Some cars don’t need much explanation. A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible with a factory dual-quad V8 is one of them. According to the eBay listing found here, this example represents a fully restored, numbers-correct take on one of Chevrolet’s most recognizable and celebrated designs, finished to a level clearly aimed at serious collectors and show-quality presentation. Thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.!
This Bel Air is powered by its original EB-code 283 cubic-inch V8, rated at 270 horsepower from the factory thanks to dual four-barrel carburetors. The seller notes that it retains the correct batwing air cleaner, factory high-lift camshaft, and dual exhaust, all key components that define Chevrolet’s top-tier small-block performance for 1957. Power is sent through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, preserving the period-correct driving experience that many enthusiasts value in these cars.
The car has reportedly undergone a rotisserie, nut-and-bolt restoration, with attention given to both cosmetic and mechanical presentation. The engine bay and undercarriage are described as show-detailed, and the odometer currently shows just 1,533 miles since the restoration was completed. That low mileage suggests this Bel Air has been carefully preserved and selectively driven rather than used regularly.
Finished in Dusk Pearl, the exterior is paired with a black cloth power convertible top. The seller lists a number of factory-style accessories, including fender skirts, a Continental kit, wide whitewall BFGoodrich Silvertown tires, and spinner-style wheel covers. Additional trim items mentioned include gravel guards, nail guards, dual chrome mirrors, chrome exhaust tips, and lower trunk chrome, all consistent with the upscale presentation buyers expect from a fully optioned Bel Air convertible.
Inside, the interior is finished in a Silver and Ivory color combination and is equipped with power steering, electric wipers, an AM radio, and a factory clock. These details reinforce the car’s original luxury intent, blending comfort and performance in a way that defined Chevrolet’s top models of the era.
The seller notes this car is a California example and emphasizes the completeness and correctness of the restoration, from the drivetrain to the finishes underneath. While it is clearly positioned as a high-end example rather than a project or driver-grade car, it represents the kind of 1957 Bel Air many enthusiasts aspire to own at least once.
With factory dual quads, a manual transmission, and a full body-off restoration already completed, this Bel Air offers a chance to step directly into a finished piece of 1950s Chevrolet performance and style.
Very rare 57 with the dual 4s on it.
Beautiful!!
* ‘If you have to ask ‘how much’ you can’t afford it’ applies here.
Because most are likely curious…. currently bid to $46,900 (reserve not met), and located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
It’s on the dealers website for $123,950. This is the 5th time they’ve run it through eBay, once it had a high bid of $45,xxx, the other 3 times the auction ended between $65k and $70k.
Steve R
Original owner checked off a lot of the correct boxes, then got to the color…..likely holding this car back
It may sound like sour grapes, but I was really into it until I scrolled down the the black top. It it certainly something our of my budget, but I think it is beautiful.
Same here, that black top spoils the look of an otherwise beautiful car.
Did a complete minor damage repair and full paint on a 4 door Dusk Pearl ’57. Nine different fasteners to get the side trim off and all sorts of effort to get the paint color right. Thought we’d survived that until a ’58 Dust Pearl Cadillac got dropped off for a complete paint job. Between the two cars there was more acreage there than we’d done all year. As for the continental kit…..
Let’s take a vote. Who likes those horrid fender skirts, and continental kits?
Nice car, but these cars never get driven likely to the fear of mom, on 5 cups of coffee, is roaring down the road in an Escalade at 85 mph to get her kids to school. Sold my old Corvette fearing this. Roads today full of terrible people all on a phone. Not fun anymore.
Not always down with the continental, but on this car I love everything about it, especially the stance! What a sleeper at the light, lol!
Skirts and the spare tire are just fine but the black top has to go. White is the only color for the top on this one.
I thought the ’57 California cars had a solid, one piece front bumper…
I can say I’ve seen the car in person as a close friend works at the dealership. It’s absolutely gorgeous from every angle but it’s not something that if my bank account allowed I would own. It’ll end up somewhere is someone’s climate controlled collection and will probably never be driven as it was meant to be.
It needs at least one more paragraph written on the windshield…. THEN it’s perfect!
I have noticed that people will go to great lengths to call a glaringly pink car anything but . Its PINK !!