Few cars have as legendary a status as the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, and this fuel-injected convertible is one of the most desirable examples of the model.
The redesigned 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the last year for the beloved Tri-Fives. Chevrolet had achieved an engineering milestone because 1957 was the first and only year Chevrolet offered a fuel-injected V8 engine outside the Corvette line. The Super Turbo-Fire 283 with a solid lifter cam produced the advertised 283 horsepower (one horsepower per cubic inch) with the help of the Rochester Ramjet continuous-flow fuel injection. GM produced 68 Bel Air Fuelie convertible in 1957, and of those 68 a small percentage had the upgraded 283/283 with a 3-speed manual transmission.
As the VIN and cowl tag indicates this example was built approximately during the third week of July in Baltimore, MD as a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible V8 with a Matador Red exterior and a red and silver interior.
The previous owner was the Bel Air’s caretaker from 2007 to 2022 and it was sent to a marquis specialist for an extensive rotisserie restoration to factory specifications. The restoration was completed in 2008 completion and has been driven less than 50 miles. The exterior appearance is simply breathtaking with its extremely straight body and spectacular Matador Red paint. It sports a white convertible power top that fits like a glove. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced during the restoration, including the E-Z-Eye stamped glass, stainless trim, dual mirrors, dual antennas, gold grille, headlights, body moldings, taillights, bumpers and gold emblems.
Fourteen-inch red steel wheels with chrome three-bar spinner wheel covers wearing Firestone Deluxe Champion white wall 7.50 -14 tires bring the iconic design to the road. The interior appearance is also simply breathtaking with the famous Bel Air signature “tri-tone” interior scheme of silver and red with chrome accents. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced during the restoration, including the painted dash, gauges, radio, steering wheel, door panels, door hardware, seats, pedals and carpeting. A new set of correct style black rubber floor mats are included.
The restored trunk compartment is equipped with a full size tire and jack tools. The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The factory stamps, paint marks and tags were added appropriately.
It’s powered by a date-code correct fuel-injected 283 V8 that was professionally rebuilt. The correct Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection system was professionally rebuilt. The engine features a solid lifter cam and sounds like music out the dual exhaust system. The engine is coupled to a date-code correct three-speed manual transmission that was professionally rebuilt, and power is transferred to the pavement through the date-code correct rear differential that was professionally rebuilt.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed with many correct parts. The floors were painted in red oxide primer. Steering, suspension and braking components were restored or replaced during the restoration. This outstanding 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is pure Americana with stylish design and characteristics. A reproduction owner’s manual and photo album of the restoration are included. This vehicle has been recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice.
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