1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, 2-door hardtop
On loan from: John Reicheneker, Kearney, NE
Original cost: $2,127.00 (In 1957: Average household income, $4,550.00; average home cost, $12,220.00; gallon of gas. 24 cents)
Number made: 62,942
Engine, etc.: V-8; valve-in-head; 283 cu. in.; 4-barrel power pack, 220 hp; 3,265 lbs.; 115 in. wheelbase; reverse chrome rims
The ’57 Chevy is a car almost everyone knows – maybe because every high school kid in the 1960’s wanted one. Ford actually outsold Chevy in 1957 but the 1957 Chevrolet has been called “the most popular used car in history”. It wasn’t until years later that the ’57 was recognized by many as the sharpest Chevy of that decade.
From 1950 – 52 Chevrolet hardtops in the Deluxe model line were called “Bel Air” models. In 1953 the name was applied to Chevy’s top-of-the-line model range and, in 1955, were offered with an optional V-8 engine.
There were seven body styles to select from in 1957. The Bel Air was very dramatic and bold with many recognizable features including rocket-inspired twin spear ornaments inset on the hood and chrome outlined tailfins. They had 14-inch wheels and were 2 ½ inches longer and 1 ½ inches lower than the previous year’s model. They came in a two-toned pastel paint, such as turquoise and white, with two-toned interiors.
The 1957 models offered several engine options including the top one which was used in that year’s Corvettes. Chevrolet ads proclaimed that “Chevy puts the purr in performance.” Equipped with the 283 CID small block V-8 and two four-barrel carburetors, it delivered a hearty purr from its dual exhausts.
Options included a power convertible top, shoulder harnesses, tinted glass, seat belts, tissue dispenser, and ventilated seat pads. Loaded with options and accessories, the car could still be ordered for under $3,000.00.
“See the USA in Your Chevrolet” was the theme song for Dinah Shore’s popular television show which debuted on NBC in 1956. She remained a spokesperson for Chevy into the early 1960’s.
Sources: http://classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=5368&year=1957&model=24789
http://www.howstuffworks.com/chevrolet-bel-air14.htm
See also: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet_Brochure_1/dirindex.html (Original 1957 brochure 1)
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet_Brochure_2/dirindex.html (Original 1957 brochure 2)
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet_Owners_Manual/dirindex.html (1957 Chevrolet Owner’s Manual)