LOT #1357 ‒ DROP-TOP DREAM WEAVER: This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible is a vision to behold
November 25, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
Crossing the block with No Reserve at the 2020 Scottsdale Auction will be this Tropical Turquoise custom Bel Air convertible (Lot #1357).
The 1957 Chevrolet two-door Bel Air continues to be one of the most desirable American automobiles in the car-collecting universe. It was love at first sight in pure stock form, but now, as a Resto-Mod, it takes all of us into an entirely new realm of performance and historical significance. It certainly did for this example’s owner. He’d been dreaming about ’57 Chevy convertibles as long as he could remember and it was sheer good luck, or karma, that helped him find this one. It had been freshly restored, beautiful and essentially stock, and that’s where the fun began.
This Tropical Turquoise convertible was masterfully massaged and enhanced by the craftsmen at the Hot Rod Garage in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The modern-day technology in Lot #1357 starts with a blue-blooded 6.2-liter LS3, a Magnuson supercharger and a special grind COMP camshaft to stir up the magic even more. As if the stars hadn’t already aligned, this powerhouse is backed up with a freshly rebuilt 4L80E 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The combo happened to be lounging on the floor at the shop just waiting to weave a new dream for someone.
This No Reserve Bel Air sits on stock reinforced frame rails and incorporates a Fatman front-end package utilizing tubular control arms. A complete RideTech suspension offers the ultimate in performance, comfort and adjustability ‒ so the car always displays the perfect stance.
Schott Wheels’ Velocity model was chosen for this project. This forged billet aluminum product takes the classic 5-spoke design to the outer limits. These sophisticated Cover-Loc wheels were literally custom made for this particular application ‒ to achieve the precise offset and width for the ultimate in function and visual appeal. These finely polished wheels were ceramic-coated for long-lasting beauty. The high-performance rubber that meets the road consists of 225/45X18s in the steering department, and 255/55X18s back in the power distribution center. Power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes provide modern grip and peace of mind.
A GM rear differential houses a 3.55 ring & pinion gear set because unnaturally aspirated V8s such as this one seem to love that ratio. Posi-traction, along with high-performance Moser axles, keeps everything equal and strong.
The car’s elegant interior was thoroughly reimagined in matching turquoise leather and offers a comforting upscale environment for driver and passengers alike. Power steering and brakes, along with air conditioning, add convenience, safety and comfort to this one-of-a-kind creation.
A complete exhaust system was created for this gem of a machine and ends with four stainless-steel Borla tips exiting in the middle of a custom notched rear bumper. The integration looks as awesome as the exhaust note sounds. Speaking of sound, a pair of electric exhaust cutouts lurk out of sight, but not out of mind. One of the consignor’s favorite memories was cruising the grounds at the 2017 Tri-Five Nationals when this car was selected as one of the Top 25 out of 3,000 entries. He celebrated by opening the cutouts to let the exhaust note, and blower whine, share in the fun.
This iconic machine is perfectly capable, and ready, to drive you and yours across the country and back, or wherever else your own dreams take you. So, when you see this tempting Tropical Turquoise Bel Air convertible cross the block with No Reserve, consider it your personal wake-up call. In the meantime, sweet dreams.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the 2020 Scottsdale Auction Preview Docket, with more being added daily, click HERE.