West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional older restoration example of this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible in a beautiful 'Matador Red' color paint and with an absolutely superb condition 'Silver & Red' vinyl interior, with a 283 'Turbo-Fire' V8 engine matched to a 'Powerglide' automatic transmission, full wheel covers with 14" white wall tires, three spoke steering wheel with full horn ring, electric clock, stainless steel trim on windshield, side windows & rear windows, stainless steel front fender trim, gold anodized front fender louvers, power top, full carpeting and with added factory options of the AM radio, Power brakes and DeLuxe Heater & Defroster.
One of the USA's most recognized classic cars ever, the Chevrolet Bel Air was introduced in 1950 as a sporting 2 door Hardtop Coupe powered by a 6 cylinder engine and using a smooth Powerglide transmission. The Bel Air range was expanded in 1953 to sedans and a very desirable convertible and by 1954, a station wagon, the Nomad was added to the range of models. By 1955 a comprehensive restyling arrived at its definitive classic shape and the Bel Air was the flagship model of the entire Chevrolet division. There's no better example of GM's styling and engineering prowess in the late fifties than the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible - drive one like this particular example and you will see why - its hard to believe that this car was built over 58 years ago! In 1957 the all new Bel Air was advertised as having "exciting new looks, zippy new power and luxurious new interiors" and boy did they ever!
'Zippy new power' included a larger displacement 283 CID V8 engine in 6 different variations of a 2 or 4 barrels carburretor, dual 4 barrels available with either hydraulic or solid valve lifters and for the first time ever, a fuel injected version. 'Exciting new looks' included a complete restyling of both the front & rear of the car. At front, an integrated bumper and grille for a massive wide expanse of chrome. A full width center grille bar held the parking lights at each end with the Chevrolet 'Bowtie' crest in the center. Headlight surrounds included screen-type trim that actually doubled as fresh air intakes. The face of the hood featured the Chevrolet script with a 'V' under it on cars equipped with the new V8 engines, with the top-of-the-line 'Bel Air' models featuring a gold anodized grille and the 'Bel Air' bodyside script. Atop the hood were new twin 'windsplit' ornaments instead of the traditional hood ornament of the older models. At back were higher rear fenders with tail fins lined in chrome. These would be the only true vertical tail fins to appear on a Chevy with the later 1959 & 1960 models having horizontal tail fins. The 'Bel Air' had a ribbed two-tone silver anodized aluminum panel between the quarter rear trim pieces. 'Luxurious new interiors' featured new fabrics, colors and designs complimented by a new instrument panel design with gauges centered over the steering column in two small round pods flanking a larger speedometer pod.
This particular example was recently purchased from it's long time southern California owners and had been restored around the year 2004 and has since obviously always been cherished as a 'Garage Queen' with only very few miles since its restoration. Recent mechanical work completed since we purchased it includes new Dual Power Brake Master Cylinder, rebuilt wheel cylinders, fuel tank removed & cleaned, new points, plugs & condenser.
