This great-looking 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is the kind of car we all hope to own someday. Combining one of the most popular models of all time with a few thoughtful upgrades, it's the ultimate Saturday night cruiser that looks like 1957 and drives like 2012. Finished in Matador Red paint that has a lovely soft shine, this Bel Air showcases why these cars are eternally popular. The workmanship is very nicely done, and there's every indication that this was a solid, clean car all along. Bodywork is very good, with no ripples or waves in the final product, and all the body panels line up as they should. And while the car is lightly modified underneath, the body and trim was left alone, because, well, you just can't improve this design. Restoring the chrome on a car like this is an expensive proposition, but it appears that these guys stepped up to the plate and did it right, with everything brightly polished to glitter against the smooth red finish. Just about the only tipoff that this isn't a totally stock '57 are the blue dot taillight lenses, but heck, that's a period accessory, too! Contrast is the key to a great 1950s car, and the slick black interior has been heavily upgraded and looks quite modern. The custom front bench is handsome as well as comfortable, and shows virtually no wear since the build was completed, and the back seat has been upholstered to match, giving it a very finished look. Power windows have been hidden inside custom door panels and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the center of the dash. The instrument panel has been fully restored, including the strip of machined turned trim that runs from end to end, and it includes a set of auxiliary gauges plus a tach mounted down low and out of sight. Clever tricks include a tilt column that still looks stock, and a smaller-diameter steering wheel that most folks will mistake for an original. Oh, and one more thing: there's fully functional A/C stashed under the dash-cool, huh? The trunk is finished in black carpets with a custom cover for the spare tire. Power comes from a 350 cubic inch crate motor, appropriately dressed in Chevy Orange with polished aluminum valve covers and a chrome air cleaner. It makes all the right V8 sounds and runs beautifully, with a very 1957 combination of performance and reasonable economy. Note that all the accessories are new, including the polished A/C compressor and updated alternator, and there's a big aluminum radiator up front keeping everything cool. Power brakes and power steering were added, along with a dual master cylinder and front discs for safety. It's backed by a beefy TH400 3-speed automatic and the stock rear end. There's a fresh Flowmaster exhaust system and it rolls on a set of 225/75/14 whitewall radials with original style hubcaps, but think of how good a set of wide whitewall radials might look! This '57 is ready to cruise, and thanks to a few well-chosen modifications, is an absolute pleasure to drive. This one is proof that great cars never go out of style. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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