For the 1957 model year, Chevrolet introduced what they called a “daring new departure in design.” The Bel Air was marginally longer and lower, and this was noticeable to those with a keen eye. The 1957 Bel Air featured a daring new grille, a stylish lower bonnet and a new slant for its “high-fashion” rear fenders. The design team did not have the benefit of freedom of design by starting “with a clean sheet of paper” for 1957, like their counterparts at Ford and Plymouth, but when all of the designs were finished it hardly seemed to matter. The February 1957 issue of Motor Life magazine concluded that “the overall effect is undeniably good, the car looks better than ever.” Although Ford marginally outsold Chevy for the 1957 model year, it’s the “five-seven” Chevrolet that stole the hearts of the collector community and continues to be an easily recognizable favorite.

The Bel Air convertible being offered is presented in red with a distinctive two-tone interior that was keyed to the exterior color by the manufacturer when new; in this case, silver and red. A white power-operated top fits the color presentation perfectly. The Bel Air series was Chevrolet’s ultimate in luxury and displayed a gold anodized grille screen and decorative styling elements. Most notable of the accents is the ribbed silver anodized aluminum panels on the rear fenders. The Chevrolet is powered by a 283-cid V-8 engine that is matched to an automatic transmission. Among the equipment is a contrasting top boot, seatbelts, clock, AM radio, power steering, dual sideview mirrors, spinner hubcaps and whitewall tires.