The 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air is the most famous car that almost never happened. Chevrolet’s chief engineers sought an entirely new design for the 1957 model year but production delays thwarted this dream. Instead, the designers made a series of changes out of necessity and created an American icon. These changes included a new dashboard, sealed cowl, and the relocation of air ducts to the headlight pods, resulting in the distinctive chrome headlight peaks. These peaks were carried to the rear-end design with the all-new, sky-high tailfins clad in anodized aluminum beauty panels and wrapped in chrome trim. The 1957 Chevrolet was sometimes called a "Baby Cadillac" because of the many styling cues borrowed from Cadillacs of the day. Chevrolet’s V8-optioned cars were fitted with a large "V" under the Chevrolet script on the hood and trunk lid, with the "V” finished in gold for the Bel-Air trim level.

Another Chevrolet icon debuted in 1957: the Rochester Ramjet, fuel-injected “Fuelie” 283 cubic inch V-8 engine. The constant-flow system metered fuel to all cylinders simultaneously from a central “spider” of injection lines. A costly option at $500, the new system helped push the modest small-block V-8 to the desirable one unit of horsepower for every cubic-inch of displacement. Designed primarily for the Chevrolet Corvette, the iconic fuel injection unit made its way into Chevrolet’s regular production line as well. Thus, so equipped, the Bel-Air became the perfect purchase for enterprising buyers with a Corvette appetite and a sedan budget.

Said to be the recipient of a comprehensive restoration, this true VC-code Chevrolet Bel-Air convertible proudly displays the crossed-checkered-flag fender emblem denoting its 283-cid Corvette “Fuelie” engine. The car is finished in striking Matador Red paint over the Bel-Air model’s signature “tri-tone” interior color scheme of red and silver with chrome accents. Period-correct features abound, from the fender skirts and continental spare tire kit on the exterior, to Chevrolet AM radio, gold Bel-Air script emblem, quartz-driven dash clock round, and Matador Red dash accented with brightwork. The consignor posits that a unique signature on the glovebox door could be from American hot-rod icon George Barris, but the claim cannot be confirmed. Fourteen-inch red steel wheels with chrome Bel-Air “spinner” hubcaps wearing wide whitewall tires bring the iconic design to the road. Other desirable features include factory power steering, power brakes, and a power convertible soft top.

The quintessential American convertible, equipped with one of the era’s most powerful engines and wearing one of its most striking color packages, this ultra-rare Chevrolet Bel-Air convertible is sure to be the star of any classic gathering.