaf spring rear suspension are all clean and pristine.
Drive-Ability
As like the rest of the car, it runs very well, starting immediately, shifting smoothly, and providing a smooth ride. A roll down of the window and we were off. Plenty of power from those dual 4 barrels feeding their 383 cubes, which is more than capable of making the rear end get loose if you get goosey with your boot.
If you are in the market for the best year of the Tri-Fives, that is as close to really nice as one can get, then look no further because this is the nicest example I've seen in a long while. Bathed in wonderful Larkspur Blue, and a fab frame off restoration. Restored to showroom fresh looks, don't let your wish grow cold, so come take a look.
VC57B123423
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
123423-Sequential Unit Number