Without a doubt one of the icons of 1950s collectibles, the tri-Chevys of 1955 to 1957 offered something for everyone: two- and four-door sedans, hardtops, wagons, a snazzy convertible, and even a stylish and sporty two-door wagon called Nomad. From the entry-level 150 to the mid-pack 210 to the top-of-the-line Bel Air, Chevrolet had all the bases covered. Styling was all new, and buyers had a choice of eight engines. Bodies were 1.5 inches lower than in 1956, though the wheelbase remained the same at 115 inches. Chevrolet switched from 15-inch to 14-inch wheels, attributing to the change in height over the earlier models. “Sweet, Smooth, and Sassy” was how Chevrolet described the year’s beauties.

Surprisingly, one of the most sought-after cars of the post-war era was not the industry best-seller when new. With few exceptions, Chevrolet outsold its rival in the 30 years after Ford stopped producing the Model T. But pushing a third-year restyle against dramatically new Fords and Plymouths caused Chevy to slip to number two in sales for 1957. What the company brought to the party was performance in the form of an enlarged 283 V-8 with available Rochester Ramjet fuel injection. Chevy trumpeted its “one horsepower per cubic inch” engine available on even its least expensive models. The “fuelie” engine added $500 to the price tag, nearly one-fourth the price of the car; but in combination with a close-ratio three-speed manual transmission, the cost of that performance was well worth the price.

The crossed flags emblems on the front fenders of this Matador Red beauty tell us it is equipped with the optional 283/283 solid lifter fuel-injected V-8 and three-speed manual transmission, Chevy’s top engine and transmission combination offered in 1957. The Kansas City–built Bel Air was the beneficiary of a body-off nut-and-bolt restoration to factory specs by Patrick’s Classy Cars of Phoenix, Arizona. When restored, a matching red-and-silver reproduction vinyl interior was installed, along with a new white convertible top and rear window. Power windows and an AM radio are two luxurious touches. With just 50 miles since restoration, all mechanicals were replaced or restored to proper specifications, and new tires, brakes, and suspension components were fitted. All chrome parts were stripped and re-chromed, and all stainless trim re-polished.

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is without question one of the icons of 1950s collectible automobiles. And what a color combination, too!