What is left to say about the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that hasn’t already been said? It’s among the most iconic cars of the last century, instantly identifiable, and still the most popular car of the 1950s with collectors. When it was new, its small block V8 was revolutionary and with a lengthy options list it could be all things to all people. There are some who are saying the sun is setting on the Tri-Five Chevys, but this gorgeous Tropical Turquoise makes a very compelling argument for adding one to your personal collection.

‘50s cars always look best in pastels, especially the brighter, more festive colors like Tropical Turquoise. Sure, red and black cars will always be popular, but on something with this much chrome and a pair of fins out back, pastel is the way to go. The guys who restored this car a few years ago seem to understand that, changing it from its original India Ivory over Colonial Cream and giving it the bright look it has today. It was never intended to be a show car, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look great from any angle, offering a great shine to the paint that’s probably pretty close to the original Magic Mirror enamel, not that hard shine of modern two-stage urethanes, but a more appropriate ‘50s shine that looks right. Panel gaps are good all around and all the details that make the ’57 Chevy so special to so many people are still intact. Check out the twin bullet hood ornaments, the anodized panels on the sides of the fins, and the gold anodized V emblems on the hood and trunk, signifying Chevy’s all-new V8 living underneath. This car is also fitted with accessory dual side mirrors and fender skirts that work rather well on the Sport Coupe shape.

An exterior color change also demanded a change inside to a correct turquoise and black vinyl and cloth interior. The funky brocade cloth is what Chevy was using in 1957 and it’s a big part of the Bel Air’s charm. It’s nicely done and since it’s a color change, you know most of the stuff inside is new, including seat covers, door panels, headliner, carpets, and the gorgeous steering wheel. The stock dash was repainted to match and the original gauges were reinstalled, and we believe the 9826 miles showing on the odometer are since the restoration was complete. Secondary controls are housed in a bright metal strip that spans the dash, along with a modern AM/FM radio in the original AM radio’s spot. Bright blue floor mats are a period accessory that your dealer would have sold you when the car was new. More shiny chrome on the window garnish moldings makes the interior bright and the back seat is easily big enough for adults, so bring some friends. There’s also a cavernous trunk with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare tire with jack assembly.

Chevy offered several engine options in 1957, and this one features a properly dressed small block V8. With a 2-barrel carburetor, it provides plenty of punch and a great V8 sound, and when you pop the hood, it’s exactly what people expect to see. Bright Chevy Orange engine enamel, steel valve covers, and that giant air cleaner all contribute to the OEM look and it’s always refreshing to see a ’57 that isn’t covered with chrome dress-up or aftermarket parts. A generator still makes the electricity, cast iron exhaust manifolds help keep it quiet, and there’s correct hardware used throughout. The only notable modification is an auxiliary transmission cooler in front of the radiator, but that’s not a bad idea if you’re going to drive it. Finishes are largely correct and it has a highly detailed look that’s only let down by the modern battery, but that’s easy enough to change. It starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the Sport Coupe around with plenty of torque so it’s always entertaining. There’s a reason this is still the dream car for a lot of enthusiasts.

We don’t believe the body has ever been off the frame, so it’s not detailed for show underneath, but it is quite solid with original floors, excellent rockers, and no evidence of accident damage or half-hearted repairs. The suspension and brakes are completely stock, so this ’57 delivers the real driving experience, and if you’re one of those guys who thinks he needs power steering and disc brakes to be able to drive in today’s world, perhaps come try this one out before you make up your mind. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how competent this car really is. The 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission snaps off a crisp 1-2 shift and it cruises easily at 70 MPH with 3.36 gears in the rear axle. Traditional glasspack mufflers offer a nice V8 sound track and there’s a new gas tank out back. Factory steel wheels were painted to match the car, then fitted with original-style hubcaps and 7.50-14 BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires for a 1957 look and feel.

The ’57 Chevy Bel Air remains a perennial favorite and it’s not hard to see why. This pretty hardtop offers just the right combination of good looks, quality restoration, and driveability, so you’ll never have to worry about whether you should drive to the shows. Bulletproof reliability, great parts supply, and strong club support are other great reasons for choosing a ’57 Chevy, but the real reason is simply because they’re awesome cars. Find out why they’re such iconic machines and call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.