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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.