Highlights
- Older body-off restoration with custom two-tone finish
- Beautifully finished in mauve and white with two-tone interior
- Desirable ‘Tri Five’ model with revered Corvette 283CI V8
- Over £6,500 invested since 2024 in mechanical overhaul
- Major tuning/service work completed March 2025
- Stored in purpose-built showroom since arriving in the UK
The Appeal
The ‘57 BelAir arrived at a sweet spot in Chevrolet’s history. Built during the ‘Tri Five’ era, it also received the firm’s first V8 since 1918. And what an engine - in 283CI 4.6L form, this powered BelAirs, Corvettes and Chevrolet’s dominance of the American drag racing and NASCAR scene.
This 2 door coupe is a proper feast for the eyes. Treated to a body-off, ground-up restoration around 20 years ago by Florida, it is a stand-out example in mauve metallic with white roof and custom two-tone interior. American Racing alloys, tinted glass and a custom wheel are some of the neat details that accent what is widely regarded as one of Detroit’s best cars.
Since arriving in the UK from Florida in 2024 the car has had just one keeper. He has lavished the car with care. Always stored in a custom-built showroom, it has received over £6,500 of specialist mechanical work to that 4.6L mill. This has included servicing, new starter motor, coolant flush and refresh, fueling system overhaul, manifold gaskets, carburettor renovation, new plugs and replacement discs and pads. This was undertaken in March 2025.
It is a testament to the those who did the work plus the recent keepers that an older restoration like this remains in such good order. This car is a gem and will be an attention magnet wherever it goes.
History and Paperwork
- 1957 ‘Tri Five’ Bel Air
- Chassis number C57A17883
- This confirms car left Atlanta, Georgia factory as a ‘57 model year Bel Air
- Car is currently fitted with 4.6L 283CI V8
- VIN does not carry usual V suffix for this engine
- Purchased by seller directly from Florida, USA in March 2023
- First UK registration 1st April 2023
- 2023 Florida certificate of title
- HMRC importation paperwork
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Photographs of restoration and completion
- Single UK keeper since first registration here
- Stored in purpose-built showroom we are told
- Received major tuning/service work in March 2025 (paperwork available)
- Restored to original condition vendor states
- Appears to have been restored in 2007 in USA according to paperwork
- Invoice in April 2025 for £5,787 for extensive work covering fuelling, manifold, carburettor, plus and brakes
- Earlier invoice for £764 covering other repairs as shown
- Service work, new starter and coolant flush and replacement in February 2023
The Condition
- Older restoration that remains in very good condition
- Finished in mauve metallic with white roof with high quality paint finish
- Extensive factory chromework presents well with slight age to some components
- Bodywork is in very good order with straight panels and no reported accident damage
- Underside in good condition as can be checked in photos
- Standard car with tasteful upgrades including American Racing five spoke alloys
- Tinted glass in good condition with no reported damage
- Two-tone grey and black interior with custom features as shown
- Headlining, carpets and door cards all in good order
- Classic Chevrolet radio fitted
- Modern classic-style leather-rimmed wheel
The Mechanics
- Fitted with 283CI 4,640cc small block Chevrolet V8
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Vendor states that the car drives well
- Cloe to £6,000 invested in March 2025 via classic car specialist
- This work is summarised above and detailed in photos
- It included servicing, tune up and other work
- Earlier work includes new starter, coolant flush and minor repairs
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