West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this customized with no expense spared 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible in a beautiful 'Dark Gray Metallic' color paint and with a striking 'Dark Gray' leather & cloth interior; with a LS3 6.2L V8 Corvette engine matched to a '4L80E' Corvette automatic transmission, Corvette suspension, Corvette rear end, Corvette 4 wheels disc brakes, air conditioning, stereo system, power top, power windows on a 'Newman' chassis.
As the standard engine in the fifth-generation Camaro SS and C6 Corvette, the high-revving, deep-breathing LS3 6.2L is poised to go down in history as one of Chevrolet's best and most versatile engines. The LS3 is filled with components designed for high performance and longevity. The aluminum block is filled with a sturdy reciprocating assembly that combines with L92-type rectangular-port heads to deliver a 10.7:1 compression ratio.
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. 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 customized with no expense spared and has since obviously always been cherished as a 'Garage Queen' with only very few miles, some 870, since its restoration. This is a phenomenally well built custom which still holds true to its roots and which obviously sounds and drives absolutely magnificently - see the video on our You Tube Page on our website for visuals.
In summary this must be one of the finest examples anywhere of a fully operational and turn-key tastefully customized and very collectible 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible with upgraded modern Corvette components which still has a classic original Bel Air look as well as all the modern day luxury custom upgrades and technical advances and boasting a very desirable 6.2L LS3 V8 Corvette engine - a wonderful example of America's favorite 1950's classic car and a wonderful addition to any muscle car or custom hot rod enthusiasts collection!
