1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

When it comes to classic cars, few automotive brands are more associated with sun-filled Americana and good 'ole fashioned good times than Chevrolet. Over the last 111 years, the bowtie division has peddled some of the most charismatic cars ever created. And when it comes to charisma, perhaps no Chevrolet is more significant than the venerable Bel Air. Often considered the quintessential fifties classic, Bel Airs like this choice drop-top resto-mod have timeless appeal that transcends generations. And when that charm is updated with things like modern power, modern air conditioning, modern athleticism and custom aesthetics, you get old school metal that's fun to admire AND fun to cruise!

AMERICANA RESTORED

The product of a detailed, ground-up restoration, this bold Bel Air resto-mod does an excellent job of wrapping vintage style around modern technology. An all-American cherry that was ripe for customization, the car was subjected to a systematic, high-dollar build that began with each of its panels being massaged to better than factory form. Those solid surfaces were carefully layered in bright red two-stage. And today, this sweet Chevy storms the scene as a lights-out custom that mixes classic good looks with smooth and effortless performance!

Rolling proof that more doesn't necessarily mean better, this drop-top continuously turns heads by simply doing what it does best: being one of the finest collectibles on the planet. No heavy add-ons or overwrought fabrication, just great proportions and tasteful detailing. Up front, a broad bumper traces a stylishly monochromatic grille, which centers an ornate Chevrolet crest between stainless-trimmed headlights, clear parking lamps and chrome header emblems. That domed hood floats requisite Speer Bullet Spoons in front of stainless-trimmed glass that's traced in custom cloth and cleared by polished blades. Opposite that power-operated top, factory handles join factory mirrors to shade epic Bel Air Speed Spears, sedate Bel Air louvers and chrome Bel Air quarter banners. And at the back of the car, a second expressive bumper frames factory reverse lamps under trick taillights and chrome deck emblems.

AMERICANA REDEFINED

Enact this Chevy's billet hood supports and you'll find a reliable GM Generation III LS1 small block that makes miles of easy horsepower! At the top of that mill, a polished filter feeds a polished, factory-style throttle body, which is bolted to a chromed intake. High octane fossils are provided by electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through familiar MSD Super Stock wires. Spent gases get funneled through coated shorty headers. Cooling comes courtesy of chrome-trimmed puller fans and a polished aluminum radiator, which rides a between a polished cap and a polished support. Billet serpentine components spin a chromed compressor opposite a polished alternator. The body-matched mill looks great in a smooth, body-matched engine bay. And choice detailing includes custom rail covers, polished brake components, trick dipsticks, a polished oil cap and a billet hood latch.

ATHLETICISM CONFIRMED

Park this custom on a lift and you'll find a thoughtfully upgraded chassis that's prepped, primed and ready to roar. The solid small block spins power through a dressed and cooled 4L60E 4-speed. That proven driveline is an integral part of a modernized suspension that, in addition to wearing relocated leaf springs, has been carefully fitted with lowering blocks, Heidts tubular control arms and QA-1 coil-over-shocks. Those bones are pushed by a trusty Ford 9-inch that features Currie's polished aluminum center section. That kit gets led by fluid power rack-and-pinion steering. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to bright Wilwood calipers, which squeeze drilled and slotted rotors. Ceramic coated exhaust routes spent gases through throaty Magnaflow mufflers. An upsized fuel tank affords miles of cruising. And at the corners, timeless American Racing Torq Thrust IIs push pavement through 235/40ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As and 295/45R20 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As.

ARTISTRY CONFIRMED

Open the doors and you'll find a one-off cockpit that takes plenty of aesthetic cues from custom car culture. Top dead center, a body-matched dash props clean Classic Instruments telemetry on mirrored billet trim. Plush seats, manifesting as buckets for all the car's passengers, wear tight leather hides that are garnished with retro silver piping. Between those passengers, a custom, full-length console centers a short shifter in front of concealed cupholders and toggles for all the car's power windows. Cruisability is greatly enhanced by cool air conditioning and Pioneer touchscreen audio. Crisp Daytona Carpet bridges the gap between billet-trimmed side panels and a custom-upholstered trunk. And the driver spins a polished and half-wrapped wheel around billet foot pedals and a polished, tilting column.

So, there you have it: a sweet tri-five Chevy that wraps a proven drivetrain in striking aesthetics and modern comfort. Despite broad aftermarket support, restoring a Bel Air to this level is still a serious undertaking. As you can tell, the builders of this drop-top didn't cut a single corner. Looking for a tasteful, functional custom that'll always draw a crowd? Call, click or visit http://www.RKMotors.com and sign the papers on this slick bowtie resto-mod!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Stunning Bel Air resto-mod that's the product of a detailed, ground-up restoration
• 5.7 liter GM LS1 V8
• GM 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
• 9-inch rear axle with a polished center section
• Modern air conditioning
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes
• Upgraded and lowered suspension
• Custom leather interior with modern audio
• Power windows and a cloth, power-operated top
• Chrome Bel Air ornamentation (as opposed to gold)
• 18 and 20-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels
• Ceramic coated exhaust with shorty headers and Magnaflow mufflers
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world