1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible "Power Pack" 283 Fully Restored Rare Low Mile

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 Convertible Description

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Completely Restored
#2 Show/Driver
(2015 Appraisal Attached for Condition Rating by Senior Master Judge for AACA with over 100 Master Judging Credits)
Numbers Matching
VIN# VC57S275436
Sierra Gold
Copper/Beige Vinyl Interior

54139 Miles

283 CID V8 - 220 hp
“Power Pack”
(Four-Barrel Carb, High Compression Heads & Dual Exhaust)
(FC Engine Code)
Powerglide Automatic Trans

Power Steering
Power Brakes
Power Top
AM “Push-Button” Radio
Electric Windshield Wipers
“Spinner” Hubcaps
White Wall Tires
Front & Rear Bumper Guards
Electric Clock

Aftermarket Items
Accessory Ammeter, Oil Pressure & Temp Guages
Seat Belts Front & Rear
Car Cover
DOCUMENTATION
Original Bill of Sale from Jerry Green Chevrolet Aug 8, 1957
Original Title 1957
AZ Certificate of Title 2nd Owner Sept 10, 1996 w/43083 miles
Chevrolet Owner Service Policy Aug 8, 1957
Delco Battery Service Policy Aug 8, 1957
35,000 Mile Guarantee Aug 8, 1957
Over 100 Pages of Receipts

NOTE: There are over 130 pictures of this vehicle that load below the text of this write-up. These pictures may take some time to load depending on the speed of your computer and the speed of your internet connection. Allow up to a few minutes for all the pictures to load. If they do not you may access the pictures at my Photobucket account by going directly to this link, copy and paste into your browser:
http://s669.photobucket.com/user/fmattingly/library/Chevrolet%20Bel%20Air%201957%20Convert%20SD

A YouTube walk-around video is available here:

https://youtu.be/ijuyraVUN_o
am helping a friend sell this car, before he bought it he had an appraisal done on the car in August of 2015. Less than 200 miles have been put on the car since he bought it and it has spent the entire year and a half in his garage in San Diego, CA.
The appraisal was done by William Krieger who is a Certified Appraiser in the International Vehicle Appraisers Network (nationwide association). Their appraisals are accepted by every insurance company, banks, credit unions, IRS and Court of Law (expert Witness), etc. He is also a Senior Master Judge for the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) with over 100 National Judging Credits; as well as a Certified National Meet Judge for the Mustang Club of America, the Buick Club of America and the Classic Thunderbird Club International, as well as owner and restorer of many classic cars.

The following text is word for word from his report:

On April 8, 2015, I personally inspected and evaluated the vehicle described below for the purpose of providing an estimation of the vehicle’s cash value today. I inspected the vehicle’s exterior, interior, chassis, and engine compartment. A mechanical evaluation was conducted where possible. The evaluation is based upon authenticity, preservation/restoration, maintenance and/or replacement costs.

Vehicle Make & Year: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
VIN: VC57S275436 Body Style: Convertible
Color: Sierra GoldInterior (color/material): Copper/Beige vinyl

Special Features

(Odometer reading: 53,953) Vehicle has a 283 CID V-8 “Power Pack” that develops 220 h.p. attached to a PowerGlide automatic transmission. Engine code is “FC” which is correct for a 1957 Chevrolet 283 CID V-8 with a Power Pack and a PowerGlide transmission. The casting dat of 7/11 (July 11) indicates that this engine could well be the original engine installed in this car at the St. Louis assembly plant. Documents in the trunk state that the vehicle was sold to the customer on August 8, 1957 that would tie in well with the casting date. Also firewall body tag indicates that the present exterior color (Sierra Gold), white convertible top and interior trim of Copper and Beige is original to this vehicle. This combination is as close to “matching numbers” as you can get on a 1957 Chevrolet. The Bel Air option included: anodized aluminum side trim, gold chevrons on front fender, gold grille insert, gold V-8 hood and trunk ornaments, bright metal rocker sill covers, window outlines, top fin covers, an electric clock, Bel Air insignia and two-tone upholstery. Other factory options on this vehicle are: power steering, power brakes, PowerGlide, oil bath air cleaner, back-up lights, door handle shields, fender skirts, heater, vanity mirror, engine compartment light, radiator insect screen, AM push-button radio, electric windshield wipers, “spinner” hubcaps, accessory rear deck molding trim, and front and rear bumper guards. Aftermarket items are: accessory ammeter, oil pressure and engine temperature gauges, seat belts have been added to front and rear seats. (Note: he left off Power Convertible Top)

Comments

Engine/Engine Compartment: Engine compartment is exceptionally clean and detailed. Engine compartment walls and firewall display no rust, collision damage or repairs. Engine walls are painted correct semi-gloss black while firewall is painted body color. Engine is painted the correct Chevrolet red/orange very well. Valve covers have the script “Chevrolet” correctly painted in silver. By checking the dipstick, I observed that the oil was clear and the pan is filled. All attached items are also detailed per factory specs. Power steering/generator is the correct style for a 1957 Chevrolet as is the power brake reservoir and engine wall-mounted booster. There is some oil and dirt in the bottom of the compartment that would need to be cleaned for show purposes (been done). Radiator displays no leaks in either tank or the core. Hoses are the correct style and have the correct spring steel-style clamps. Exhaust manifolds have no rust and may be painted a rust-resistant bare cast iron paint. Battery is the correct size and is a correct Delco style. Underside of hood is painted a gloss black paint in very good condition.

Chassis: Underside of vehicle ahas been restored at some time and is holding up very well. I observed no excessive rust, collision damage or repairs. Front suspension units are detailed correctly having some dirt and mud splatter that would need to be cleaned for show purposes (performed, see pictures). All suspension units appear to be in excellent condition as are the power steering ram and hoses. Frame is painted correct semi-flat black paint and is mostly clean. Floor pan has no rust and appears to be undercoated with some effort to remove in areas. Bottom of ending is detailed with red/orange paint and displays no oil leakage. Rear axle is dry and also displays no oil leakage. The gas tank appears to be a newer one that is painted correctly and dirt-free. Rear of floor pan and spare tire holder are correctly painted a red primer color. Exhaust pipes are aluminized and rust-free. Mufflers appear to be the “Smitty” narrow glass-pack style txt have been painted a rust-resistant paint as are some of the muffler clamps. Tires are Coker Classic the size P205/75R14 with a 4-5 mm of tread depth but all tires have sidewall cracks and it is advised to replace the tires quickly. Wheels are the standard steel GM wheels in very good condition. Wheel covers are the optional “Spinner” style that are in excellent condition with no “curb rash”.

Interior: Front bench-style seat is in very good condition with no rips, tears or split seams. Rear seat and upholstered quarter panels are in excellent condition. Backs of the front seats are in very good condition but both side bolsters have a small nick on the side where it meets the door. Door panels are also in very good condition with no sun or water damage or waviness in the panels. Window frames are in good condition with a couple of scratches. Carpeting is in very good condition, fitted well and comes with color matching floor mats. Instrument panel is painted a close-to-matching color to the exterior in a gloss paint with no dents and has been painted well. Instruments are earl-to-read with clear lenses and bright faces. There are three under0dash-mounted auxiliary gauges that are: engine temperature, oil pressure and ammeter all easy-to-read. All interior chrome, aluminum and bright metal trim is in excellent condition. The underside of the convertible top has no sun-damage and padded well. Top irons are painted a semi-flat black paint and are in very good condition.

Exterior: Exterior paint has a very high gloss with no drips, runs or poor prep noted. All panels are straight with no ripples or excessive waviness. There are a few nicks and minor scratches around the body but nothing major. Both doors, hood and trunk lid have factory correct gaps between the panel and body. Weatherstripping on doors and trunk lid are soft and most probably have been replaced. Front and rear bumpers and bumper guards have very good chrome with no pitting waviness or peeling. Stainless trim is dent and scratch-free and attached well to the body. The aluminum rear quarter side panel inserts are in very good condition as is the gold anodized aluminum grille and the rear deck trim molding. Turn indicator grille bar chrome has some scratches or pits. The fender skirts are in good condition but have some excess rubber or scratched sections on the shirt itself. The fabric convertible top is in very good condition with no rips, tears or split seams and fitted family all with a couple of wavy sections on the rear. The plastic rear window is very clear having no cloudy sections and installed well. Trunk is detailed correctly with the walls and underside of the trunk lid painted body color. The carpeted mat, while not correct, is more plush than the original rubber one. The spare tire is a blackwall 7.50 X 14” which is the original correct size for this vehicle. The spare also has a “Spinner” wheel over that matches the covers on the car. There is a good deal of original documentation mounted on a a frame inside the trunk. This includes the original bill of sale from the dealer, original title, warranties, tax statement and others (see pictures). All windows are scratch and crack free but the windshield is beginning to delaminate on the driver’s side edge.

PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION

Engine: 283 CID V-8 developing 220 h.p.
Fuel System: Carburetor
Transmission: PowerGlide Automatic
Exhaust system: Dual muffler style

Radio/sound system: AM radio that played well during test ride (takes a little while to warm up)

Headlights: Operational High Beams: Operational
Parking/Driving Lights: Operational Taillights: Operational
Brake Lights: Operational Directionals: Operational
Windshield Wipers: Did not test
Seat Belts Front: Installed Seat Belts Rear: Installed
Horn: Operational AC: N/A
Others: Heater fan operates well with defroster also. All windows crank up/down fairly easily. Driver operated the convertible top and while it operated well, it took a long time to lower/raise. License plate light is operational. Also interior courtesy lights operate as expected.

Wheels (type/size): Standard steel GM 14” style with “Spinner” wheel covers.
Tires (type/size/cond): Coker Classic 205/75 R14” with many sidewall cracks - tires are probably old and should be replaced quickly.

Others:

ROAD TEST

Drove/Rode? RodeRoad test miles: 4-6
Road Surfaces” Asphalt/concreteWeather: Cloudy/Cool
Starting: Engine started very easily and settled down to a nice idle quickly.
Acceleration: Very NiceBraking: (see below)
Ride Smoothness: Very Smooth Vibration/shimmy: None
Drift: NoneSteering: (see below)
Other: Driver applied brakes and vehicle came to a stop with no major pull to either side. With power assist, vehicle was easy to steer when stopped - at speeds turns were accomplished with ease. The two speed PowerGlide transmission operated well with good, solid shifts. The original temperature gauge does not work but all of the under-dash accessory gauges operate as expected. During the test ride, the vehicle had no squeaks or rattles and has a very nice “boulevard” ride. Dual glass-pack mufflers are a bit noisy not harsh.
(My note: The sound of the mufflers is superb, not loud, not totally quiet… perfect if you ask me)

SUMMARY COMMENTS

This example of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is an older show car restoration that is still holding up well. Not only is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible arguably the most desired car of the 1950’s but this vehicle has all of the earmarks of a “matching numbers” vehicle. The vehicle has some needs if wanted to return it to a show condition but I would rate it as a number two conditions as it stands out (out of six).
(Condition Code: #1 - Excellent, #2 - Fine, #3 - Very Good #4 - Good/Fair
#5 Poor but restorable, #6 - Parts Vehicle)
After careful evaluation of this vehicle, based on my expertise and experience (and after consulting Old Cars Price Guide, NADA, The Production Figure Book for U.S. Cars, the Internet, reviewing the International Vehicle Appraisers Network database, etc, and after consulting with other Professional Appraisers, museums and automotive experts, etc., when necessary, I appraise (estimate) this vehicle as having a cash value of $72000 to $80000.
I hereby state that I have no financial interest, ownership, or employment in/with any firm engaged in the purchase, sale, insurance or transport of motorized vehicles or in any firm engaged in the repair or restoration of motorized vehicles. I further state that I have received no compensation for this appraisal from any source, other than my fee. Therefore I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in providing this appraisal.

William G. Krieger (Appraiser - see credentials above)
MY NOTE: Copies of the actual report are available to perspective buyers,
the report has been reproduced in this document word for word.

History: (partial from documentation & receipts in 100 page book)
1957-08-08 Purchased by Carl Steinmeier of Topeka, KS from Jerry Green Chevrolet of Kansas City, Missouri (see Orig Invoice Pic)
1990-1996 Looking at Receipts most of the body restoration was done.
1996-09-10 (43083 mi) Title Transfer to Darrel L. Stadel, Wickelburg, AZ (see Title Pic with mileage)
1997-07 Overhaul of Motor; Heads milled
Upper and lower control arm bushings
1997-10 Exhaust replaced
1998-03 Coker Tire Receipt to Richard Gehrka of Plainfield, IL (3rd owner)
2000-04 (45,785 mi) Security Muffler Co to George Parise, Plainfield, IL (4th)
2004-11Heater Blower Motor, Plainview, IL
2005-03Bill Feyerer, Tinley Park, IL (5th) - Receipt for New Starter
2005-05Receipt from Coker Tire for replacement of 1998 Tires for cracking
2006-05 (49,403 mi) Carb came off, choke stove exhaust manifold burned out
2007-01 Receipt for extensive Interior work
2007-10 Brakes redone, brake lines-drums-shoes, etc
2007-11 Radiator
2008-02 New Gas Tank
2008-09 Convertible Top Replaced
2011-10Power Steering Hydraulic Cylinder
2015-04 (53953 mi) Pre-Purchase Vehicle Appraisal by William G. Krieger
2015-05 Titled in CA to current owner in San Diego, CA

My Thoughts:
The above stated appraisal report is completely unbiased. The appraiser was chosen by the buyer in 2015 when he purchased the car. He consulted many people before hiring this particular appraiser, because of his outstanding reputation.
I have also judged at many venues throughout Southern CA and have appraised vehicles for the last ten years. The only exception I take with this report would be where it says in the summary comments “The vehicle has some needs if wanted to return it to a show condition but I would rate it as a number two conditions as it stands out (two out of six)”. In my opinion this is certainly a show vehicle, but would not be a Concour type of show vehicle. I would be very proud to present this vehicle at any local type of collector car show venue. The amount of work to bring it back to a top condition would not be drastic by any measure. The paint, chrome, interior and engine compartment are all in outstanding condition with very minor flaws in each area. However the totality of little items takes it out of the concour realm and into a very nice show realm. This car is clearly what I would call a Show/Driver. I would also rate the condition at a 2+.
The appraisal also states “tires have 4-5mm of tread depth but all tires have sidewall cracks and it is advised to replace the tires quickly”. I do not agree with this assessment at all, the tires are almost like brand new and the cracking is just on the white wall material and not the black part of the tire. The white wall material is overtop of the black tire underneath and has zero effect on the tire material underneath. I took a very close up picture so anyone can see these are very fine tiny lines in the white wall attached and not cracks through the tire at all. The little fine lines are just in the white applied surface and not the tire. These tires appear to be in excellent condition and I do not believe they need to be replaced, but that would certainly be up to the new owner, but should not have any effect on the performance or longevity of the tire.
The top is also in extremely nice shape from my perspective. In the pictures the top had been down in the owner’s garage for multiple months when I put it up and the pictures will display some crinkling, but left in the sun and up they will disappear. I would rate the top at a 9.5 out of 10. I added some pictures down in my garage and it is easy to see the most of the wrinkling is gone after having the top in the up position for a few days.
Under the Chassis description the appraiser states “I observed no excessive rust”… this is a misleading statement because there is ZERO rust on the chassis and one look at the pictures will clearly reflect that fact.

I would like to add about this car is everything on it appears to be extremely original. Things like door handles, emblems, knobs, radio, little chrome and stainless pieces as well as all the body panels and larger chrome pieces appear to be 100% original to the car… and clearly NOT cheap reproduction pieces. So many of these cars have been cheapened with Chinese reproduction pieces. This car has an extremely original feel and look to it. Furthermore, the car drives and runs like a dream. I drives like only a low mileage original car can… in my long career of owning, restoring and judging these kinds of vehicles. My gut tells me this is a very real 54K mile car and that is why it is so tight and drives so nicely.
Based on the 100 pages of documents that accompany the car in receipts I would say the vehicles original owner from 1957 kept the car until his death in 1996, where it then went to a gentleman in AZ and on to three other owners in Illinois until finally coming to the current owner in 2015.
Based on what I can tell from the receipts I believe the car was exterior restored prior to 1996 when owned by the original owner and had 43K miles at that time. If you follow the receipt notes above the engine/trans were done in 2007, interior (2007) and top (2008) were done later. Since the body restoration the car has gathered roughly 10K miles in the past 20 years and was clearly owned by discriminating owners that kept the car garaged and was probably used for display and show purposes and Sunday drives.
The Yellow CA Vintage plates do not come with the car and are only meant to display what a correct CA tag can look like on this car if purchased by a CA buyer. A buyer can register a Yellow plate to a 1957 car under the YOM Program (Year of Make) through DMV of CA. The car will come with a set of white CA plates, pictured below.

If there's a better way to spend warm summer evenings than behind the wheel of a car that looks and drives like this, I can't imagine what it is. Literally everything about this classic will make you smile: how it sounds, how it feels, how it accelerates, and how it draws appreciative glances from random people on the street. And if you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, it's the perfect way to take Sunday drives to a whole new level! Are you in the market for a solid, original, low mileage restored 57 Chevy Bel Air Convertible that you can enjoy on sunny days and cruise to local shows? Then this may just be the car for you!
The car is available for viewing in San Clemente, CA… halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Fly into Orange County John Wayne Airport and Uber 25 miles south.
If you have any questions please feel free to call Frank at 949-310-6262 anytime between 8AM and 11PM any day of the week.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The car is for sale locally and we reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time before the end of the auction. We do not have a Buy It Now Price listed.

The car will be made available for inspection by serious bidders throughout the auction. Please e-mail us if you would like to see the car. If you prefer, we can arrange to have a qualified, independent, professional mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection for you (at your expense). It is the buyers responsibility to verifythat all of the sellers information and claims about the car are true and correct prior to the sale of the vehicle. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. THIS IS TRUE FOR BOTH THE INITIAL DEPOSIT AS WELL AS THE FINAL PAYMENT.
Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $1000.00deposit is due within 48 hours of end of auction. The deposit can be made by cash (please do not mail cash!), bank check, cashier's check, or bank transfer (preferred). The remainder is due within 7d days of Auction end. The remaining balance must be made in the form of a bank transfer (preferred) Cashier'scheck, or bank check (all forms of payment subject to verification). PayPal will not be accepted as a form of payment for either the deposit or the final payment. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Please arrange financing prior to bidding. Once the final balance has been paid, title transfer paperwork will be initiated.
Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, we will gladly cooperate, you can locate shippers by doing a search for “auto shippers”. We have relationships with both domestic and international shippers should you need some assistance.

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Please Check My Feedback- I value my 100% positive rating, and will do my best to keep it.

The winning bidder should have the car insured from the time the final payment is made to us. Once final payment is made, we will exercise a generally accepted standard of care, but the buyer assumes all liability and risk once the final payment is made.
Before delivery of the vehicle, the winning bidder must provide a photocopy of a valid driver’s license. Delivery is defined as the time at which physical possession of the car is transferred from us, the seller, to the buyer or the buyers’ agent or chosen transport company.
If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.