Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

Chassis Number – VC57A194710
Engine Number – F6I9FC
Exterior Color – Larkspur Blue
Interior Color – Two-Tone Blue
Engine Type – 283 cu. in. 4-barrel V8
Transmission – Powerglide Automatic
Current Miles –17,008 (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased 2017

General History

Already a sensation when launched in 1955 and redesigned in 1956, the top-of-the-line Bel-Air was available in several variants allowing for a range of model offerings and specialized engines as GM began to leverage both their Motorama styling themes and performance offerings. The unique and advanced design emerged from a series of Motorama concept car themes spearheaded by Harley Earl. Working alongside Earl, Ed Cole, chief engineer for Chevrolet, implemented a new dashboard, sealed cowl, relocation of air ducts to the headlight pods, and unique tailfins trimmed in aluminum. These and many other safety improvements including padded dash, collapsing steering wheel, and crash proof door locks, substantially increased costs but resulted in a far superior car. To highlight their appeal, Bel Air models were trimmed with anodized gold finishes on the grille, front fender chevrons, hood, and trunk script. Offered with the potent 283 cu. in. V8 engine and 4-barrel carburetor, the style and power were poised to put the finishing touches on this series of historic cars. Today the last of the immortalized “Tri-Chevy” models, the 1957 Bel-Air has become an icon of American 1950s strength and economic revitalization, immortalized in songs, movies, and fashion.

Owner History

This Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was built to the following specifications as determined by decoding the chassis tag on the car.

V – V8 Engine
C – Series 2400 Bel Air Model
57 – Model year
A – Atlanta, GA assembly plant
194710 – Production sequence

Firewall Trim Tag:

57- Year of manufacture
1067DTX – Bel Air 2-Door Convertible
L36135 – Body Number
679 – Blue Vinyl Interior
795 – Larkspur Blue paint color

The engine block deck is stamped with F6I9FC:

F – Flint, Michigan manufacturer
6I9 – June 19 build date
FC – 283 With Powerglide and 4 bbl Carburetor

The current and consigning owner purchased this car in 2017. Having been previously restored, the owner had the car professionally inspected renewing areas as needed. Over the past five years, the owner has spent more than $30,000.00 freshening the restoration and mechanical components as documented in the invoices accompanying the car.

May 2017 – 16,618 miles. Services performed by Benner’s Auto Repair, Oakland, CA, include a new master brake cylinder, new front wheel cylinders, new rear brake shoes, Rochester carburetor rebuild, brake fluid flush, seat belts installed front and rear, replace turn signal flasher, install new inner door handles and window cranks, install six-piece window kit with chrome frames, new door glass, and hardware, and perform and oil and filter change. Invoice for these services included with the car indicate over $6,600.00. As a separate item, though not included on this 2017 invoice, both the current owner and Mike Benner (proprietor of Benner's Auto Repair) report that the Powerglide transmission was rebuilt.

January 2018 - A complete wiring harness was installed along with new bulbs as needed, a new glove box light, and a new passenger door dome light switch. Invoice included with the car totals approximately $4,300.00.

June 2018 – Documented with paint expenses of approximately $19,000.00, all exterior trim was removed, bumpers, script and moldings removed, body stripped in preparation for complete paint, block and fill as needed, two coats of primer and color sanding for color coat Larkspur Blue matching the factory tag.

General Overview

This Chevrolet Bel-Air convertible is finished in factory correct Larkspur Blue with two-tone blue interior. Over the past five years of current ownership, the car has benefited from mechanical services and a professional high quality repaint in the correct color. The subject of a previous earlier or 1980s high-quality restoration, the car was recently professionally refinished. The paint is smooth and glossy, and the exterior chrome and trim are excellent throughout. The stainless and aluminum trim are properly polished, and the anodized gold features are in great condition. The car sits on an older set of white wall tires with factory stance enhanced by the wide front grille and accented by the iconic tail fins flanking the spacious trunk. The steel wheels are finished with matching body color paint and polished full diameter wheel covers with triple ear knock-offs and Chevrolet crest centered in vivid red center medallions.

The two-tone interior is fully visible when the white convertible top is down, and all the windows parked in the lowered position. The material textures, seat buttons, color breaks, and seat patterns delight the eye at every corner. The padded dash and colorful instrument cluster, redesigned this year for more performance appeal, nests inside a sculpted metal binnacle with unique instrument clustering and 1950s jukebox style. The interior condition is generally very good with some soiling on the carpet in the driver’s footwell and some relaxing to the vinyl seat materials. GM Motorama design elements are used throughout the interior offering expansive seating for six across both bench-style seats. The full-sized steering wheel with safety-recessed center hub is adorned with chrome much like the dash and door panels, glinting with elements of high-end quality and appeal, befitting the top-of-the-line Bel-Air. A set of three aftermarket gauges (water temp, oil pressure, and volts) are mounted under the dash on a chrome display plate.

Under the hood, the four-barrel 283 cu. in. engine is topped with the original stamped metal air cleaner, feeding the 4 bbl Rochester carburetor. The engine compartment was restored some time ago with attention to detail, capturing correct factory finishes but now showing age to some of the painted features. A Delco generator, correct type cast iron exhaust manifolds, and a correct wiper motor are just a few of the many authentic items under the hood. The trunk is properly lined with a correct rubber mat, body color finish, and full-sized spare tire as well as factory jack and platform stand. Underneath the car, the older restoration appears to have been thorough and thoughtful when completed some years ago, now showing evidence of use but still presenting dry, clean components and no evidence of structural compromise or corrosion to the frame, suspension, or body panels.

The car starts easily and reliably with a deep V8 rumble from the potent V8 engine. The column mounted selector easily engages the Powerglide transmission for smooth starts and shifting. Once underway, 50s era cruising and open-air motoring delights passengers as passersby smile and wave. Highway driving is smooth and lofty with correct four-wheel drum brakes and suspension typical of the period and appropriate for leisurely motoring.

This iconic Bel-Air convertible has all the desirable attributes from one of the high points in American automobile design. Offered in fashionable 1950s colors with a 4bbl V8 engine and Powerglide automatic transmission, this Bel-Air has all the glamour and excellence that embodied America's “can do” attitude, open-road spirit, and dreams for a Motoramic tomorrow.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by rear fender skirts, a set of four rubber Chevrolet emblem floor mats, two sets of keys, and a fold out color brochure featuring 1957 models.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608