1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR "FUELIE" CONVERTIBLE
Designer: Clare MacKichan

Estimate: $120,000 - ­ $155,000

Chassis Number: VC57S197572
Decoded: V=V8 engine; C=Bel Air series; 57=1957 model year; S=St. Louis, MO assembly
plant; 197572=97,572nd 1957 Chevrolet scheduled for production at St. Louis
Engine: 283 cid OHV V8
Fuel injection with solid lifters / 283 bhp
3­-Speed Column Shift Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 151.4

● Most Iconic American Car of the 1950’s
● Most Powerful Chevrolet of the Day
● Restored to Show Ready Condition

The Model: After the beautiful 1955 Chevrolet’s had wowed the American motorists, it was going to be a tough act to follow, but then the face­lifted 1956 edition came out and found similar acceptance in the market. For the 1957 model, Chevrolet stylist were worried with rumors flying there would be an entirely new Ford to go up against. But the final design won everyone’s approval at GM from Harley Earl down, and most importantly at the dealerships too. Combined with the good looks was the Chevrolet’s first use of optional fuel injection, and for the first time in the brand’s history, one horsepower per cubic inch was attainable. While this engine might have been aimed at the sporty Corvette, a number of these units made it into full­-size models, and nothing sizzled like a sporty Bel Air convertible tearing up the pavement with this small­-block surprise.

The Car: Performance and style were king in 1957, and this Bel Air convertible presents the entire package. Restored several years ago, this Matador Red beauty is fitted with that historic first edition fuel­ injection system, and with the solid lifters, it delivers those 283 horses. This car is pretty, but it is meant for performance with no power equipment to rob the output of the engine, there isn’t even a heater nor a radio. The paint, chrome, interior and engine bay can all be described as very good to excellent, with superb body panel fit and the overall finish is show-car quality. There are a few amenities such as the spinner equipped wheel covers and a dash-mounted clock. With the matching red and argent interior, white soft top and top­line styling, this Bel Air is sure to be the car everyone will have their eyes on when you’re behind the wheel.