This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a 2-door hardtop sports coupe powered by a 283ci Chevrolet small block V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and Powerglide automatic transmission. The seller purchased this example in 2014 from another Pennsylvania based owner. During his ownership the car has received a new interior and has been reupholstered in Chevrolet materials from 1957. Apart from the addition of a vintage-style modern stereo with AM/FM and AUX input, no modifications are present. This Bel Air is sold with the original radio and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.
This Bel Air is finished in its original color combination as denoted on the cowl tag; two-tone India Ivory over Colonial Cream(code 816). The seller notes that the hood shows a slightly duller finish than the rest of the car. The fitted wheel covers are one of several correct styles available for 1957.
The seller notes a few dents, including one about 4″ long on the trunk where the rear deck lid makes its 90 degree bend to vertical.
The seller had the interior reupholstered in correct 1957 dated materials during their ownership. The pattern denoted on the cowl tag is yellow with black cloth (code 675). When the seats were reupholstered they were disassembled down to the frames and re-stuffed before the new upholstery was fitted. The carpet and door panels were replaced at the same time, and new window seals and window felt were fitted as well.
Factory instrumentation is in place and 88,000 miles are shown on the odometer but no supporting documentation is available. The original radio has been replaced with a modern unit giving AM/FM and AUX functionality, though the original is included.
Power comes from a 283ci Chevrolet Small Block V8 topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. The last major service was performed in 2014 when the seller purchased the car. The service included a general tune-up, fresh fluids, and checking all of the belts, hoses, and other wear items. The transmission is a two-speed Powerglide automatic.
Numerous photos of the underside of the car are provided in the gallery below. The seller states that the previous owner had the car rust-proofed and fitted a new exhaust.
The cowl tag is pictured above, and decodes as follows:
- Style: 57-1037D, 1957 model year, 2-door hard top sports coupe
- Body No: J 9407, Body built in Janesville, Wisconsin
- Trim: 675, Yellow vinyl and black patterned cloth interior
- Paint: 816 D, Colonial Cream upper surfaces, India Ivory lower surfaces
