1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop Bel Air is an affluent, exclusive, and primarily residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, renowned for its large estates, stunning views, and privacy. It's nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, bordering Brentwood, Westwood, and Beverly Hills. Founded in 1923 by Alphonzo E. Bell, Sr., it's known for its celebrity residents and high priced real estate. Thx susansmithrealty.com  For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 door hardtop showing 30,238 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Garage kept by our consignors, this car was subject to a frame on restoration about 20 years ago and is an outstanding representative of arguably the most iconic classic American car, or at least one in the top five!  Exterior Gold trim and the aluminum wedge insert alone put this car on a pedestal others can only aspire to. Now add stunning two stage Inca Silver over Onyx Black and you have a stunner of a show car. The addition of 17-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels is a fine choice here, complementing the extensive stainless trim on the side and around the windows, including the curves of the bowed windshield and rear window. Wrap around chrome bumpers create visual bookends on a profile that stands tall and glistens under our lights. The back of the car is instantly recognizable with modest tail lights at the base of the fins followed by reverse lights embedded in the chrome bumper, flanking a smooth and wide decklid. The front is classic '57 with the telltale gold grille that signifies the top trim. Paint and metalwork are spectacular on the car and the tastefully tinted windows add rather than detract from the cleanliness. A single chip in the paint is the extent of imperfections.  Interior The silver and black palette continues on the interior where cobblestone cloth sandwiches a silver band on the door panel followed by a solid black kick panel, clean, artful, and giving that welcome vintage feel. Cobblestone inserts on silver seats adorn the split bench up front and full bench in the back, both with button accenting on the uppers, and sidewalls are coordinated all the way around. The boomerang shaped steering wheel spoke houses a horn ring between its black rim, now on a tilt column. In front, a well designed dash presents with minimal gauges, metallic knobs, and lots of curves, lines, and trim. The perforated mid panel also houses an AM radio and a clock flanking the gold Bel Air emblem. Down below, a triple gauge pod has been added for water, oil, and volts. Black carpet floods the floor where a Hurst shifter rises from the hump and both are in great shape. The silver headliner is just about perfect and the trunk is covered with a fitted rubber mat, houses the battery, and presents cleanly. Drivetrain The engine is not flashy, but is very clean and presentable. It's a 327ci V8 from the early 60's, and wears a 4-barrel Holley carburetor under the chrome topped air cleaner. Polished valve covers sit above headers and an AutoGear 4-speed manual transmission backs it all up, sending power to the rear wheels and 3.36 gears. Drum brakes remain on all four wheels.  Undercarriage Relatively clean underneath, more or less driver quality with typical surface rust and residual oil in places. The dual exhaust runs through Cherrybomb mufflers then exits soon after via down turned and short tailpipes. Coil spring suspension is employed up front with leaf springs in the rear. We note a patch in the rear floorboard.  Drive-Ability Squarely standing on 235/55R17's, this big '57 affords easy access with good height. The 327 cranks to life with a mighty roar, short exhaust creating a big sound. We grab the Hurst with authority and shift this black beauty into first to move it around the loop. Good power, straight tracking, and mighty fine visibility caps off a nice driving experience which we're sure onlookers might even be enjoying more