Chevrolet - Bel Air Convertible - 1957

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is without a doubt the most iconic American vintage car of all time. When a stranger is asked if the name 'Chevrolet Bel Air' evokes anything, there is always a reference to a convertible. Chevrolet built the Bel Air from 1950 to 1975 mainly for the American market. Production continued in Canada until 1981. The model actually consists of many different versions which are divided into 7 generations. The first generation is model year 1950-1954, followed by the 2nd generation 1955-1957. This is a 2nd generation car which is the most sough after by fans and purists. Within these 3 years of production, the 1957 model is the most desirable one! That year's 'Bel Air' is just as iconic as the other icons of that time such as Elvis Presley & Marilyn Monroe. The 'rear wings' were enlarged for the 1957 model, but remained stylishly small compared to other manufacturers. The ribbed aluminium plate was introduced on the back of the screens specifically for this model. Typical for a ‘57 Bel Air are the two ornaments on the bonnet. The car that is being auctioned here is in excellent condition! This is a ‘57 Bel Air equipped with the optional larger 283ci (or 4,640cc) V8 engine and a '4 barrel' carburettor. It delivers 220 HP and has the original Powerglide automatic gearbox. The matador red look, finished with chrome accents, is all in very good condition. The car has been completely restored in the past and was completely repainted. The paintwork looks phenomenal as a result of this. There’s no rust at all on the body or on the chassis. There is only one imperfection to be noted concerning the paint on the right door, there’s a tiny ‘pit’ which has been touched up. The electric white convertible top is in very good (almost new) condition. It works properly and closes without any problems. The vehicle has all the correct logos all around, only the one on the front has a small crack. The matching, virtually original, interior stands out when you get in on the driver's side. The interior has red leather with silver insert and looks perfectly harmonious with the car and is furthermore how it was originally ordered back in 1957. Once seated behind the wheel, everything is in very good condition. The steering wheel is completely original and has never been restored. The entire dashboard with instruments looks unrestored and in very well-preserved condition. The odometer reading is 62,663 km. What is immediately noticeable is that the maximum speed indicates 240, without any annotation of units. Original American-delivered cars feature an odometer in miles which reaches up to 120 mph (193 km/h) . In this case it seems to be that the odometer is actually in kilometres and the car may have been delivered in Europe originally. There is no history of this. It is therefore also possible that an odometer in kilometres was fitted during the restoration. The previous 2 owners are known. Technically in very good condition. It has whitewall tyres with good tread on all 4 wheels. The engine starts immediately without hesitation and runs very nicely, both while idling and when revving. A new battery has been installed and the car is equipped with a ground main switch. All brakes were physically opened, checked and readjusted. Each wheel was disassembled and all suspension parts checked for slack. The car can therefore be described as 'ready to be enjoyed immediately'. Buyers can assume that no more work needs to be carried out on the vehicle. The car can be viewed and picked up in Wateringen, the Netherlands. Global transport is possible. Additional costs regarding transport, possible export documents and/or change of ownership will be for the buyer.