Tropical Turquoise: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Street Machine – SOLD!

May 27, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

May 16, 2022 Update – The private seller just lowered their asking price by three large from $52,500 to $49,500.

When you think about iconic cars from the 1950s, at the top of most peoples’ list is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Long a favorite of hot rodders, there’s just something special about seeing one, especially painted in Tropical Turquoise. This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Two Door sedan originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Jensen Beach, Florida checks all of the right boxes for us as far as street machine duty calls for. Classic Cragar SS Five-Spoke rims provide just the right amount of rake.  While a Hurst floor shifted four-speed was an upgrade for most ’57 Chevy owners back in the day, this example features a modern Tremec five-speed to provide an overdrive top gear for more economical cruising.  A modern 350 cubic inch small block V8 producing 350 horsepower is a substantial improvement over stock.  Comfort upgrades noted include a power-boosted dual master circuit as well as a Vintage Air system.

Currently offered for $52,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, reveals the ask is well below this guide’s one-year average of $80,286 based on 106 sales ranging from $14,000 to $330,000.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $42,775 for a stock example.

Chevrolet first used the Bel Air brand name on its two-door pillarless hardtop models of the early 1950s. Chevrolet launched the second-generation Bel Air for the 1955 model year.  As the top trim level in Chevrolet’s lineup, Bel Airs came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders, stainless steel window moldings, full wheel covers, and a Ferrari-inspired front grille. Models were further distinguished by the Bel Air name script in gold lettering later in the year.

For 1955 Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option and the option of the 2-speed Powerglide automatic.  The new 265 cubic inch V8 featured a modern, overhead valve high compression ratio, short stroke design that eventually remained in production for decades. The base V8 relied on a two-barrel carburetor to produce 162 horsepower.  The “Power Pack” option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180 horsepower. Later in the year, a “Super Power Pack” option added high-compression and a further fifteen horsepower. Warning lights replaced gauges for the generator and oil pressure.

Initially, General Motors executives wanted an entirely new car for 1957, but production delays necessitated the 1955–56 design for one more year.  Ed Cole, the chief engineer for Chevrolet, dictated a series of changes that significantly increased the cost of the car. These changes included a new dashboard, sealed cowl, and the relocation of air ducts to the headlight pods, which resulted in the distinctive chrome headlight that helped make the ’57 Chevrolet a classic. Fourteen-inch wheels replaced the fifteen-inch wheels from previous years to give the car a lower stance, and a wide grille was used to give the car a wider look from the front. The now-famous ’57 Chevrolet tailfins were designed to duplicate the wide look in the rear. Bel Air models, though maintaining the same chassis, powertrains, and body, were given upscale gold trim: the mesh grille insert and front fender chevrons, as well as the “Chevrolet” script on the hood and trunk, were all rendered in anodized gold. The 1957 Chevrolets did not have an oil pressure gauge or a voltmeter.

The OldCarMemories.com YouTube Channel provides this overview of why the 1957 Chevrolet is so iconic:

Based on the pictures provided, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Two Door Sedan appears to have the right combination of classic and modern upgrades to make this a great cruiser to every car show you decide to drive it to.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Beautiful 1957 Chevy Belair retrofitted with a 350/330hp backed with a 5-speed Tremec and a posi rear. It is also equipped with front disc brakes, pwr steering, pwr windows, A/C, headers, and dual exhaust. The paint, chrome, and interior are in immaculate condition. This classic needs nothing just get in a joy ride away. If interested call – no text, asking $52,500.”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Two Door Sedan?  Please comment below and let us know!