This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the recipient of a ground-up restoration and that the cars owner reports driving approximately 11K miles since the restoration was completed about 10 years ago, with mileage represented as TMU (Total Mileage Unknown) due to the age of the Chevrolet. Power comes from a numbers matching 283ci high performance small-block 4 bbl. V8 mated to an upgraded 700R4 automatic transmission. Restoration work included a complete high-quality complete repaint in “Evening Orchid” metallic with matching top and color coordinated custom painted graphics and pin stripes on the sides, and hood of the car.
The paint was completed to a high standard with stainless brightwork was replaced or re-plated as was all exterior trim including accents in gold. Additional custom features include rear LED lights, front custom turn signal bar, tinted windows and front windshield and re-plated chrome bumpers and rear exhaust tips.
The interior received a complete restoration in a period style “tuck and roll” pleated ultra-leather seats, door panels, headliners and visors, and custom wool carpet. The dash features custom trim, a Budnik chrome tilt steering column, and 4-spoke steering wheel, a Classic Chevy Parts instrument cluster with a 7K tachometer, and gauges monitoring oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel level. A custom A/C panel controls the Vintage Air climate system with sound provided by a custom installed AM/FM radio with hidden speakers.
The engine bay is home to the engine that decodes to a “numbers matching” 283ci V8 4 bbl powerplant that was mated to an automatic Powerglide transmission when the car was produced. Upgrades to the original block are extensive and include high performance internal modifications, World Performance heads, an Edelbrock manifold and 4bbl carburetor, ceramic coated Rams Horn exhaust manifolds, high-torque starter, and a high-volume fuel pump and custom fabricated fuel and brake lines. Ignition is handled by an MSD electronic distributor, coil and ignition added along with a custom wiring harness. A 700R4 now replaces the Powerglide. The engine bay is highly detailed including a polished Vintage Air compressor, Edelbrock chrome valve covers & air cleaner, and a chrome radiator shroud.
The immaculate underside reflects the quality of the build and supports the comprehensive frame-off restoration. The front end featuring a power rack and pinion set-up, front sway bar, upgraded disc brakes and rotors. The rear-end is a Moser 9” fitted within Wilwood rear brakes, a rear sway bar and KYB shock absorbers can be seen all around. Other custom designed parts included the gas tank, drive shaft, exhaust system, and rear leaf spring suspension. Wheels are 17” Budnick, 255/50 rear, & 235/45, carrying date codes of 2019.
The trunk is highly detailed using the same materials in “tuck & roll” matching the cars interior.
Detailed photos of the car can be seen in the listing. Located in Pleasanton, CA, this Bel Air is offered with original factory documents, GoodGuys magazine with the article featuring the car, a clear California title in the seller’s name and current registration. The VIN # documents the car as an example assembled in the Los Angles plant and produced as a Bel Air V8 The registration shows “Date First Sold” as 00/00/1957, an indication that the car has remained in California for its entire life.