1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

283ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Rochester 4-Barrel Carburetor
220bhp at 4,800rpm
2-Speed Powerglide Automatic Transmission
Independent front and Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension with Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Single owner for three decades
*The most recognizable of the Tri-Fi's
*Chevy's top-of-the-line convertible
*The perfect car for a drive-in movie

THE BEL AIR

When Chevrolet introduced "The Hot One," its new small block V8 engine for 1955, few realized that within three years it would achieve the Holy Grail of one brake horsepower per cubic inch. More remarkable was the fact that it was offered by one of the "low-priced three." But that's exactly what happened, with a displacement increase to 283 cubic inches, 10.5 to 1 compression, solid lifters and Rochester fuel injection. Often forgotten, however, is the fact that there were four "lesser" 283s in 1957 that developed in excess of 200 bhp. One of these was fuel-injected, with lower compression and hydraulic lifters, another, rated at 220 bhp, used a single four barrel. Accompanying them were two dual quad engines, both with 9.5 to 1 compression, a 245 bhp unit with hydraulic tappets and a 270 bhp version using solids. The most powerful engines were available only with a three-speed transmissions, because the automatics available, the venerable Powerglide and new variable-pitch Turboglide, simply weren't up to the torque.

Chevy built nearly 48,000 Bel Air convertibles in 1957. Most carried two- or four-barrel V8s with Powerglide. This car is unusual in that it has the 245 bhp dual-quad 283 with a three-speed column-shift transmission. Aggressively accessorized, it has nearly every available option, including Wonderbar radio, heater, power windows, power seat, dual rear-mounted antennas, dual exhausts with chrome extension tips, continental kit, spinner wheel covers and door handle guards. Unusual on a Chevrolet is the Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Assembled in Norwood, OH, this Bel Air appeared to be delivered new in Imperial Ivory with matching wheels and a Red with Silver Pattern vinyl interior. While the early history of this Bel-Air is not known, it was the recipient of a repaint in Matador Red with matching rims. The interior appears to be largely retrimmed, but the dash looks to be rather original save for the addition of a c.1980s Alpine cassette deck head unit. Coming from Georgia at the time of purchase, this Tri-Fi Chevy joined the collection at the end of April 1988.

As American as baseball, ice cream, and apple pie, this Tri-Fi Bel-Air is the quintessential American droptop and the perfect car for parades, tours, drive-in movies, or any event requiring open motoring and style.