1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Speed

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop has driven 2,000 miles since completion of a restoration that included upgrades such as air conditioning, Center Line aluminum wheels, a disc braking system, Dakota Digital gauges, and a crate 350ci V8 paired with a Saginaw 4-speed manual transmission. This Bel Air received an overhaul of its suspension system and a modern Custom Autosound audio system, with build receipts totaling upwards of $38,000. Finished in two-tone Deep Red Metallic with a Silver Metallic top over a reupholstered gray leather interior, this Bel Air is now offered with the original uninstalled 283ci V8, build receipts, literature, manuals, and a clear Ohio title in the seller’s name.

The tri-five lineup of Chevrolet automobiles launched in 1955 using a shoebox-inspired design language, displaying flatter body panels when compared to prior model years. For 1957, updates were carried out for the aesthetics that included more pronounced, chrome-laden tailfins and a restyle of the front end. This Bel Air two-door hardtop from that model year was the recipient of a restoration that began in 2007, providing a repaint in a two-tone scheme of Deep Red Metallic and Silver Metallic. The body itself is said to be rust-free and largely original, showing deep gloss and good panel fitment. Replacement body bushings and mounts were used throughout the build, and brightwork for the bumpers, trim, and moldings was either replaced or refinished for optimal shine. A Raingear wiper system has been added, and there are polished dual exhaust outlets at the rear.

Polished 15” Center Line aluminum wheels are mounted to BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires with good tread remaining. The front braking system has been upgraded to discs, and the suspension has been overhauled using a front sway bar, new shocks, and replacement leaf springs.

The interior is fitted with reupholstered gray leather applied to power-operated Cadillac bucket seats and a custom center console, with matching materials applied to the door panels and headliner. The carpeting and dash are maroon in color, with a bright full-width trim panel applied to the face. Features include An Old Air Products air conditioning system, a modern radio from Custom Autosound, a Hurst shift lever, and an aftermarket steering wheel. The trunk has been finished to show-quality standards along with the rest of the interior, and a spare tire is included.

Dakota Digital instrumentation replaces the factory gauges, offering a speedometer as well as readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, and more. An analog clock is installed on the passenger side of the dashboard. The replacement odometer reads 2k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The replacement, crate-sourced 350ci V8 breathes via an Edelbrock air cleaner and has been upgraded with MSD ignition components. A replacement clutch was installed, and power is sent to the rear wheels via a Saginaw 4-speed manual transmission and a Hurst shift lever.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes the car’s original uninstalled 283ci V8, receipts from the build totaling upwards of $38k, as well as factory-issued literature, manuals, and instructions.