1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 'Modified' Sports Coupe (RHD)

Description

The Tri-Five range of Chevrolet produced from 1955 until 1957 have earned classic status for two reasons - the fantastic styling and the powerful small-block V8 engine. With five main bearings, overhead valves operated by pushrods and individual rockers, the motor quickly gained cult status thanks to its inherent smoothness, high-revving ability and impressive output. In its ultimate fuel-injected 283-cid form, the Chevrolet V8 was the first production motor developing one horsepower for each cubic inch and proved a winner on the track, cleaning up in AAA and NASCAR events around the country. Generations of rodders and racers have chalked up countless victories on the track, drag strip or at the traffic lights using this legendary engine. There were three basic model lines offered within the Tri-Five family, starting with the base level One-Fifty, moving up through the intermediate Two-Ten to the top-of-the-range Bel Air. For 1957, the Bel Air came with a bigger, bolder oval shaped grille and revised tail fins that made it the sharpest looking Chevrolet of the Fifties era. Additional chrome side moulding, rocker sills and bright work around the windows and along the fins accentuated the fine detailing on Bel Air models, while inside there was plusher interior trim and richer carpet. The customer could order the Bel Air in four different body styles, including the sedan, convertible, station wagon plus the hardtop coupe being offered here. As the 1957 sales brochure said, Chevrolet's latest model was "Sweet, smooth and sassy!" - a description that perfectly fits the car today. Straight from the rock 'n' roll era, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a genuine American icon and one of the most sought after cars from the Fifties, with values appreciating dramatically in recent years - particularly for the more desirable two-door coupe and convertible variants.