1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop Over the years, Classic Auto Mall has represented dozens of '57 Bel Airs. After all, it is one of the most iconic classic cars in American automotive history, if not the number one contender. Outside of the two tone versions, twelve solid colors were available for '57, and while color production number breakdown is not an easy number to attain, Canyon Coral has adorned just one other car that's come through the mall, and that one was a Bel Air wagon! For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hardtop showing 68,030 miles, but the true miles are unknown. That said, this is a three owner car with hand written documentation that supports the mileage, but verification is not assured. It was repainted once in its original color, has a newer interior, and represents a period during which certain colors were used and quickly phased out as the 60's approached. Exterior Stunning lines, that epic anodized aluminum wedge, and a fantastic, soft coating of Canyon Coral adorns this American icon and its Bel Air status results in gold colored callouts and ornamental trim. Up front, the hood embedded torpedoes top an artful face that wears a big chrome grin, golden grille, and headlight framing that is both solid and mesh openings. The India Ivory roof coordinates with the wedge itself and the wide, white wall tires on the 14-inch wheels with dressy covers and spinners. For all the real estate in back, the tail lights are rather small but are part of a larger, chrome detail that is a spectacular design. Chrome, trim, glass, body and paint are all in excellent condition and imperfections are limited to some minor bubbling on lower panels. Interior Silver and black are the palette for the interior, true to its original, and the cloth has a pebble pattern commonly used in the era, divided by a silver vinyl panel on the doors and framed in the silver on the split bench up front and rear bench in back, where the pebbles flow on the sidewalls as well, and it's all in great shape. The steering wheel tells some stories with hand activated patina and it leads to a clean dashboard with three dimensional cylinders holding gauges and a perforated mid panel adds texture and visual interest, holding the AM radio and clock on its pathway to the right. Black loop carpet below is clean as could be and the silver headliner is nice too, while our trunk presents a visual treat of coral paint, a coral spare wheel, and a black rubber mat, all clean. Drivetrain Clean and simple is the 283ci V8 under the hood, fueled with a 4-barrel carburetor and rated at 220 horsepower. It's mated to a Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the 3.36 gears in back. Undercarriage We'll call it driver quality underneath with some oil film, surface rust, grease build up and general patina evident. Dual exhaust runs through cherrybomb mufflers and exits via straight, chrome tops and drum brakes occupy each of the four wheels. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability We start the V8 and head out into some nice weather around the test loop, first noticing some exhaust leak. But the engine runs well and the car tracks straight while providing good visibility from the open greenhouse. We note the clock and wipers are not working but all other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. We can't call it rare without GM's color breakdown, but this is certainly a period correct and spectacular color for a Bel Air. You've got options if you're in the market for a Tri-Five, so why not get one that's in well sorted original condition and in an uncommon color that's sure to stand out. If another Canyon Coral Chevy enters the show, well, you just made a new friend! VC570116160 V-