I was once asked to compile a list of my favorite classics from each post-war decade, and selecting one from the 1950s was a no-brainer. I might lean heavily towards Ford products, but a Matador Red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible ticks the boxes for me. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this stunning classic. It doesn’t merely tick the boxes cosmetically, because its engine bay houses a 283ci Dual-Quad V8. That will give it the performance to match its good looks. You will find the Bel Air listed here on Craigslist in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Of course, classics of this caliber are rarely cheap, and this one will cost its new owner $82,500.
Mitchell G. describes the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air as an American icon, and it is hard to argue with that fact. It remains one of the most desirable vehicles to emerge within that decade, and has been a staple of the classic market for many years. This Convertible is a stunning vehicle, and even the underside shots paint a clear picture of how impressive it is. The exterior’s Matador Red paint shines like a mirror, cloaking panels that are laser-straight. The gaps are tight and consistent, with the image gallery confirming that this beauty is rust-free. The White soft-top is quite wrinkled, but I suspect that a few days in the raised position in a warm environment would make a difference. It appears to fit tightly, so I have no concerns on that front. One feature that helps this Bel Air stand apart is the Continental Kit, which theoretically increases trunk space and adds to the car’s visual appeal. However, this Chevy features a second spare in its traditional location, which I find slightly surprising. The trim looks flawless, and there are no visible glass issues.
Powering this Bel Air is a 283ci V8, and with 185hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, the entry-level version delivered pretty respectable performance. However, this car offers its new owner so much more. The engine has been rebuilt to Code 411 specifications, with a Dual-Quad intake system, what was known as the “Duntov” camshaft, and solid lifters. Forget 185hp, because this beauty churns out 270hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. A two-speed Powerglide transmission handles shifting duties, feeding the ponies to a 3.55 rear end. The seller confirms that the engine rebuild happened in 2024, while the Powerglide has just been refreshed. They state that the engine is smooth and responsive, and with the recent work and new American Classic whitewalls gracing all corners, this Bel Air is a turnkey proposition.
It would be fair to expect any 1950s classic within this price bracket to feature a spotless interior, and this Bel Air delivers. Trimmed in its correct Code 683 combination of Silver and Red vinyl, it is seemingly impossible to spot anything justifying criticism. The upholstered surfaces are immaculate, the carpet is spotless, and the paint shows no evidence of damage. Cars from this era often left the line with plenty of bright trim on the dash, and this Bel Air is no exception. Once again, its condition seems beyond criticism. It appears to sport a retro-style stereo, with the seller indicating that there is also the option for them to install air conditioning if that is on the buyer’s Wish List.
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is a stunning classic, but it isn’t what most people would consider to be cheap. It represents a significant investment, raising the question of whether the figure is justified in light of the fact that the engine specifications represent an upgrade. That is typically a tough call to make, but I have found a couple of Bel Air Convertibles with a similar history that have recently found new homes. Both sold for a similar price, suggesting that the seller’s expectations are realistic. Of course, classics within this price bracket will always have a limited pool of potential buyers, but do you think that the seller will taste success in this case?
Not particularly a fan of ’57 Chevys, but got to admit, this was as good as it got. Someone went nuts here, much to the glee of the salesperson. I read, this car was again the 2nd most expensive car just under the wagon at $2611, but an option list a mile long. Some things this person got, P/S, $70, Powerglide, $188, dual quad, $183, positraction, recommended with the dual quad, $43, the a/c was left off, as it was almost a $600 option, or 1/4 the cost of the car, it added up fast. Iconic indeed, and in 10,000 years, when all is reduced to rubble, a warehouse that was spared, will include a few cars and a ’57 Chevy ragtop will be one of them. Beautiful car, quick quiz young hotshots, what do you have today that could possibly compare to a red ’57 Chevy convertible,,,mm, hmm, nothing.
The one thing I would question is the dual quads. For a 283, isn’t that a wee bit over carburated. Spelling sucks sorry
Don’t know the CFM of each carb but I am sure it is rather small.
Needs 8 Webbers
wcfb carbs were about 400cfm.
I believe the original carbs were rated at 350-375 CFM, so around 700 CFM paired. Probably fouled the plugs often but it was the 1950’s. All the cars of that era usually ran rich
Purely for looks. One good four barrel Holley would be just as effective.
In 1957, I would have ditched the Powerglide and over kill carb set up, and got the air. A 283 3 speed is wonderful, even more wonderful with air, at least where I live.
Dual quads were offered on the ’57 Corvette, so if they worked there why not here?
Except for the spare tire mount it looks like Glen Quagmire’s car.
There was a classic car parts store in OKC that had the manifold, carbs and air filter on the used parts shelf in about year 2000 for $2500. I could never pull the trigger and buy it for my 57. And then it was gone.
All I can say this Chevy is CLEAN!!
It’s been a long time. So anyone is encouraged to correct me. But I remember that the carbs on these were WCFBs. (Tiny carbs with a substantial counter weight on the secondaries to limit the bogging of an instant full throttle application. These don’t look like WCFBs to me. Pretty car, but I have no use for the old cast-iron Powerglide, or the continental kit for that matter..Am I now old and grumpy??? (Angel, don’t answer that!)
Lose the cornball continental kit.
57 Chevy’s with continental kits were fairly common when they were in the showroom. We had neighbors who were a middle aged couple, no kids, and he owned his own business. I never considered him to be a hotrodder, but he bought a new 57 Chevy convertible with a continental like the one on the subject car. I assume the dealer installed it to attract buyers as it was on the car when new and the paint matched perfectly. It was that light lavender color that was popular on 57 Chevy’s. I envied that car and got to ride in it once with the top down. He also had a 57 Chevy panel truck for his business, so I suspect that the dealer treated him well. As the song goes, “those were the days, my friend”. The subject car is a beauty and I suspect it will probably bring the asking price.
I don’t remember what the actual name was for that light lavender color, but that color was absolutely beautiful on these. I am sure somebody here can name it.
Dusk Pearl is possibly the colour your thinking of
Cheers Ron in Australia 😉
If I had the funds (which I do not), I would be put-off by the stereo: I would want the original A.M. radio. My parents bought the station wagon version of this, same colour, with a white top, nine passenger, but not the Nomad. It had air-conditioning, and a decal on the vent window indicating that. But it had the regular 283 with the Powerglide.
Pastor B
Powerglide was not available with the 270 dual quad motor option. The connie kit was not as popular in those days as it it is now. I remember guys purchased the 270 or fulie options and were serious about winning the street street drag racing duels. Those cars were quick and hard to beat.
I too am not much of a fan of the 57s (prefer the 55 convert, but none of them have me jonesing) but if you had to restore one to this level, it would cost at least double the ask. Probably can negotiate the price some, but what would this bring at Mecum or B-J? Now the 57 Ford Fairlane convertible….that’s another story IMO. Might be the best looking Ford ever (other than the GT40). That one you could even put cruiser skirts on and it would still look great (no lake pipes or continental kit). Dark teal with a white interior and top. Yes indeed!
Continental kit is truly grotesque.
Continental kit is perfect here.