Next to the Volkswagen Beetle, the '57 Chevy might be the most identifiable car of all time. When I was 16, my driving instructor was a guy from the Philippines and any car older than, say, 1968 was a "1957 Chebby!" as he gleefully pointed them out while we practiced my driving skills. They're beloved around the world, and hardtops are a great choice that remain very affordable in a fairly hot market. With reliable V8 power, big car comfort, and room for the whole family, not to mention the most impressive parts and equipment network this side of a Model A Ford, well, it really should be no surprise that these cars are always in demand.

This lovely Larkspur Blue over Harbor Blue Bel Air hardtop was professionally restored to a very high level a few years ago, then driven and enjoyed. As the saying goes, it was restored to 100 points and driven down to 85, and there's really no shame in that. In fact, if you want a trailer queen, they're out there for quite a bit more cash, but if you want one that's well above-average that still shows well and has impeccable road manners, this is exactly the car you want. Finish quality is excellent, with great gaps and panels that show evidence of lots of block sanding and hand-fitting, because the reflections in the surface are distortion free. I believe it is two-stage urethane on the car, so it'll last practically forever if you take care of it, and it has a deep shine that puts anything from 1957 to shame. Come on, I know you like your car shiny, and the cool, soothing colors on this one look quite inviting on a hot summer day. There's an accessory continental kit out back that adds a bit of an upscale air to the stylish Bel Air, and dual antennas were always a popular addition.

Of course, on any car from the 1950s, chrome is a major consideration. Fortunately, all the bright pieces on this car are either expertly restored originals or brand new reproductions, and it all sparkles like new (better, in all likelihood). The grille has a gold anodized insert, the Bel Air quarter panel trim is gorgeous, and everything lines up quite well along the flanks, giving this car a high-quality look. The only demerit on a very nice car is the stainless trim on the point of the driver's side tail fin where it doesn't quite fit exactly right, but that's really picking a little nit. It's a really nice car.

The two-tone interior is also correct, featuring blue vinyl and Chevy's funk black fabric that was used with many interior color combinations. It shows very few signs of use with taut seat covers, bright trim, clean carpets protected by reproduction rubber mats, and brand new armrests were just installed on the doors, so there's not so much as a depression from the previous owner's elbow. The instruments were all rebuilt and show crisp faces and clear lenses, and I suspect that the 20,850 miles shown are since the restoration was completed. The back seat looks almost completely unused and again, if you want to focus on flaws, about the only one we can find is that the passenger-side seat back cover doesn't quite fit perfectly and shows a bit of backing material at the edge. Seriously, that's really all we can find that could be considered a flaw. The original radio has an FM converter inside and an iPod jack on the back, so you can have your entertainment without a goofy-looking modern stereo in the dash, and the trunk is finished with a correct rubber mat and full-sized spare tire.

Under the hood there's a correct 265 cubic inch V8, although there's not really any way to know whether it is numbers-matching in the traditional sense. The engine stamping suggests that it was built in the right time period to be fitted to this car and suffix C denotes a 265 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed manual transmission, so it all lines up properly. Regardless, it was fully rebuilt and runs superbly, the way you'd hope your new old car would. There's no secret to the small block Chevy V8, and with a 2-barrel carburetor it's torquey and smooth without being temperamental. It is also nicely detailed with Chevy Orange paint, correct hoses and clamps, a factory air cleaner, and all the other little parts that make it look authentic. As I said, it was undoubtedly a high-point car but has been driven and enjoyed a bit and is no longer as crisp as a fresh car would be, but there aren't many major faults, either. It still uses an original generator, the heater fan, windshield wiper motor, and master cylinder are original pieces, and while the exhaust manifolds are a bit crusty, they are authentic pieces.

A 3-speed manual transmission is a nice find, and I prefer it to the 2-speed PowerGlide automatic. Shift action is light, the clutch doesn't chatter, and with the small block's decent torque curve, moving away from a stop is effortless. Out on the road, it's plenty punchy and a pleasant-sounding dual exhaust system makes it a lot of fun to lean on the throttle now and then. The chassis has been recently undercoated, and was presumably added when the transition from show car to road car took place. It helps control noise and heat inside and protects the floors from road debris. The brakes and suspension were rebuilt at the time of restoration and everything's fully sorted to day so it drives superbly. There's a new gas tank hanging out back and the 7.50-14 Firestone wide whites have a lot of life left in them.

From a long-time owner and enthusiast who spared no expense during the restoration, this is a high-quality driver-grade car that will knock 'em dead at local shows and sparkles on the open road. If you've been watching prices lately, you also know that this lovely hardtop is very reasonably priced, particularly given the quality of the work. For a no-stories car in great colors, we have a lot of confidence in this pretty '57.