Description
'57 Chevy "By the Numbers"
and everything is correct.
The engine block is stamped F I 22 EB
That number sequence breaks down as follows:
F=Flint,
I-22=January 22
EB 2= 4 Barrels with High Lift Cam
The carbs are stamped 2626 and 2627,
the heads 3740997,
the generator has six small dimples (as it should).
The transmission tail number is 3707185,
while the side cover is stamped 3731811MO
and the case is tagged 3748588.
The rear differential tag reads
B186C (Posi) 3.43833 P GM T2
and the dual point distributor is labeled 110891 9M16.
57 Chevy Specs
is a two-door Sport Coupé
(a.k.a. a two-door hardtop),
and has no post between the front and back window.
It has the typical gold-anodized accents on the Bel Air logo.
It also sports the gold V on the hood and trunk,
because this '57 sports an engine that was optional for that year:
a V-8 with two four barrel carburetors,
plus a "Duntov" cam and solid lifters.
It puts out a still-respectable 270hp.
The engine is equipped with a
deep groove water pump pulley
(single piece, not a bolt-on).
The car also features
a Posi Trac rear differential,
and a 3 speed close ratio transmission
("Three on the Tree").
The valve covers are Corvette covers.
'57 Chevy History
the basic "one-fifty,"
a somewhat nicer "two-ten,"
a deluxe two-ten called the Del Ray,
and the upscale Bel Air.
While the '57 shares many features with the 1955-56 design,
it made some significant changes,
including a new dash, air ducts in the headlight pods,
and 14" wheels and a wider grille,
giving the car a shorter stance and wider appearance.
This '57 Bel Air has been faithfully restored
to its original appearance,
and looks even more striking in person
than it does in the photographs.
Rare 57 Bel Air with 270hp Engine
the 1957 Chevy was a popular drag racer
and also asserted its dominance on the round track.
You wouldn't want to race this classic now,
but that doesn't mean that she's not still a pleasure to drive.
According to the owner,
only 870 of the 1957 Chevy Bel Air
were built in this configuration,
making this a relatively rare version
of an automotive icon.
This car was restored 8 years ago
and looks as sharp today as it did when it rolled off the lines nearly sixty years ago.
Its current owner "imported" the car from Ohio 7 years ago.
He's kept it in a climate controlled garage.
'57 Chevy vs. '57 Ford
In one of the crowning ironies of automotive history,
1957 was the first year since 1935 that Ford outsold Chevy.
Paradoxically, this was thanks to innovations on Chevy's part.
The 1957 Chevy had the option of fuel injection
(then still a relative rarity),
and was the first car in history to feature tubeless tires.
While most buyers took the standard carb option,
it seems that many people trusted the old-fashioned tube tires in the Ford
more than they trusted the Chevy's then-unproven tubeless tires.
'57 Chevy Legacy
race drivers certainly saw the possibilities
of the 1957 Chevy's relatively light weight,
and its spacious engine well
that accommodated engines like the 409 easily.
It proved to be a force to be reckoned with
on NASCAR tracks 'til the dawn of the 1970's.
It was also a popular car in demolition derbies,
with its set-back radiator often leaving it the last car standing.
Nobody would dream of doing that to a '57 Chevy now, of course.
The roles are reversed from what they were in 1957;
with the exception of the retractible hardtop,
'57 Fords don't get a second look from collectors,
while the '57 Chevy is highly sought after,
to the point where many reproductions exist.
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is an original,
the real deal... a lovingly restored car
that puts you behind the wheel of an icon
of automotive history and high fifties style.
Call us today to see it for yourself,
or to make this looker your own.
Do you need help marketing your heavy equipment, Boat, Plane, Car or Truck?
Your questions and comments are welcomed 24/7, Contact Jay Trevorrow. Voicemail or Text: 973-886-3020. Email: jay@ironmartonline.com. Please Leave a Detailed Email or Voicemail.
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