Cruising Back in Time: Exploring the Iconic 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop



This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop underwent a cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment under prior ownership and is powered by a 283ci V8 that is fitted with dual four-barrel carburetors and linked with a three-speed manual transmission. The body was removed from the frame before being stripped and refinished in black, while red and black vinyl trims the cabin. Equipment includes 15″ body-color steel wheels, hooded headlights, dual antennas, a heater, and an AM radio. Acquired by the seller in 2021, this Bel Air is now offered with service records, refurbishment photos, and a clean Indiana title in the seller’s name.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

The body was removed from the frame and stripped to bare metal before being refinished in black during the refurbishment completed in 2014. Details include twin wind splits, hooded headlights, dual antennas, wrap-around front and rear windshields, and a fuel filler concealed in the left taillight.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

Body-color 15″ steel wheels wear finned chrome hubcaps and are mounted with Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, and a matching spare is stowed in the trunk. Braking is provided by unassisted drums.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

The bench seats are upholstered in red vinyl and fitted with transparent covers. Interior appointments include an analog clock, a heater, a defroster, and an AM radio.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

The steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 120-mph speedometer flanked by engine temperature and fuel level gauges. The steering column was reportedly rebuilt during the refurbishment. The digits on the odometer are faded, and 13k miles are shown. Total mileage is unknown.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

The 283ci V8 is said to have been overhauled during the refurbishment and breathes through two four-barrel carburetors and a “batwing” oil-bath air cleaner. The engine is reportedly fitted with a high-lift “Duntov” camshaft and solid lifters.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The frame was stripped and refinished and the transmission was reportedly overhauled during the refurbishment.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

Decoding the trim tag reveals the following information:

  • 57-1037 – 1957 Bel Air two-door hardtop
  • Plant N – Norwood, Ohio assembly
  • Trim 670 – Black and silver trim
  • Paint 817D – India Ivory and Canyon Coral paint

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop 3-Speed

Photos of the car taken during the refurbishment are displayed in the gallery.




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