Basic information and history

1957 was the final year for Chevrolet's celebrated Tri Five generation, and this 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 significantly enlarged rear fins gave the 1957 model an appearance that clearly distinguishes it from the 1955 and 1956 versions. This was also the year Chevrolet introduced its 283-cubic-inch engine, including a mechanical fuel injection version in the Rochester Ramjet configuration, and the small block engine from 1955 laid the foundation for an engine family that is still being 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 and unbroken window line when the windows are rolled down. This body style is the most well-equipped in the model lineup, featuring Bel Air-typical chrome trim, gold-colored emblems, and the characteristic recessed side panel.

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

Equipment and options

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

The engine is a ZZ4 350 built to Camaro Cup regulations by Brink Motorsport, constructed to be capable of running at full throttle for extended periods. According to the seller, the engine measured 440 hp and 630 Nm on the dynamometer. The engine is based 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 valve side 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 supply is handled by a Holley carburetor (part no. 4779), with exhaust gases 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 graphics 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 further develop the car.

Condition

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

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

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

Mechanics and function: Engine, transmission, and brakes are all assessed to be in excellent condition. The car is drivable as it stands, the engine starts and runs faultlessly, 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 the components involved, providing unusually good insight into what is actually fitted in the car. The most recent inspection was carried out on 2021-08-13.

Summary

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

The car has passed inspection, is drivable as it stands, and has been assessed throughout as being in excellent condition by the seller. The fact that the original hood and additional original parts are included leaves room for anyone wishing to move in a different direction in the future. For the enthusiast seeking a Tri Five with a well-thought-out and documented drivetrain rather than an untouched original example, this is an interesting object.