1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

Details

The 1957 Bel Air is widely known as the pinnacle vehicle for the GM brand in the late '50s. Chevrolet was locked in a sales battle with Ford at the time, resulting in aggressive and ongoing developments in styling and performance, both of which influenced the 1957 models in important ways. In September 1955, Chevrolet announced its intentions for the new model year, when engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov piloted a disguised 1956 Bel Air sedan to a new American Stock Car class record at Pikes Peak. The

secret to his success was the car's 265ci small-block V8, a new version also available in the Corvette that employed dual inline Carter 4-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold for 225hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, OH, recently completed the concours-grade rotisserie restoration on this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that carries that same powerplant as Zora's at Pikes Peak. The Steinmetz restoration has returned this Bel Air convertible to factory-original condition in every aspect, from the authentically detailed engine compartment to correct factory markings and undercarriage. The body was stripped to bare metal and repainted in deep gloss code-802 Matador Red, while the underside was correctly finished as it was on the assembly line in 1957. The dual-quad 265ci small-block V8 engine, featuring the correct batwing air cleaner, produces solid horsepower and is mated to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. The car's sporty red paint scheme is complemented by a white power convertible top and sharp two-tone red and gray interior. Another touch of elegance is the 3-bar spinner wheel covers and BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires. Further optioned with power steering, deluxe heater, AM radio, chrome fender-mounted antenna and a dash-mounted tissue dispenser, this 1957 Bel Air convertible has been driven a mere 37 miles since completion. From the Raser Collection.