1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible - Harbor Blue
Year: 1957
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Bel Air
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: Blue
The SPECS
Specs:
Comprehensive frame-off restoration
283 Power Pack 4 Barrell
Powerglide transmission
Power steering
Power brakes with Treadle Vac
Ram Horn Manifolds
OE Style Exhaust
Correct Style Generator
Correct Style Radiator
Correct Style Fan
Correct Style Distributor
Correct Style Air Cleaner
Correct Style Pulleys
Correct Style Hose Clamps
Windshield Washers
Electric Wipers
Power Top
Continental Kit
Tinted Glass
Power Seats
Power Windows
Dual Power Antenna
AM Pushbutton Radio
Day/Night Mirror
Dual Outside Mirrors
Fender Skirts
T-3 headlamps
Clock
Correct Bumper Jack Assembly
Bumper Guars
Spinner Hubcaps
Correct 14" Wide White Wall Tires
Dual Horns
Correct Oxide Floors
Nail Guards
Information on Bel Airs:
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1975 model years. Initially, only the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952. With the 1953 model year, the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations, and it went from a mid-level trim car to a budget fleet sedan when U.S. production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for its home market only, through the 1981 model year.
The Chevrolet Bel Air, especially its third generation design, has been considered an icon of the 1950s. Well-maintained and preserved examples are highly sought after by car collectors and enthusiasts.
In 1957 engine displacement grew to 283 cu in (4.6 L) with the "Super Turbo Fire V8" option (shared with the Corvette), producing 283 hp (287 PS; 211 kW) @ 6200 rpm and 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) @ 4400 rpm of torque[16] with the help of Rochester Ramjet[17] continuous mechanical fuel injection (closed-loop).[18] These so-called "fuelie" cars are quite rare, since most Bel Airs were fitted with carburetion.
The 1957 Bel Air is considered by many to be "an icon of its age. . .right alongside Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Leave it to Beaver," and is among the most recognizable American cars of all time;[19] well-maintained examples, especially sport coupes and convertibles are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. They are roomy, with tastefully restrained, period use tail fins and chrome. A second automatic transmission, Turboglide was optional. While the original two-speed Powerglide continued unchanged, Turboglide provided a continuously variable gear-ratio which made "shifting" imperceptible. The shift quadrant on Turboglide cars followed a "P R N D Gr" pattern.[20][21]
From 1955 to 1957, production of the two-door Nomad station wagon was assigned to the Bel Air series, although its body and trim were unique to that model. Prior to becoming a regular production model, the Nomad first appeared as a Corvette-based concept vehicle in 1954. Chevrolet has since unveiled two concept cars bearing the Nomad name, most recently in 1999. The 1955–1957 Chevrolets are commonly referred to as Tri Fives.
The 1955–1957s were made in right-hand drive and shipped from Oshawa Car Assembly in Oshawa, Ontario, for local assembly in Australia (CKD), New Zealand (SKD) and South Africa. All three model years had a reversed version of the '55 LHD dashboard and did not get the LHD models' 1957 redesign.