LOT 121

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Chassis no. VC57B207824 Engine no. T82IFC

Sold for US$75,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 121

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

The Audrain Auction|3 October 2025, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Chassis no. VC57B207824
Engine no. T82IFC

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

*An AACA Senior Grand National award winner
*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 CAR OFFERED

Assembled in Baltimore, Maryland, this Bel Air appeared to be delivered new in Matador Red with Silver and Red Pattern vinyl interior. While the early history of this Bel-Air is not known, it was restored in the 1990s and received an AACA Senior National First Prize in 1998 and a AACA Senior Grand Nation Winner Frist Prize two years later in 2000, as evidenced by the badges adorning the car today. In 2008, the Bel Air was further given an AACA Senior Award at the Annual Grand National Meet in Melbourne, Florida – for which the trophy accompanies the car.

Loaded with power features, including power-operated top, brakes, and steering, other details including a Wonderbar radio, dual exhaust, rear fender skirts, and white wall tires. It was acquired by the present owner in 2023 with 13,785 miles showing and has been on largely static display since then with only eight additional miles added in the last two years.

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.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA or non motor vehicle property, the premium is 28% of the first $50,000 of the bid price, plus 27% of the amount of the bid price above $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 21% of the amount of the bid price above $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000, plus 14.5% of the amount of the bid price above $6,000,000.
A 3rd-party bidding platform fee equal to 4% of the Hammer Price shall be payable by buyers whose successful bid is submitted via 3rd-party bidding platforms, including Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Collection Notices
COLLECTION
Post auction, all lots will be removed from the Tennis Hall of Fame and will be available for payment and collection from 250 W Main Road, Middletown on October 4 and 5.
DEADLINE: 12pm EDT on Sunday, October 5, 2025
LOCATION: 250 W Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
CASHIERING:
• Friday October 3 - during the auction, Tennis Hall of Fame
• Saturday October 4 - 8:30am to 5pm, 250 W Main Road, Middletown
• Sunday October 5 - 8:30am to 12pm, 250 W Main Road, Middletown
For buyers who plan to collect their purchases immediately, Bonhams recommends paying by wire transfer or certified check (bank draft). To expedite weekend collection, Bonhams recommends obtaining a Bank Letter of Guarantee.
Credit cards are not accepted for Motor Vehicle lots. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre- arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services, +1 (212) 644 9001 [email protected].
LOT COLLECTION
Lot Collection Deadline: 12pm PDT on Sunday, October 5, 2025
Uncollected Motorcar lots will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction.
Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
Domestic Motorcar Transport
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228, [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transporter
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117, [email protected]
International Motorcar Transporter
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326, [email protected]
Payment Notices
PAYMENT
Post auction, all lots will be removed from the Tennis Hall of Fame and will be available for payment and collection from 250 W Main Road, Middletown on October 4 and 5.
DEADLINE: 12pm EDT on Sunday, October 5, 2025
LOCATION: 250 W Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
CASHIERING:
• Friday October 3 - during the auction, Tennis Hall of Fame
• Saturday October 4 - 8:30am to 5pm, 250 W Main Road, Middletown
• Sunday October 5 - 8:30am to 12pm, 250 W Main Road, Middletown
For buyers who plan to collect their purchases immediately, Bonhams recommends paying by wire transfer or certified check (bank draft). To expedite weekend collection, Bonhams recommends obtaining a Bank Letter of Guarantee.
Credit cards are not accepted for Motor Vehicle lots. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre- arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services, +1 (212) 644 9001 [email protected].
LOT COLLECTION
Lot Collection Deadline: 12pm PDT on Sunday, October 5, 2025
Uncollected Motorcar lots will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction.
Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
Domestic Motorcar Transport
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228, [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transporter
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117, [email protected]
International Motorcar Transporter
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326, [email protected]
Automobilia
Contact the Client Services team at +1 (212) 644 9001, [email protected] for automobilia shipping quotes.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.