Fuel-Injected 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is an older body-off rotisserie restoration and one of 1,530 cars with the Ramjet fuel-injected 283ci V8 and solid lifters that help the engine produce 283 horsepower. It features dual antennas, spinner-style wheel covers, a set of whitewall tires, rear fender skirts, and a Continental kit. Refinished in Matador Red and furnished with a replacement black vinyl convertible top and a newer red and silver interior, this second-generation Bel Air "fuelie" is available from a Canadian dealer with a current Ontario vehicle permit.

As trim color code 802 on its tag indicates, this Bel Air came from the factory with Matador Red paint. During the restoration process, the body was repainted in its correct color. Exterior features include dual hood ornaments, a front bumper integrated into the grille, full-length side trim, rear fender skirts, rear fins capped with chrome, dual antennas, a Continental kit, and dual exhaust. When stored, the black convertible top sits under a red tonneau cover.

The car rides on bias-ply whitewall tires that surround a set of 14-inch red wheels with chrome covers that feature spinner-style centers.

According to the trim code of 683 on its data tag, this Bel Air was originally configured with a red and silver vinyl interior. As part of its restoration, it received the correct replacement interior that consists of red and silver front and rear bench seats, matching door panels, and a red dashboard with metallic trim. Equipment includes lap belts, a two-spoke steering wheel with a horn ring, manual crank windows, and the reportedly original AM radio.

The dashboard houses a 120-mph speedometer, gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level, and a clock. The odometer shows a reading of 366 miles, which reflects the mileage accumulated since the restoration was completed. True mileage is unknown.

For the 1957 model year, Chevrolet began offering the Bel Air with a 283ci V8 that could be equipped with carburetion or fuel injection. This Bel Air has the most potent of the 283s, which features Ramjet mechanical fuel injection, a solid lifter camshaft, and a factory-issued output figure of 283 horsepower. It sends its power to the road through a column-mounted 3-speed manual transmission and the rear wheels.

Additional photos of the underbody and its X-shaped bracing are in the picture gallery to the right.