Chevrolet proved that the third time was the charm in 1957, with the second restyling of the trendsetting 1955 model bringing its styling to new heights. The entire car had been lowered using smaller wheels and body modifications, and the nose and tail were updated with Cadillac-inspired cues, resulting in a baby Eldorado of sorts that has never stopped being desirable since 1957.

The optional but very popular V-8 was bored out an eighth of an inch, to 283 cubic inches, and was available in no fewer than six stages of tune. At the top of the chart was 10.5:1 compression and Rochester fuel-injection, as also seen in that year’s Corvettes, developing the magic number of “one horsepower per cubic inch.” It wasn’t quite a muscle car, but few American automobiles of this decade offered as much power for as little money. Chevrolet continued to represent the best of attainable performance.

The beautiful Bel Air Convertible offered here boasts that famed “283/283,” as well as a Powerglide automatic transmission, power brakes, power steering, the one-piece “California” bumper, a tissue dispenser, tinted glass, polished “spinner” wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, and “Bow Tie” floor mats, among other accessories. It was acquired by the present owner from the BASF Corporation, having been part of their company collection for several years and used to demonstrate BASF’s high-quality automotive paints. Accordingly, it was refinished in that period in its present two-tone red and white, a striking combination, which, for obvious reasons, presents beautifully. While the finish is new, the interior remains original and well-maintained, as is the rest of the car, making it an ideal choice for parades and nostalgic visits to one’s favored local malt shop. Mileage showing is 9,581, with the odometer believed to have been reset at the time of the car’s repaint by BASF.

The 1957 Chevrolet is arguably among the most collectible of American automobiles; it is a sure-fire investment that is instantly recognizable and nearly universally beloved. Every collection needs one, and this car, a pleasant combination of well-preserved originality and excellent modern finish with the most powerful available engine, would be an ideal purchase.