The AutoHunter Spotlight on this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop is a little different from those that have preceded it. After seeing the seller’s handle, I looked up his location and, sure enough, I went to high school with him. He was an upperclassman with an old car, a 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne with a hot 283. Then he bought a 1968 Camaro that, one day, he thought may be a Z/28 until I looked it up and discovered (a learning moment) that all Z/28s had four-speeds, which this didn’t have. Thanks to parking lot high jinks at Brandywine High School, the Camaro was bruised beyond drivability. Desperate for a car, our hero sucked it up and bought a Ford, a 1966-ish Falcon in primer gray (natch). What a downgrade for a Chevy guy! But he worked hard on it and discovered the charms of the Ford small-block, developing a relationship that continued for decades . . . until now, as the seller has come full-circle with this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It is powered by a Vortec 5.7-liter V8 crate motor paired with a 4L80E four-speed automatic, both of which have fewer than 1,000 miles on them since the restoration was completed four years ago. Other features include a Holley Sniper 2 fuel injection system, tubular front suspension, four-wheel power disc brakes, a Vintage Air air conditioning system, and more. Painted in cream with a red and black vinyl and cloth interior, this classic Tri-Five comes from the seller with receipts and a clear title.
The smooth, four-year-old cream paint covers what is believed to be original body panels. Other exterior features include dual chrome side mirrors, anodized gold trim, bumperettes, special Bel Air side trim, rocket-inspired hood ornaments, and more. A set of Chevy Rally-inspired wheels (17-inch front, 18-inch rear) are wrapped in 235/45 Nexen N3000 (front) and 275/45 Michelin Pilot Sport (rear) tires.
The cabin has red vinyl upholstery with black cloth inserts. Interior features include aluminum dashboard trim, power steering, a Vintage Air air conditioning system, and a retro-style radio with Bluetooth.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level. Additional auxiliary gauges mounted under the dashboard show the coolant temperature and oil pressure. The odometer (currently inoperable) shows 72,500 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The Vortec 5.7-liter V8 crate engine reportedly puts out 700 horsepower, with a Holley Sniper 2 EFI system and an aluminum radiator assisting. It is hooked up to a 4L80E four-speed automatic sourced from a Camaro. Of course, breathing comes from a dual exhaust system.
The undercarriage is equipped with a Quick Performance Ford nine-inch rear with a 31-spline Yukon Grizzly Locker featuring 3.89:1 gears. Power disc brakes at all four corners are assisted by a Wilwood master cylinder. Other updates include a Classic Performance Products tubular front suspension, Viking adjustable coilovers up front, and new rear leaf springs with polyurethane bushings.
So there you have it—a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop owned by one of the motorheads from my high school. Many of them dropped out, but this one persevered and gained knowledge with his experience because, as Mr. Gaskell said in Driver’s Ed, experience is the best teacher. So keep tabs on your time because if you place the highest bid, this car will be yours once 11:15 a.m. (PDT) passes on Monday, June 23, 2025.
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