American car designs typically ran in three-year cycles. Usually by the third year of a design the car was in dire need of freshening. The 1957 Chevy, however, has been the exception to the rule. The only difference from past years was that the car was lowered and the nose and tail were given Cadillac cues, which resulted in what some call a “baby Eldorado.” Despite being an “old design,” the ’57 Chevy is just right, as in it looks as fresh today as it did 57 years ago.

There are some, however, for whom just right is not enough. An automobile, even a ’57 Chevy, represents a blank canvas for expression, expression of engineering and of art, and so it was with this Bel Air Sport Coupe.

Art should have a focal point. For this car, that focal point is undoubtedly the small block “stroker” engine, which is a 350-gear drive unit that had been enlarged to 383 cubic inches and mated to a Muncie four-speed transmission with a Hurst quick shift, which helps send 450 horsepower to the rear tires. Lifting the hood reveals a sea of red and billet aluminum. The interior is all of fine-grain tan leather and features a Kenwood sound system that has a four-disc auto changer and an AutoMeter Sport-Comp tachometer that is mounted to the steering column.

The chassis has been powder-coated and four-wheel disc brakes have been fitted, along with custom alloy wheels and B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A tires. This Chevrolet Bel Air has been the winner of six national awards and has accrued nearly 30 Best of Show honors.