1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description
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Here’s a ’57 Bel Air that combines both those attributes. With 119,000 miles originals this 283-powered hardtop is finished in a seldom-seen hue of Dusk Pearl that is apparently original to the car. He has included photos of various casting numbers and assembly tags to establish the origins and date of those parts as being consistent with originally installed components. I own it for 17 years and only limited maintenance has been required in that time.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
This car’s 283-cubic-inch Chevrolet small-block V-8 (which debuted in 1957) is topped by a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, features an 8.5:1 compression ratio and was rated at 185hp at 4,600 RPM when new. It is mated here to Chevrolet’s two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, which here powers a 3.36:1 rear-axle ratio. The only departure from factory stock condition is an Optima battery installed in 2018, which comes with a battery tender. The engine starts immediately without a hint of smoke and the transmission is reported to shift smoothly and reliably. The engine stamping, F328F, indicates it was assembled at Flint, Michigan, in March 1957, so it's original to this car.
EXTERIOR
The most favored element of this car’s presentability simply has to be its color, best described as a light lavender hue. Swirl-free exterior paint is original to the car and was applied by Chevrolet. Due largely to the Bel Air’s age, its finish shows some minor blemishes from road tar and tree sap.
INTERIOR
The interior is a combination of silver vinyl seats with black cloth inserts, just as it came from Chevrolet. Light use is visible, but there are no cracks or tears in the upholstery. The original carpet is in “like-new” condition, according to the seller, with no tears, holes or stains. One small blemish can be spotted on the passenger-side headliner but otherwise, it’s original and in good shape. All of the interior lights, including the one inside the glove box, are functional. All the door and glass seals are original and there is no evidence of any leakage.
OPTIONS/EXTRAS
The Bel Air was a well-equipped car as built; the major option on this one is an AM tube radio and factory heater, both of which are said to function flawlessly. In the 17 years I had this Chevrolet, the only major repair that’s been needed is replacement of the drum brake shoes and wheel cylinders, with the original parts being retained. Besides the battery tender, this sale also includes a breathable car cover and a vinyl bra to protect the front end from stone chips. For its originality and overall condition, this Bel Air has won several trophies from local car shows in the Rockies.
Condition:Used
Shipping
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