Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 496-Powered 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 5-Speed.
Did you know that in 1978 there was a country song (click to hear it on YouTube), by recording artist Billie Jo Spears, about the 1957 Chevrolet? Following were the chorus lyrics:
They don’t make cars like they used to.
I wish we still had it today.
The love we first tasted,
The good love we’re still living:
We owe it to that old ’57 Chevrolet.
I must say, the tune is catchy, and you will definitely get it stuck in your head after you listen to it once. Billie Jo had a point – there was undoubtedly something magical about the “tri-five” Chevy cars. But what’s crazy to ponder is that in 1978, the 1957 she was referencing was only 21 years old. That would be like us singing a country song about a 2003-era car today in 2024.
At any rate, you will be hard-pressed to find a ’57 as clean – or as performance-oriented – as the heavily-modified example in today’s featured listing. The striking paint color (which is fittingly called “O-So-Sexy”) is only the beginning of a long list of special enhancements that this car received during its restoration. The car is being sold by a private seller in Utah, and the auction ends tomorrow, so if you are interested, move swiftly.
The most important part of this build is its powertrain, because that’s where it really shines (both literally and figuratively). I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this much chrome inside an engine bay before. Power comes from a 455cid big-block V8 that has been bored .030 over and stroked into a to 496cid engine. Additional upgrades include Pro Comp heads, a tempered steel crankshaft, Manley Performance rods, JE pistons, Concept One pulleys, a FiTech fuel-injection system, and much more. Torque is transferred to the rear wheels through a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission.
Included in the listing is a video of the car with a start-up, idling demonstration, and drive-away. The car sounds as nice as it looks.
And speaking of sounds, remember that “57 Chevrolet” song I was telling you about? It ended up reaching the top 20 of the country charts in 1978. The story was one of love and nostalgia:
“The world would have a lot more lovers hanging on if they still made ’57 Chevrolets,” the song says. Does this ’57 steal your heart? Place a bid!
The auction for this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 5-Speed ends Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Even in ’78 she knew that car would be sought after and important 57 years after it was built, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Agreed, Paul!
Tail light fins were popular in 1957.
My name is Larry and I have a 57 Chevy l bought for 100 dollars from my brother l appreciate all the tri gives l bought my car in 1979 and I enjoy it emessly