1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible

Chevrolet Bel-Airs were the pinnacle of Chevrolet's lineup in 1957. Other than the Corvette, there were three versions of the marque's full-size car – the workaday 150, the mid-range 210 and the cream o' the crop Bel-Air. Collectively, the 1955 to 1957 models are referred to as Tri-Fives, along with the Nomad two-door station wagon. This stunning example was held as a prized possession for the past 50 years. It recently went through a cost as no object, nut and bolt restoration to a show quality standard, simply stunning!

Finished in a red from the Porsche paint palette, the car's paint and refreshed trim are in overall excellent condition, this convertible was made in GM's Norwood, Ohio factory. While the car was getting a fresh coat of paint, a replacement red, fabric power-folding top with a glass back window was installed. The chrome trim was triple plated, plus new side moldings and chrome bumpers. The V-shaped emblem on the trunk lid doubles as a center, high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).

This droptop rolls on new radials – General Altimax 43 RTs in front, size 215/60R17, and Nitto NT555s in back, size 255/50ZR17, in back. Each one is mounted to new, five-spoke gray wheel. The wheels and tires are in excellent order. Classic Performance Products have been installed to lower and modify the suspension with a steering box and control arms plus two-inch drop spindles and an aftermarket front sway bar.

Under the hood is a newly rebuilt 305 CID V-8 engine with an aftermarket camshaft, FiTech fuel injection and a Champion aluminum radiator, all installed by the previous owner. The engine breathes via dual exhausts. Backing the motor is a Turbo Hydramatic 350 three-speed automatic transmission. Driver convenience features include power steering, upgraded power four-wheel disc brakes (cross-drilled rear rotors) and power windows, plus the front vent windows. The car rides and drives as good as it looks.

On the inside, the car has a new red interior with black trim. The front and rear bench seats are upholstered in red and black vinyl and look fantastic. So does the red carpet, which looks showroom-new. There's a three-spoke aftermarket steering wheel with a red rim, a red instrument panel and inner door panels that are red with black trim. A column-mounted shift lever and a Wonderbar AM radio with Bluetooth connectivity complete the interior.

The 1957 Bel-Air is considered by many to be an icon of its age. . .right alongside Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and the Leave it to Beaver television show, and is among the most recognizable American cars of all time; well-maintained examples, especially sport coupes and convertibles are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. They are roomy, with tastefully restrained, period use tail fins and chrome. A second automatic transmission, Turboglide was optional. While the original two-speed Powerglide continued unchanged, Turboglide provided a continuously variable gear-ratio which made “shifting” imperceptible. The shift quadrant on Turboglide cars followed a “P R N D Gr” pattern.

From 1955 to 1957, production of the two-door Nomad station wagon was assigned to the Bel-Air series, although its body and trim were unique to that model. Prior to becoming a regular production model, the Nomad first appeared as a Corvette-based concept vehicle in 1954. Chevrolet has since unveiled two concept cars bearing the Nomad name, most recently in 1999. The 1955–1957 Chevrolets are commonly referred to as Tri Fives.

Documentation includes original firewall trim tag, color swatches, FiTech fuel injection instruction manual, an Aurora BTW user operations manual and other Canadian documents.

The previous owner states that approximately 50,000 miles have been added under his ownership and less than 200 more miles since completion of the refurbishment.

Competition to this Bel-Air in 1957 included Ford's Fairlane 500 and Plymouth's Belvedere convertibles.

If you've always wanted a show quality Tri-Five Chevy like your dad or granddad had, this is your chance. If a classic convertible appeals to you, this head-turner will draw crowds wherever it goes, regardless of season. Visit MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to check out this Tri-Five beauty today!

VIN: VC57N183736

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 2,315 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

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