Barrett-Jackson: Customer Description "Lot #773 - Few cars have as legendary a status among the public as the 1957 Chevrolet, and this gorgeous, fuel injected Bel Air...
Barrett-Jackson: Customer Description "Lot #773 - Few cars have as legendary a status among the public as the 1957 Chevrolet, and this gorgeous, fuel injected Bel Air Convertible stands as one of the most desirable examples of the breed and in one of the most desirable color combinations. The redesigned 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the last year for the beloved Tri-Fives. Chevrolet had achieved an engineering milestone because 1957 was the first and only year Chevrolet offered a fuel-injected V8 engine outside the Corvette line. The Super Turbo-Fire 283 with solid lifter cam produced the advertised 283 horsepower (one horsepower per cubic inch) with the help of the Rochester Ramjet continuous-flow fuel injection. GM only produced a total of 68 Bel Air Fuelie Convertible models in 1957 and of those 68 a small percentage had the upgraded 283/283HP with 3-speed manual transmission. As the VIN number and Cowl Tag indicates this example was built approximately on the third week of July in Baltimore, MD as a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible 8cyl with a Matador Red exterior and a Red Vinyl with Silver pattern interior. The previous owner was the caretaker for 15 years ranging from 2007 to 2022. It was sent to a marquis specialist for an extensive rotisserie restoration to factory specifications and was completed in 2008. Since completion it's been handled with white gloves and driven less than 50 miles. The exterior appearance is simply breathtaking with its extremely straight body and spectacular Matador Red paint. It sports a white convertible power top that fits like a glove. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced during the restoration such as all the E-Z-Eye stamped glass, stainless trim, dual mirrors, dual antennas, gold grille, headlights, body moldings, taillights, bumpers and gold emblems. Fourteen-inch red steel wheels with chrome 3-bar spinner wheel covers wearing Firestone Deluxe Champion white wall 7.50 -14 tires bring the iconic design to the road. The interior appearance is also simply breathtaking with the famous Bel Air signature "tri-tone" interior scheme of silver and red with chrome accents. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced during the restoration such as the painted dash, gauges, radio, steering wheel, door panels, door hardware, seats, pedals and carpeting. A new set of correct style black rubber floor mats are included. The trunk compartment of this example was beautifully restored including the fading into red oxide primer under the factory style rubber trunk mat. It's equipped with a full size tire and jack tools. The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The factory stamps, paint marks and tags were added appropriately. It's powered by a date-code correct fuel injected 283 V8 that was professionally rebuilt. The correct Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection system was professionally rebuilt. The engine with solid lifter cam sounds like music out the dual exhaust system. The engine is cooled by the date-code correct V8 with standard transmission radiator. The engine is coupled to a date code correct 3-speed manual transmission that was professionally rebuilt. The power is transferred to the pavement through the date code correct rear differential that was also professionally rebuilt. The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The floors were painted in red oxide primer. The steering, suspension and braking were restored or replaced during the restoration. This outstanding 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is pure Americana with stylish design and characteristics. A reproduction owner's manual and photo album of the restoration are included. This vehicle has been recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that's included. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection."