New 350ci Crate V8/TH350 Auto/Power Steering & Brakes/Iconic 50's Styling

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

”The iconic ’wedge’ side trim on the 1957 Chevrolet, (popular on the Two-Ten series), was born out of a frantic corporate rush. General Motors originally planned an entirely new body design for 1957, but production delays forced stylists to heavily facelift the existing 1955–1956 shell for one more year. Designers led by Harley Earl scrambled to craft fresh, eye-catching side spear accents and tail fins by hand in clay. This emergency refresh created the distinct tapered, wedge shaped side molding that housed contrasting paint or anodized inserts.” [hidden information]

For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible showing 12,644 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. According to our consignor, there are less than 100 miles on the engine and transmission which were professionally installed.

Exterior
The void is alive and well on this beauty with Onyx Black now appearing in two stage application. It’s enhanced by polished stainless trim that provides strong edges to the bodylines, a spear along the side, and of course, the iconic fender wedge in back. Like a fine Picasso, the designers must have put down their pencils with great satisfaction at the completion of this car, so perfectly proportioned with fins and fenders and fanciness. A whale sized grille with bezel lined headlights and torpedo hood ornaments makes up the fascia while in back, robust trim lines the fenders and drops down to cover the fins, blending seamlessly into the substantial bumper out back. The white top and clear window are in nice shape and the 14-inch wheels carry black paint and white walls with an early 2022 date code, and artful wheel covers to complete the ideal profile, half visible in back where fender skirts keep things smooth. Imperfections include chips, inclusions throughout, gap issue with door, cracks and de-glazing on windows, gritty finish on fender, scratches, and some filler. 

Interior
Red and silver is the contrasting interior palette beginning on the door panels where the colors alternate and are delineated with metallic trim, both doors presenting nicely. Button ornamentation is included on the red and silver split bench in front and the full bench in back with classic design and in great condition. It’s a sea of silver and black up front that starts with the steering wheel and continues to the dash where round gauges protrude proudly forward with lights and knobs a bit further backstage, but in a planned symmetrical and classic design. The mesh mid panel takes in the AM radio, square clock, and golden Bel Air call out. Below the dash, we find an added triple gauge pod. The trunk is clean and fitted with a rubber mat and spare tire in the designated recess.

Drivetrain
The attractive engine bay holds a consignor stated crate 350ci V8 with a GMPP intake manifold connected to an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. It’s mated to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission with power routed through 3.36 gears in back. Power brakes and power steering are on board, clearly seen in this clean under hood space.

Undercarriage
Clean conditions prevail underneath with dual exhaust running through glasspack mufflers and find an exit through chrome tips out back.  Power drum brakes are on all four wheels, and suspension does not veer from original with coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.   

Drive-Ability
The engine runs well and the interior provides a clean, comfortable place to spend some time. We note the power top is not working but can be raised and lowered manually. The car pulls hard to the right when driving and braking and the brakes themselves are a bit spongy.  Finally, the heater blower and clock are not working but all other available functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

The shape, the wedge, the interior! Look up ”classic car” in the encyclopedia, (an ancient series of books that would illustrate and explain anything and everything), and surely, a photo of a ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air would surface as the design standard bearer for the mid century period. Here’s a fantastic example that will never be out of style!   

VC57B116539

V-V8
C-2400 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
116539-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

STYLE NO 57 1067DTX-1957 BelAir Convertible
BODY NO L3440-Lansing Body #
TRIM NO 677-Silver & Ivory Vinyl
PAINT NO 821-Dusk Pearl

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit [hidden information] or call us at [hidden information]. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state’s titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!