The second-generation Chevy Bel Air debuted for the 1955 model year. The full redesign featured sharper styling and an impressive slate of standard equipment including full carpet, chrome headliner arches in the hardtop models, front fender chrome spears, polished stainless trim around the windows, full wheel covers, and gold anodized Bel Air script. The base engine was the 265 cubic-inch Small Block V8 producing 165 horsepower. Checking the box for the Power Pack option would up output to 180 horses. The Super Power Pack option was offered later in the model year with 195 horsepower on tap.
The redesign of the second-generation Chevy Bel Air was an unequaled success, with roughly 801,000 copies across all the Bel Air variants. That sales boom would continue for the next two years, with 1956 and 1957 model-year Bel Airs selling 692,530 and 720,356 units respectively.
With a fresh facelift for the 1957 model year, the Chevy Bel Air was adorned with bigger fins, a redesigned front bumper and wider grille, dual hood rockets, smaller fourteen-inch wheels to give the car a lower stance, and reshaped headlight surrounds. The interior featured a new dashboard. Standard power came from a larger-displacement 283 cubic-inch Small Block V8 with a single Carter carb. An optional 185-horsepower Turbo Fire 283 could be had, along with a Super Turbo Fire 283 that made 220 horsepower. Other high-horsepower optional engines included a 283 equipped with solid lifters and a Duntov cam producing 270 horsepower, and the Rochester mechanical fuel injection option that boosted output to 283 horses, achieving the legendary one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch mark. The fuel injection option was rarely ordered as most mechanics lacked the know-how to keep them running properly.
Our feature 1957 Chevy Bel Air Fuelie has been the subject of a meticulous frame-off restoration, and shows just 617 miles on a reset odometer. It is finished in Tropical Turquoise with an Ermine White roof over a turquoise vinyl and black cloth interior. It is powered by the rare fuel-injected 283 cubic-inch Small Block backed by a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. In typical Bel Air fashion, this 1957 is dressed with plenty of chrome and polished stainless trim, hood spears, a gold anodized grille, Chevrolet script and “V” on the hood and trunk, painted steel wheels with full-size spinner wheel covers, and wide whitewall radial tires. The Bel Air is equipped with tinted glass, a heater/defroster, a dash clock, and an AM radio.
Comments
That’s a really nice 57, but my favorite Tri-five is a 1955 Belair Convertible. It’s a much simpler and cleaner design.
I believe 265 was still the base V8 then. My first car was a 57 210 two door. It had a 265 with the 3 on the column. Bought it for $750 in 64. I thought I had the world by the tail.
Gorgeous car. I’d love to own it. Stable is full though. Close friend has this same car in Black with white top. Original paint. Outstanding car. The Fuelies are a bit cantankerous at times though, but the 283 was/is still an outstanding engine.
I have one in one of my cars. 40 over, 10:1, big hyd. cam, powerpack heads, ram horns, Edelbrock performer, Carter/Edelbrock carb, built TH-350 and 3:08 P-Case rear end. Bulletproof.
I’m really not sure why but the Tri-5s have lost a bit of shine in the Car Market. I still absolutely love them. This car would have got 150-200k 10yrs ago. Will probably get a little under that now.
I’m not a total purist but these cars now, apparently, need an full LS(modern) Powertrain.
I think spending 50k+ more to get a few extra mpg is not worth it. Shame! I’m still ole skool and like much simpler. No(minimal) electronics works for me. HEI/MSD is enuf.
I’m actually seeing a few folks hopping up their straight 6s and dressing them up nice. I think that is a great way to go. Not everyone needs 450hp. Smooth and dependable works. My ole’ skool ends with the “3 on the tree” though. Sorry. NO!
I think the previous and future owner has/will really enjoy this beautiful car.
Beautiful car in and out. This was when cars had a life of their own, no cookie here like today’s cars.
Amazing how many ’57s are still around after all these years.
Yeah, but could I get one in “Zero Personality Gray” .
Nice car but I’m a 55 guy, that’s the first family car I can remember as a kid.
drooling over this! OMG, That’s the problem with vehicles today. Nothing to get “worked up” over.
That was a great era in automotive history!