283 cu. in. V-8 engine, four-barrel carburetor, Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115"

- Full photo-documented restoration completed in 2009

- Equipped with A/C and Powerglide automatic transmission

Chrome, jet-age styling and rising horsepower drove the American automotive market during the late 1950s, and no automobile combined these three elements better than Chevrolet’s 1957 Bel Air convertible. Its unique styling and distinctive interior and exterior trimmings gave the impression of speed even while the car was at rest, and a large (and growing) list of factory options provided buyers with an unprecedented opportunity to personalize their own Chevrolet.

By 1957, Chevrolet’s “small block” V-8 engine had grown to 283 cubic inches and offered several levels of tune. Choices ranged from the standard two-barrel unit with 185 hp to the “Super Turbo-Fire” or “Power-Pack” setup with 9.5:1 compression, a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, all the way up to the dual-carburetor unit with 270 hp and the rare fuel-injected version with up to 283 hp – one unit of horsepower per cubic inch, a first for American passenger cars. Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, and GM engineering guru Ed Cole produced a car sure to withstand the test of time, and with nearly 48,000 produced, the drop-top 1957 Bel Air was, and remains, a true icon of the American automotive industry.

In 2009, this exceptional 1957 Bel Air convertible received a complete, photo-documented frame-off restoration with only GM-approved parts used in the exacting process. Many steel parts were powder-coated for a long-lasting finish, including the frame and seat springs. All-new chrome brightwork and new trim pieces enhance the Bel Air’s timeless styling. In addition to its powerful four-barrel 283-cubic inch V-8 and Powerglide automatic transmission, the Bel Air includes air conditioning and such desirable period features as a “Continental” spare tire kit, rear-fender skirts and dual radio antennas. Handsomely presented throughout and beautifully restored, this 1957 Bel Air convertible simply delivers both landmark styling and superior drivability.