1957 Chevrolet Bel Air – A Vintage American Icon
Call it a full-size car, call it a muscle car, or even turn one into a hot rod. Whatever you choose to call the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, it always comes with a side of style. There’s a lot to love about it, but it’s the stylish tail fins that make the ‘57 Chevy so iconic.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air features the front engine, rear-wheel drive layout common with the era. “Bel Air” specifically means it is the premium trim level of the 1957 Chevrolet. As the most luxurious version available in 1957, the Bel Air is a desirable model for collectors.
Although there are similarities between 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet models, 57 Chevys demand the highest price. Available in a hardtop or convertible configuration, 1957 models are instantly recognizable while sitting next to a 1955 or 1956 Chevrolet. The fins always give it away, but ‘55-57 Chevrolets are also known as Tri Fives.
While the ‘57 Chevy is always in high demand, convertible and sport coupe models are typically the most sought after. The condition of a vehicle determines its value, so a well-maintained 1957 Chevy Bel Air fetches top dollar. Expect to pay market value or slightly more, even at the project car level, when shopping for a ‘57 Chevy.
Over 60 years later, the retro vibe and classic American styling of the ‘57 Chevy looks better than ever. You don’t have to be Elvis or Marilyn Monroe to look good in a ‘57 Chevy, it’s always a star. At the time of its release, Chevy had no idea they were unveiling a masterpiece, but they aimed for success.
GM executives hoped for an entirely new car for the ‘57 model year, but production delays got in the way. Ed Cole, chief engineer for Chevrolet at the time, demanded significant changes, which also increased the cost of the car. There were many minor changes, but what stood out the most were the iconic chrome-rimmed headlights.
Chevrolet also re-designed the tail fins to match the wider look of the rear. Classy, gold trim traced the body lines and edges of this vintage American icon. Each model equipped with the V8 received a large V under the Chevrolet text on the hood and trunk.
Of course, not all 1957 Chevrolet models feature a V8 engine. Some have inline 6 cylinder engines while others feature a 283 cubic inch, 4.6L small-block V8. Look for the V on the hood and trunk if you want a 1957 Chevy with a V8.
If you are exclusively shopping for 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air models, it is a lot less confusing. Authentic 1957 Chevy Bel Airs always came with the V8 under the hood. If the VIN checks out as a Bel Air, it should have the 283 V8.
Hot rodding was as popular in the 1950s as it is now. You don’t have to reenact scenes from American Graffiti to understand why some drivers seek more power. Chevy made it even easier in 1957 by making it a factory option.
Sharing an engine with the Corvette, Chevrolet offered a 4.6L “Super Turbo Fire” V8 option packing 283 horsepower. Using Rochester Ramjet continuous mechanical fuel injection, these factory hot-rods are known as “fuelie” cars. They are pretty rare and most Bel Airs feature carburetion.
An interesting nugget of automotive history occurred as a result of the decision to make 57 Chevrolets the first vehicle to offer tubeless tires. People were extremely nervous about this new tire design, even though most tires are now tubeless. In fact, Ford outsold Chevy in 1957, for the first time since 1935, because of this decision.
Once people saw the styling of the 1957 Chevrolet rolling down the streets, the model quickly gained popularity. Another notable stylish feature of the 1957 model includes a hidden fuel-filler door located in the left rear fin. This still leads to curious looks at the gas station while refueling.
For busy executives in 1957, the Bel Air’s optional electric shaver offered convenience on the go. Why not save time by shaving during the morning commute, what could possibly go wrong?
If you are in the market, there are 7 different possible 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air variations to look for:
- 4-door Sedan
- 4-door Hardtop Sport Sedan
- 2-door Sport Sedan
- 2-door Sport Hardtop Coupe
- 2-door Sport Convertible
- 2-door 6-passenger Nomad Station Wagon
- 4-door 6-passenger Nomad Station Wagon
The ‘57 Bel Air exemplifies 1950s fashion while remaining a defining symbol of the era. Chances are the phrase “all the bells and whistles” was actually said whenever a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was sold. With spacious comfort, V8 power and so much lasting appeal, it’s no wonder why everyone still wants one today.
