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 that disproved the rule. Changes from 1956 lowered the whole car through a combination of smaller wheels and body modifications, and the nose and tail were updated with Cadillac cues, resulting in what some call a “baby Eldorado.” The V-8 was bored an eighth-of-an-inch to 283 cubic inches, available in six stages of tune. At the top of the chart was the Corvette V-8 with 10.5 to 1 compression, whose Rochester fuel injection developed the magic one horsepower per cubic inch.

Although Ford marginally outsold Chevy for the 1957 model year, it’s the “five-seven” Chevrolet that has stolen the hearts of the collector community. There’s a broad consensus that despite its status as an “old design,” the ’57 Chevy is just right. Just right in that it looks as fresh today as it did 55 years ago.

This brilliant Matador Red Bel Air Convertible was acquired by the Pond Collection in 1998. Built at Chevy’s Oakland, California, plant, it has the 185-hp version of the small-block 283-cid engine and Powerglide automatic transmission. Other equipment includes a correct AM radio with cowl antenna, fresh-air heater and an electric clock. There is a driver’s side accessory door-mounted mirror, and seat belts have been installed for the front seat passengers.

Although now more than a decade old, the three-year body-off restoration still presents very well. The car’s contours are excellent, the paint exhibiting a deep shine. Brightwork is all excellent. The convertible top is white vinyl, and the seats are upholstered in the correct pattern with silver and red vinyl. Stunning from all angles, this Chevy amply demonstrates why ‘57s are so beloved.