Chevrolet proved that the third time was the charm in 1957, with the third restyling of the trendsetting 1955 model bringing its styling to new heights. The ’57 Bel Air is one of the most attractive and sought-after collector cars in the world. It was a runaway sales success, selling over a million and a half cars. The universally appealing good looks of the model can largely be credited for the car’s lasting popularity. However, for many new car buyers, it was the seemingly endless list of factory options that made the 1957 Chevrolet their choice above all others. It was these factory accessories that could make a new Chevrolet as opulent as a Cadillac or as sparse as one needed, which made the car appealing to every budget.

The Bel Air was 2.5 inches longer and stood 1.5 inches lower than the previous year’s model. The ’57 also featured a distinctive new grille integrated with new front bumpers. Gunsight ornaments fronted the new wind splitters on the hood. At the rear, distinct new tail fins ended in sharply defined chrome caps, and the gas filler was concealed behind the left taillight. The top of the line Bel Air also had chrome sills and distinct ribbed-satin-finish wedge panels on the rear fenders. Bel Airs were available in seven different models, and they were trimmed with anodized aluminum on the rear body side panels.

This particular Sport Coupe was purchased by the consignor in 1995, with the intention of creating a world-class ’57 “resto-mod.” Beginning in 1996, and recently completed in 2011, the restoration was performed to the highest of standards. Though the car was purchased in excellent condition, the owner decided to start from the ground up. Placed on a rotisserie, the entire car and frame was media blasted to remove all the paint and any potential imperfections. It was discovered that the Bel Air retained all of its original body parts, and the underlying metal was in exceptional condition and free of corrosion.

Once stripped to bare metal, the frame, rear end, and leaf springs were powder-coated black. The body itself, including underneath the wheel wells, was finished in the iconic hot rod shade of Candy Apple Red. All of the windows, the “California” front bumper, the rear bumper, and the stainless trim are original and only need to be polished accordingly.

Beneath the hood lies a 350-cubic inch Chevy small block powerplant, which is mated to a 700R automatic transmission. Power steering, front disc brakes, and vintage air conditioning have been added to improve the driving dynamics and passenger comfort. Notably, the car was originally delivered with A/C and accordingly utilizes the original vents. The front driver’s seat is also power operated. After the painstaking five-year restoration, which was thoroughly photo-documented, this pristine 1957 Bel Air was ready to be shown off.

And impress, it did! Shown twice since completion, the Bel Air was awarded the Best General Motors Car in Show at the 2011 Performance World show in Toronto, as well as the coveted Best in Show Award at the 2012 Cam-Am Nationals. The fortunate new owner of this iconic Bel Air will surely continue to do well at car shows or simply turn heads while cruising the avenue on a Saturday night.