A lot of engineering innovation went into the design of the 1957 Chevrolet. The front end was changed to incorporate a “daring front end” where the bumper was combined with the grille for a uniform look. The headlights had air intakes on top of them that provided a source of ventilation. But most of all, the ’57 Chevrolets conveyed the unmistakable trademark tailfins of the era.
The Pick of the Day is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Knoxville, Iowa. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Ruby was bought in 1993 in the same drivable and appearing condition you see it today,” the listing begins. The car’s equipment list is relatively light, which makes for straightforward repairs and ownership cost. The car has manual steering, manual four-drum brakes, and no air conditioning.
However, what the car lacks in modern niceties, it makes up for in overall straightness and originality. The seller says that the undercarriage is solid with only a couple of places that were patched during restoration (the passenger floorboard and the spare tire indent in the trunk). Upgrades on the outside include a set of chrome five-spoke wheels and a dual exhaust system. The black and red interior is a complement to the body, and the cabin retains an unmodified feel with its push-button radio and minimalist, yet attractive, instrument panel.
“This is the ’57 that gets whistles from engineers,” Chevrolet touted. “From the bold prow to the tip of its flight-flared rear fenders, everything bears the stamp of advanced engineering… engineering that must be seen and sampled by anyone interested in tomorrow’s automotive design.” The 1957 Chevrolets were indeed well received, selling over 1.5 million units for the model year.
The engine for this car was reportedly transplanted from a 1966 or 1967 model year vehicle and is a 327ci Turbo-Fire V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. “You can drive it home and it’ll cruise at 65 mph,” the listing says. The car was reportedly mechanic-family-owned, so the car has been maintained in-house and is said to have its “bugs worked out.”
“Overall, it is an incredibly solid car to upgrade to make your own or just drive it and show it the way it is,” the seller concludes.
Now is your opportunity to join the ranks of ownership for the fashion-forward 1957 Chevy. The asking price is $45,000 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, peruse the listings at Pick of the Day.
