Basic information and history

1957 was the final year of Chevrolet's celebrated Tri Five generation, and the model year has since become one of the most iconic American cars ever built. The heavily reworked front end with its integrated headlights, the protruding "bullets" in the grille, and the noticeably grown rear fins gave the 1957 model a look that clearly sets it apart from the 1955 and 1956 versions. This was also the year Chevrolet introduced its 283 cubic-inch engine, including a mechanical fuel-injected Rochester Ramjet version, and the small block engine from 1955 laid the foundation for an engine family that is still built and developed today.

Bel Air Sport Sedan is the two-door hardtop variant, meaning it has no B-pillar, giving the car a long, unbroken window line when the windows are rolled down. This body style is the most well-equipped in the model range, with Bel Air-typical chrome trim, gold-colored emblems, and the characteristic recessed side panel.

This example is imported from the USA and is therefore not originally sold in Sweden. The vehicle has had a total of four owners. The odometer shows 1,000 km, a figure that cannot be guaranteed by the seller. According to the seller, the car has been driven approximately 500 to 700 km at most since the current engine and drivetrain were installed. The car is not in original condition, having undergone extensive work on the engine, drivetrain, and paintwork.

Equipment and options

• Original hood included, along with additional original parts
• Complete documentation of the engine build and its contents

The engine is a ZZ4 350 built to Camaro Cup regulations by Brink Motorsport, constructed to withstand sustained full-throttle running. According to the seller, the engine measured 440 hp and 630 Nm on the dyno. The engine is built on a block from Chevrolet Performance (NAL-10105123) with a rotating assembly from Chevrolet Performance (NAL-12556307) and pistons from JE Pistons (207484-8). The valvetrain consists of a roller cam kit (NAL-12480002), camshaft (NAL-24502586), and rocker arms (NAL-12370839) from Chevrolet Performance, along with intake manifold NAL-10185063. Fuel delivery is handled by a Holley carburetor (item no. 4779), with exhaust routed through Doug's Headers D353.

Power is transmitted through a TCI Super StreetFighter transmission with a TCI converter (240900), a driveshaft from Junggrens Motorteknik, and a Dana 60 rear axle with a final drive ratio of 3.54:1, geared by Mannerheim in Rosersberg.

The paintwork was carried out by Autolack in Östersund, with the artwork done by Hotpaintart in Umeå. The seller notes that the car lacks power steering, and that modernizing the front end and steering is a possible next step for anyone wishing to develop the car further.

Condition

Body and exterior: Both the paint and body are described as being in excellent condition, as are the windows. The paintwork was carried out by a paint shop with the artwork done separately.

Interior: The interior is stated to be in excellent condition, and the same assessment applies to the dashboard and headliner.

Tires and wheels: Tires and wheels are, according to the seller, in excellent condition.

Mechanics and function: The engine, transmission, and brakes are all assessed as being in excellent condition. The car is drivable as it stands, the engine starts and runs flawlessly, and the transmission shifts without issue. The vehicle has passed inspection. Power steering is absent, which is worth noting for anyone intending to drive the car in city traffic.

Service history

The vehicle is stated to be fully serviced, and the seller states that there are receipts and documentation substantiating the service history. In addition, complete documentation of the engine build is included, with specified part numbers for all components, offering unusually good insight into what is actually fitted to the car. The most recent inspection was carried out on 2021-08-13.

Summary

A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan in two-door hardtop configuration, imported from the USA and thoroughly updated in terms of engine, drivetrain, and paint. The drivetrain consists of a competition-built ZZ4 350 from Brink Motorsport measured at 440 hp and 630 Nm, mated to a TCI Super StreetFighter transmission and a Dana 60 rear axle, all components carried out by established specialists and documented down to part numbers.

The car has passed inspection, is drivable as it stands, and has been consistently assessed as being in excellent condition by the seller. The inclusion of the original hood and additional original parts leaves room for anyone wishing to move in a different direction down the line. For the enthusiast seeking a Tri Five with a thoughtfully executed and documented drivetrain rather than an untouched original example, this is an interesting proposition.