The 1957 Chevrolet has become a firm favorite with many people even those with just a passing interest in old cars and has to be one of the most recognizable cars ever. Its beautiful lines and iconic design has meant it is, arguably, become one of the most popular cars to own. Add in that this is a convertible and you have one highly desirable car with values climbing considerably over the last 30 years or so.
Chevrolet offered 19 models over three series that year: the One-Fifty, Two-Ten and the Bel-Air with the latter being the top series. The Bel Air was richly appointed and one of its most distinguishing features was the brushed aluminum panel on the rear quarters that sat between the wedge shape formed by the two chrome strips.
What makes this very correct Matador Red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible even more desirable is that it’s a fuel injected car. “Fuelie” Chevys were rare even in 1957! This particular Fuelie Bel Air Convertible underwent an extensive frame off, rotisserie restoration and was then judged at the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Nationals where it took the first place award.
The 1957 Chevrolet is 200″ long with a 115″ wheelbase and is 73.9″ wide.
The interior of this Bel Air is a red and silver pattern vinyl combination (code 683) that was one of four different styles available for the convertible.
Power comes from the new for 1957, 283 cubic inch V8. This particular car is equipped with fuel injection producing 250 horsepower.
Primary competition for Chevrolet in ’57 would have been the Ford Fairlane 500, Plymouth Belvedere and the Studebaker President.
POPULAR CHEVROLET OPTIONS FOR 1957
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Power steering | $70 |
| Power brakes | $38 |
| Power windows | $90 |
| DeLuxe heater / defroster | $95 |
| Deluxe push-button radio | $65 |
| Signal seeking AM radio | $199 |
| Full wheel covers | $16 |
| Air Conditioning | $430 |
Chevrolet produced 47,562 Bel Air convertibles for the 1957 model year. Base price was $2,511 for the 235.5 cubic inch six-cylinder and another $100 for the base V8, the 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire.
Another $34 got you the 283 Super Turbo-Fire but if you wanted fuel injection the additional cost was $484. Powerglide automatic transmission cost a further $188.
This ’57 Chevy Bel Air Convertible is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)
It’s odd that with all the options that are on this beautiful fuelie car that it has vacum wipers and not the factory two speed electric ones that are much more reliable and desirable over the intermittent working vacuum ones, my ’56 Bel-Air two door sedan even came from the factory with the electric ones and of all the ’57s I’ve seen and worked on this is the FIRST Bel-Air that has the cheaper vacuum ones.