The 1957 Chevrolet – one of the most iconic cars of the fifties. A popular and highly desirable car especially the top-of-the-line Bel Air trim and in Sport Coupe form. These cars just seemed to have everything just right with the pillarless models looking particularly attractive.
The Sport Coupe was one of 19 models in the now familiar 3 series range consisting of the 150, 210 and Bel Air Series.
Looking lovely in India Ivory over Onyx Black this rear shot shows the tailfins off rather nicely. The gas filler sits nicely hidden behind the trim on the left fin.
Although essentially based on the previous year’s body with some sheet metal revisions, the 1957 models looked quite different. They looked more sportier and had been brought right up-to-date.
Inside this Bel Air there is the, completely revised for 1957, instrument panel in turquoise. Seating is red vinyl and black and red pattern cloth. A look that is also used on the door panels.
Chevrolet had introduced the V8 to its cars with the 1955 models with its 265 cubic inch capacity V8. It remained the base V8 for 1957. But, not ones to stand still, Chevrolet now had a larger displacement engine available.
The 265 V8 was still available but only if you wanted the 3-speed manual transmission or overdrive. If you wanted automatic transmission then you had to choose one of the new and bigger powerplants.
The brand new for ’57, 283 cubic engine was known as the Turbo-Fire when fitted with the 2-barrel carburetor and produced 185 horsepower (an increase of 23 hp over the 265 V8). What was also available and very rare – even back then – was a fuel injected version which is exactly what is fitted to this Bel Air. It was an option that gave 250 hp or 283 hp if fitted with optional solid lifters.
It was proudly announced on the front fenders.
Chevrolet made 166,426 Sport Coupes for the 1957 model year. It was priced at $2,299 for the six cylinder version. You would pay a further $100 to get the 265 V8 engine. The 1957 Chevy proved a popular car selling over 1,500,000 cars (not including Corvette sales). Something that is a surprise to some, considering their iconic status, is that Chevrolet were beaten by Ford that year who sold an additional 150,000 cars!
This ’57 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for more photos)