When the 1957 Bel Air went on sale, nobody – not even Chevrolet – expected to make history. Instead, it became one of the landmark images in American pop culture; one of the most recognizable cars the world has ever known. Today, automakers still hail the 57 Chevy as a perfect example of good design and great timing coming together.
What we call the 57 Chevy was actually 19 distinct models. All 19 models were based on a single frame or platform, the basic structure of the car. The 1957 models were the final year in that frame’s life. It had been the backbone for Chevrolet’s model line for the 55, 56 and 57 model years. The only other car Chevrolet sold then was the Corvette.
Ford and Chrysler had all new frames and styling for their 57 models. They should have mopped the floor with the aged GM model, but Chevrolet outsold Ford by 126 cars in 1957. It sold 1,522,536 units of the various 57 Chevy models and 6,339 Corvettes.
The best-selling 1957 model was the Two-Ten four-door sedan, with a base price of $2,174.00. The least expensive was the $1,885.00 One-Fifty Utility two-door sedan. The most expensive 1957 model was the Bel Air Nomad two-door station wagon with a $2,757.00 base price. It was Chevrolet’s lowest-selling model. Chevrolet sold just 6,103 Nomads that year, trailing the Corvette by 236 sales.
Some of the options for that year included, seat belts and a racing-style over-the-shoulder security harness. Other options included a tissue dispenser, electric razor, wheel spinners, backup lights and a gas filter. The cars came in 16 solid colors and 15 two-tone combinations.
Many 57 Chevy’s featured a prism on the dashboard. It was intended to refract light from traffic signals so the driver could tell when the light changed without learning forward under the nearly vertical windshield.
The cars came with a choice of seven engines; a standard 235.5 cubic-inch 140-hp straight-six; 162-hp 265 cubic-inch V8, and eight versions of the 283 cubic-inch V8 with power ranging from 185 to 283 horsepower. The 57 Chevy was the first American car with fuel injection. The optional 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 produced 283 horsepower. It was the second American engine to develop one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement, coming a year after the 355-hp 354 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi.
Ten assembly plants built the 57 Chevy Family: Atlanta, Baltimore; Flint; Janesville, Wis.; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles; Norwood, Ohio; Oakland, Calif., St. Louis, and Tarrytown, N.Y.
Many designers and car enthusiasts say they believe the 1955 Chevy was the best looking model, but the 57 model year brought more defined tailfins, bullet-shaped bumper protectors, bombsight hood ornaments and other elements that gave the bargain-priced Chevrolet just enough zing to grab buyers’ fancy.
The 57 Chevy had style, the buzz born of racing success and demographics on their side. They hit the used-car market just as early baby boomers got driver’s licenses and went looking for affordable wheels.
The 57 Chevy embodied the spirit of Chevrolet, great looking, groundbreaking and affordable.
Joyce Boulan is the owner of a website pertaining to the 57 Chevy, where you can find deals on all models of this classic car or find parts or accessories for the one you own. Visit http://www.57chevy-auction.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Boulan
just to let you know that the chev you pictured here now resides in australia as i now own it, and its beautifull to drive
I don’t know how this comment got by me, but did want to answer it.
Oh you lucky person! What a sweet looking car. If there is any chance that you see this answer and want to write a short little article about how you found this car or any story associated with it, I’m sure our readers would love to read it, and we will publish it here on americanClassicCarSale.com.
Thanks for commenting.
Hello Rich,Here is a little story as to how I purchased this car. About 10 months ago I was looking for a 1957 chev 4 door hard top here in Melbourne, my cousin happened to find 2 chev,s on Ebay for me one in Ohio and this car in Virginia, the car in Ohio didn’t turn out to be a good one as it had some work to be done to it plus some of the mechanical repairs weren’t done properly also. I turned my attention to this black beauty and after a few late nights on the internet with my cousin we struck a deal and the car was on it’s way to Australia. I am to beleive that I am the fourth owner.
Once the car landed in Australia it stayed at the wharf for 3 weeks waiting for clearance through customs and then it was on it’s way to my place. Two weeks later it was taken to my cousins workshop where we replaced the drum brakes and fitted disc brakes and we replaced all the bushes, tie rods etc in the front end and replaced the rear brakes as well.
we changed the old carbbie and fitted a new quad jet and we re cored the radiator and fitted new hoses. New seat belts were also fitted in the front and rear. Two weeks later it was ready for registration and passed with flying colours.
the car runs fantastic and it’s a head turner where ever I go with it. it’s nearly winter here now and the car will get further detailing to get it ready for the warmer weather as this car will not be driven in the wet hopefully.
I would like to thank my cousin for all his help and to my brother who also helped me to get the car.
Thank you
Les
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Thank you for letting us know that. Not sure exactly how to fix that situation but will see if we can find the answer.
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wow what a interesting post , its really helpful for us
and i saw this post on aol ill pop back to your site later today
Very good read. If you’re ever in the market for classic chevy parts, muncie 4 speed transmissions or muncie rebuild kits, let me know.
just to let you know that the chev you pictured here now resides in australia as i now own it, and its beautifull to drive
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Hello,
Can someone tell me what is the difference between 1957 chev belair 150 and 210 or the difference in the 1957 chev belairs. Thanks for your help. Dan
Hi Dan,
Maybe one of our 57 Chevy experts will answer.