This is a find of a lifetime.
Few American cars are as iconic as the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It pretty much is the spokes car of Route 66 and appears in pretty much any nostalgic car picture. Unfortunately, pretty much all have been modified, which means awesome speed but also means few that are in their original condition. That makes this classic ride being offered by Wheeler Auctions an especially attractive collector car, because it is bone stock and beautiful.
With no significant body damage and good bones, this car has the potential to be drop-dead gorgeous. The black paint job and original brightwork have lost some of their luster, but with some knowledgeable and concerted effort, likely meaning a new paint job, this car can be transformed into an enviable ride which will cause people to clamor upon its appearance.
While the interior is all-original, it also needs some work. All the factory gauges, steering wheel, radio, and dash are in good appearance, but the upholstery is worn through in multiple spots. The headliner is stained but is still attached.
Motivating this classic Chevy is a 283 Power Pack with a 4-barrel carburetor and the Power Glide automatic transmission. Since this was a luxurious ride for its day, factory air conditioning is also included. Plenty of work has gone into this car. The engine, transmission, and front suspension have been rebuilt recently, while the radiator and cat-back exhaust are new. The front now features Wilwood disc brakes
This particular 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has been so well-preserved in part because it sat unused from 1992 until the third and current owner purchased it in 2011. Since then, a mere 500 miles have been added to the odometer. This classic needs someone to lovingly care for it, restoring every last detail to make this a museum-quality ride.
