Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen
This stunning 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible will be among the stars of the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction in October.
In the collector car world, one of the most exciting trends is to marry classic styling from yesteryear with today’s up-to-the-minute custom automotive technology.
Combining those two elements created the red-hot Resto-Mod movement. The idea is simple enough: Find a vintage car with classic lines, often from 1950s and ʼ60s, and add in modern power, suspension, brakes and luxury amenities to create a personalized car that’s both elegant and fun to drive.
At the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, Oct. 3-5 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, savvy shoppers will find dozens of Resto-Mods of all shapes, sizes and vintages from which to choose, most selling at No Reserve.
One especially enticing custom build is this drop-dead-gorgeous Candy Apple Red 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible that combines the best of the old with the best of the new.
The so-called “Tri-Five” Chevrolets built from 1955-57 are among the most iconic models ever produced by General Motors for the mass market. And many regard the 1957 model year as the ultimate expression of mid-1950s GM styling.
“When one thinks of Americana, this is the car that comes to mind,” wrote Hemmings Motor News. “Even people not remotely interested in cars other than to get them from place to place can identify with a 1957 Chevy.” That’s been true for decades, and it’s still true today. Tri-Five Chevys have always been cool and always will be.
Original 1957 Chevrolets are highly prized collectibles today, without question. But these days there is a huge market among buyers for cars that look like an old-school cruiser but drive with the performance and comfort buyers are used to in their daily drivers.
And that bring us to this stunning 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air custom convertible. First off, convertibles were built in lesser numbers than any of the four Bel Air coupe and sedan models built that year. Rarity is in its favor, along with the well-known vintage car axiom, “When the top goes down, the price goes up.” All things being equal, convertibles are almost always worth more than their hardtop counterparts.
Therefore, this build began with the most desirable body style of one of the most iconic models ever produced. It started its life with great bones, and the quality that went into reimagining this classic ride is nothing short of remarkable.
From the bottom up, this ’57 Chevy features only the finest components, beginning with an Art Morrison custom chassis for optimum handling and powerful 13-inch Wilwood brake rotors and 4-piston calipers, so it stops as well as it turns. With meticulous attention to detail, the entire underside of the car is chromed and powder-coated.
As far as acceleration goes, there’s a thunderous amount of power at the driver’s disposal. Under the hood is a 572ci Chevrolet big-block V8 that pumps out a heart-pounding 621 horsepower, thanks in part to an electronic fuel-injection system with an Aeromotive fuel pump and baffle system. All that power exits through custom headers and a stainless-steel exhaust system, while an aluminum dual-pass radiator keeps water temperatures at the right level. A 4-speed automatic transmission with its own cooler handles shifting duties.
From a cosmetics standpoint, this beautiful Bel Air carries a lustrous Candy Apple Red paint job so deep it looks like you could swim in it. And the high-dollar brown leather interior is every bit as impressive, with an Ididit tilt steering column and custom wheel, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital gauges and a custom American Autowire kit, including a built-in battery charger and battery cutoff switch.
Add power windows, vent and rear quarter windows, as well as a power top, and you have a recipe for effortless cruising. The custom Schott wheels give this Bel Air just the right look and stance, too.
Like almost every car at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, this amazing custom-built 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible will sell at No Reserve. Whoever places the high bid will walk away with a car that could be the cornerstone of any great collection and a joy to drive as well. Shouldn’t it be yours?
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at the 2019 Las Vegas Preview Docket, with more vehicles being added daily, click HERE.