Why the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Is An Icon
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2018
- There are many high dollar collector cars, but how many can be called a true work of art? The 2-door 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the few, it is a rolling Mona Lisa. If Leonardo da Vinci had ever designed a car it would have been the 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
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Thanks for great feedback, appreciate all your support and thanks to those who pointed out the two errors in the video. Here are the corrections:
1) No 1957 Chevrolets were equipped from the factory with a 4-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet issued a bulletin during the 1957 model year that a floor-mounted 4-speed manual transmission would be offered in full-size Chevrolets during the second half of the 1957 model year, but it never occurred. However there were some Chevrolet dealers (during the 1957 model year) that installed 4-speed manual transmissions in full-size 1957 Chevrolets for buyers.
2) The Chevrolet Blue Flame 6-cylinder has a displacement of 235 cubic-inches (the video incorrectly states its displacement as being 250 cubic-inches).
thank god you learned how to say era right, as if you said error with this one you'[d be having chevy guys flipping their lids from coast to coast about it lol
Thanks for posting this great video!!!
1957 210 is a poor man bel air
can u do topic on olds starfire
Are you sure the 57 had the 265? My grandpa was a Chevy mechanic back then he said the 265 was in the 55 only.
The 57 Bel Air is a Dream Car, one of the most beautiful American Classic.
I respect your opinion but I like the 57-58 Plymouth's.
@catmodelt Can't argue with that!
Car designers back then were something else
Anyone else want Chevy to make a retro modern Bel Air, with fins?
i do for the next generations, but for me, i already am happy with my 57 bel air.
Just why? Btw I’m a ford guy
It would be cool but I think it would take away value and appeal from the original Bel Air. I’d rather have the original over a cheap knockoff replacement.
Can't figure out why no manufacturer has adopted that very concept.
James St. Clair maybe a small infotainment system a non touch screen and a backup camera with airbags and normal seatbelts. Have roll down windows. And fully electric
i have a 1957 belair i got from my grandpa when i was 16 i still got it now(26) its in good shape its been garage kept since 1972 now im on the process of restoring it. its a 2 door sports coupe with everything original hopefully by next year ill have it on the road again
Manuel Vallejo: I didn't know they made a sports coupe back then.
Yes its the same as a coupe 2dr hdtp
Will you take $500 for it?
matrox what for my 1957
DO NOT SELL!!!!!
My mom bought my '56 BelAir 2 dr Hardtop for $250 in 1975. It had rusted fenders but I didn't care. As a teen, I had a habit of looking for cars. Thats how I found my '56. One day I peered down this alley and I could see the fins of a '57 from under a tarp. I peeked at it and it was a red '57 Convertible. I knocked on the door and an old man told me he bought it in '59 and had it ever since. He told me he'd let me have it for $1,700 as it was perfect with less than 40,000 miles. I rushed home excited to tell my parents what I'd found. Then I asked if they would loan me the money to buy it. They both said, "no"! I begged them. Still "no"! I tried everything. Nothing worked. That's my '57 Bel Air story.
Quite honestly this is styling perfection and the epitome of the 1950s automotive era. Chevy hit it out of the ball park with this.
Can't understand why people think that way. The '55 was much better looking.
styling epitome i think not. it took after the early 50s. The late 50s Cadillacs, Chryslers, Pontiacs, and Ford were the most definite styling epitomes.
@@jayrussell1825 the 55 and 56 were much better. the 58 chevys just didn't seem to cut it.
@@awesomeone2979 for Chevy yes. The 57 is the best. But it is certainly not the epitome of that decade's styling. The 57 Bel air was very unpopular when released because it had the look of the PAST in the late 50s. It would have fit in in the earlier 50s. That is why they drastically redesigned the models for 58. The Chevy cars from 58 to 60 are my personal favorites. Specifically the 58 model year when they released the Impala.
Funny how 50s chryslers have more modern design than this 40s pickup truck of a gm product with slapped on fins
My dad bought a beat up one for $500 in 1982 when he was 18. he spent many years fixing and building up his dream car
Most Iconic and beautiful car ever produced by Detroit.
The 1957 Chevy is a tribute to great design is timeless. And it gives honor to Harley Earl and his design team. It was a time when cars were art that you drove and enjoyed with your friends and family
I'd argue that the Tri-Five Chevy is not timeless. Handsome, yes, but not timeless. Timelessness means that your could take that car, put it in any era, and it would not look out-of-place. People love these Tri-Fives because they are loaded with period styling details, things that would never be acceptable on today's autos.
@@jakekaywell5972 You know they are still driving these cars in Cuba.
Growing up, that was the first family car we had. My parents hauled five kids around in it for ten years. In 1967 he bought a used Buick Sport Wagon with the windows in the roof. There was nothing cooler. The Chevy was sold to a kid that hot-rodded it...a fitting conclusion.
We had a 55 Rocket 88 Olds.
Not only were these 57’s beautiful cars, they were for their era very reliable. Get one with a 283 2 barrel and a 3 on the tree, that was a good car.
Tell me about it I had one.
i still have my 56 that dad bought new when i was 4
animalcorvair dangggggg I bet it’s nice
still got that 56? Ive still got my 57
@@RandysFiftySevenChevy yes still have it
It really is a beautiful car, but it also light weight with a great power to weight ratio. It was also easy to see out of with no blind spots.
I prefer a 55 because it looks more agressive,also love a 56 because of the well designed front and rear ends,57 looks so fancy for me,but i can't deny that when i think about American cars of 1957 this is one of the first cars that come in my mind =)
One of the best looking cars ever made.
"Rolling Mona Lisa" That´s a Good One.
Hah! Yea, I think that he really loves '57 Chevys.
Mona Lisa.... Okay, tastes are different but 57 Mopars were rolling Barbara Edens :)
Most popular used car ever...Ive own mine for almost 50-years and still drive it every Saturday to meet the boys at the donut shop and on Sunday at the drag strip.
I like old Fords, but ..... The 55-57 Chevys were magnificent cars. The styling was beautiful. They do not have blind spots. The driver can see all four corners of the car. They were roomy and light weight. They had small block overhead valve V-8 engines. Ford did catch up until with a comparable engine until seven years later when they introduced their overhead valve 260 small block V-8 in mid 1962. God bless all old American cars!
I had a 1957 Bel Air Coupe when I was in high school in 1960. It was white w/ black and silver interior. Talk about a cool car to have when you're 16 and in high school. Wish I had it now !
I owned three 57 Bel Airs, two were two door hardtops, and one was a two door post. I would love to have those cars now.
Always been my favorite car
Mine too
The level of detail on the car is amazing,
Work of art is a fitting description.
I had a plastic model kit of one in 1980 when I was a kid and although we never received the real thing in the UK that I could look at I did admire the model and box art.
When I see one at a show now I still think it's beautiful.
It’s a work of art! Period! And yes, whenever I see one it always makes me think of happiness and prosperity! The 50’s certainly was a golden era in American history! I feel so blessed that I lived through the 50’s 60’s 70’s! For me, it was a time of great happiness and freedom! And the music? Oh yea!
It was the perfect Chevy edition that came exactly at the right time.
The next time you see one parked, take the time to look at it from every angle. Get down low, from the side, head on , each quarter panel, and you'll see just what a beautiful car it is. They got it just right! From that time forward all cars were designed to put styling 'first' and engineering subsequent if they didn't they were a washed up car company. This car changed EVERYTHING!
Great video. Couldn’t agree more-one of the best styled cars produced. 50s cars had style,class, great looks, nice chrome touches. The 57 has a touch of class, one our favorites of all time!
I was born in '57 so these cars have always appealed to me. I grew up with a '56 4 door 265 so i'm a fan of Tri5's. Thing is though, remember getting a book from the library in '91 about the history of American Cars and a chapter was devoted to this era. I never would have thoght that the '58s outsold the '57s overall and there were many lots reporting unsold inventory of '57s when the '58s were being marketed. Heck, they even said that HotRodder's then didn't want to driver their Grandmothers cars! Too funny. There was also a '58 Del Ray in the family. 4 speed 302. A beast!
This model is just perfectly styled and proportions are exact !
I have a 57 210 body style but I changed it to a bel air restorer model with a 454 engine love the stance on these cars
Great video. One of the most beautiful American cars ever made
Adrian Roque Next to the 2011 Hyundai Elantra which is also a beautiful car and is made in Montgomery Alabama
Alot of folks don't know about some of the small refinements engineered into the 57 Chevy. It had a lower and better center of gravity, that step up to the 283 with all the power options was impressive. It is like 1955 refined.
All thee of the "Tri-Five" (1955, 1956, 1957) all became collectible early on. The 1955 is special as the first with the OHV V8. Many people prefer the '55.
Racers and hotrodders preferred the 55 because it was lighter. The film 'Two Lane Blacktop' solidified that reputation. I really feel that the '57 became as popular as it did due to the scarcity of '55s at the time.
All three are great looking. Depending on color and trim etc. I like the 56 best sometimes.
@Steve Silvas - I thought the 283 didn't come out till '57.
@@scootergeorge9576 That's right. The V8 in the '55 and '56 was 265 ci.
Thank You this was a Great Video,...Rolling Mona Lisa,....yes very appropriate term,.....Chevy did it rite for this car.....who doesnt love the 57.... A great old friend of mine from my teen years was a 50's chevy collector of 55-57 cars & trucks so I got to see these beautiful classics in all their glory while they were still under 30 years old.....
My first car in 1964, I was 17 and had the coolest car in high school, see 4.21 57 bel-air convertible, 283 and turqouise in and out. got it for $300 at the local chevy dealer. saved $150 playing in a sock hop r&r band and my mom and stepdad gave me the other $150. I took off the skirts, and of course for the times had furry dice on the mirror, and baby moon caps. wow what a car, wonder what it would sell for now in the same like new condition. interior was like at 5.30 Pop was cool he had a 4 door bel air, red. we loved going to our cottage in Lewiston Mich in that great ride. long live the 60,s.
My favorite car and year,I was born in 3/17/1957 !!!!!!!
Yep 57 was a good year to be born and for cars.
Baby boomer
My high school car that I had for 7 years was a dusk pearl 57 Nomad. At 18 I restored the whole car. For many years I was known as the guy with the nomad constantly asked if I would sell it. This was 1975. Finally when pony cars came in the market like 69 Camaros etc. it sat in my front yard for years until somebody finally bought it for 2500.
When I originally bought the car sitting in a guys backyard he gave me a 45 size record that played at 33 speed. It was a record of the history of the Chevy nomad. It started off with a beep beep, hey guys grab a surfboard and jump in. Then a deep voice came on “the Chevy nomad” and told the whole story of how it was designed by the original engineers that designed it. I sold it on eBay for $100. Many years later the guy that bought my nomad asked me if I wanted to buy it back. He wanted 4000for it. The original painted white Roof was all rusted from sitting in a leaking garage and had been hit on the left front fender and the Interior was customized roll and pleat. I said no thanks and that was that. But I did ask if I could wax all the chrome in the interior while I was there. I have no idea where it is today it was last seen in Hamden Connecticut decades ago. Also sitting in the yard in Seymour Connecticut for decades was a silver 57 Chevy convertible. I asked them for years in the mid-70s if they would sell it and they said no. One day I found out they finally sold it. For $300. Yup
TO ME THERE NEVER WILL BE ANOTHER CAR LIKE THE 1957 CHEVY JUST SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEAUTIFUL CARS
Got mine in 1964, still have it and I drove it a lot, then put it away for 25 years and later found an older guy to restore it. It took me 9 years and lots of money !!!!! For I did not have the cash to get it done all at once. The best part was, at the end of the ninth year, I actually put it together myself, with little help from the shop. Took me 6 months and 6 day work weeks with 10 hour days to finished it...............Love it ....................Bobby
I grew up with these classics My dad bought a 57 Bel Air hardtop new & sold it 11 years later. I've owned 4 in my time
( not at the same time ) I've had lots of other '50's cars. To me the '57 & 59 Chevys are the most exciting cars.
I've had 3 59 Impalas my first car. The 3rd one I bought gave me goosebumps & a spiritual buzz. If these cars don't
put a big smile on your face nothing will. There's nothing like these old classics. Old cars are freedom !
All 57's were classics.
Right, there isn't many 57's that aren't totally cool.
I wish cars still looked like this
The rareist of the 57 chevy line was/is the 4 door hardtop(no post)just my pinion,my ring gear and pinion.
I've been priced out of the Chevy/Chevelle 4 door hardtop market, but I have a very clean turquoise 66 Corvair Monza 4 door hardtop...its pillarless lines remind me of a miniature Impala...
I have one scene 1983. Full custom daily driver. Still needs paint (now for a lot of years, expect some more years yet)
I had one for a little while, given to me by my Dad. However, a tanker truck took it out one winter morning as it was the only car in a shopping center lot and the tanker slipped on ice and wrapped it around a light post. Never got another one as I acquired a 1958 Bel Air.
I wish cars still looked like that.
An 50's icon, the 1957 Chevy. My personal favorite car of all-time is 1957 Chevy Bel-Air with the 235 or 283, all-original. The '57 Corvette, '53 Chevy, and '58 Olds are some very close seconds of mine.
Great video. The V8 models of the '55-'57 Chevy were the Road Runners of the 50's generation----with V8 power, it was fast (for it's time) AND it was also affordable. They definitely attracted the youth market, and many of them didn't remain stock for long.
In 2017, taxi in Cuba, drove me to a restaurant with a 1957 Chevrolet that looked new with a red wine paint, the most beautiful vehicle ever!
Just have to say, this car was the epitome of style and design, especially the 2 door. Stable, and with the 283 ci with the 2x4 bbl , good power to motor along the expanding American Interstate System. Having owned a ‘69 Olds Cutlass S convertible with a Rocket V8 350/4 bbl, a ‘72 Ford Maverick with the 5 litre/302 , which went through a lot of changes in my hands, ‘73 Dodge Dart Sport running a 360 /4 bbl auto, I feel privileged to have had my hands on some of the “power” cars of the past, which few young today will ever have the chance to make memories like that.
Great point about how special it was to drive these classic cars back in the day when many of them were still on the road, driven as daily drivers. You owned a lot of very nice cars.
Yep people today are stuck growing up with boring Hondas and Toyotas, with the exception of Camaro SS, Mustang GTs Challenger and Chargers today which are the last of cool cars with fantastic and affordable hi performance.
I was a kid in the 60s but was car crazy. I left my face print on the rear glass every time a 57 Chevy, 65 GTO or Chevelle pulled up next to us at a light. Luckily I was able to own a few 60s performance vehicles when I started driving in the mid 70s.
Michael Wojciechowski Michael are you a relative of a New York police officer in the 12th precinct. Stanley is his first name.?
Ae Falzon * No, I’m pretty sure not related at all. I’m in Montreal, Canada 🇨🇦. Does he know anyone in Canada?
Thanks for uploading, love this car brings back childhood memories
We had one of these as our family car in 1965. I was 5 then and we incinerated the car accidently by lighting sparklers in the back seat to shield the matches from the wind. We then rode to my grandmother's apartment about 15 min away and were playing in her back yard when her neighbor on the 2nd story stuck her head out a window and yelled to us: "Y'all's car's on fire!" Our Christmas presents (from Santa Clause) were hidden in the trunk. My parents never got mad for some reason.
chuck1prillaman crazy story
Chuck I was also 5 in 65 , my dad would of got out the old belt.
Far nicer fate than it deserved. Thanks for taking one of those hideous crapboxes off the road.
I predicted the 57 would be a classic when I was just 3 years old.
Wow just the other day i saw a Red Bel Air driving on the freeway. Thx for these videos.
I grew up with a 56. I still prefer it. You mention the 250 engine. As far as i know it was a 235 untill they changed the whole engine in 63 to a 230 and then a 250 a little later. Pontiac used a 261 when the Chevy was a 235. Same basic engine.
The 283 and powerglide were an unbeatable combination i love them in my malibu.
It was a great looking car I had one and I wish I still had it
such nice pacing, pitch and presentation: really makes information I “knew” come together in context. Great work!
great video i have one in my shop now these cars are truly special.
My father was stationed at fort hood Texas when he purchased new his 1957 Chevrolet convertible yellow and black, fuel injected. He never forgot about that car he talked about it all of his life.
Cool video and i would like to add to the comments. First, as mentioned in a previous comment, the straight 6 was 235 C.I. Also, in 57, Chevy offered a Turbo Glide automatic, in addition to the 2 speed Power Glide.
The Tri 5s were extremely popular with the original owners. Many held onto them a lot longer, than usual. They were well maintained and when the original owners finally got around to sell their Tri 5, to that 15 year old kid, they continued to treasure their Boss Chevy. Back in the 60s, if you didn't own a Tri 5 Chevy, you knew someone that did. In my family, we had just about every model Tri 5 Chevy through out the 60s and 70s. With the exception of a convertible and a sedan delivery.
Chevrolet took notice on just how popular the Tri 5s were and tried to recreate that phenomenon by introduction the Chevelle in 1964. If you notice the Chevelle lineup, throughout the 60s, they were available in nearly every single model that the Tri 5s were available in, with the exception of the classic Nomad style (I think a Station Wagon with the Nomad name was offered at one point) and the Sedan Delivery.
This says a lot as to how popular the Tri 5 Chevys were and they march on.
CHEVROLET U.S.A-1
I love 57 bel airs, my favorite car of the 50s!!
Back during the '80's, a preacher friend of mine restored a yellow '57 Belair convertible, and sold it for between $8500-$9000. He later told me in 1996 that he regretted selling it so soon. That shows how soon their value started to skyrocket.
I restored Conv. would be about $35-$50k depending on condition and options today.
Really great informational video to learn the history of a 57’ Chevy.
one day i hope i can grab one,even if it means restoring the whole thing!
My 57 Chevy was red with a white top that carried me to and from work and college for three and a half years. The 283 was worn-out and in need of an overhaul. So it was decided by the wife and I to restore as best as we could. But while it was in storage, it was stolen. The police looked for it for awhile but finally gave up saying that it must have been chopped up. Insurance wouldn't pay because I couldn't prove it stolen! Lesson learned!!!
What year was that?
Interesting...back in 1968 (I was 14 at the time) I visited a friend after school whose dad had a run of the mill 57 sedan...it was either a 150 or a 210. But I remember him telling us that that thing was headed for classicdom....as were all 57 Chevys. It was some sort of dark grey, but he was keeping it and may have had plans restore it. That was back in 1968!
I was born I 1957 and have always wanted one of these.
Considering what styling was for the Chevy's at the beginning of the 50's, the '57 Bel-Air is essentially the swan that grew from an "ugly duckling".
No one would call a 50-53 Deluxe Convertible an ugly duckling. They are classics in their own right.
A really great review of a really great car. Thanks.
the nomads are my favorite and i'm proud to say i own one. it's a project but almost no rust and a really straight body.
lord kalidor i have a 56 convertible ,beautiful car.I like nomads also very much,since i was young...the most beautiful wagon,masterpiece.Grtz from Belgium
Love Chevy Bel Airs and the 2 tone mint/teal/or royal blue 2 interior designs.
Hope to one day restore my parents '62 Bel Air & brother's '59 Bel Air to its classic originality but change the interior to the vintage 2 tone look just like the 57 Chevys once had. My current Chevrolet has that 2 tone interior as well. I wish Chevy would bring back the retro look/designs/colors such as chrome silver, 2 tone beautiful interior design, white wall tires, tail fins, cats eyes tailights, and various metallic colors especially metallic blue, black, Silver, metallic Teal/Mint blue, Metallic Pink/Fuchsia color or Metallic Cherry Red.
The most popular used car ever.. Here in SoCal in the 60s every used car dealer had a couple. They would put them in the back of the lot so you had to snake through all the other cars with hopes of picking one. My whole driving live I've own one..
A friend of mine in high school this was in mid 70’s had a white one 2 door with a 327-3 spd in the floor it ran good, it was fun
Very nice. There was also a second automatic transmission: the less common turboglide transmission without noticeable shift. Its shift pattern is P-R-N-D-L2-L1 (as opposed to the Powerglide's P-N-R-D-L) and can be used for an aftermarket TH350, so you can have a TH350 and you have an orginial shift indicator available for it.
gm used PNDLR until 1968
My favorite car of the 50s!!
Beautiful vehicle.
They sure had a lot of beautiful 57's at the piston power show in Cleveland this year.
The car was a world-wide sensation, "I get off on 57 Chevvies" Eric Clapton rock&roll heart.
This is a beautiful car, and I nearly pass out ever time I see one in person, which come to think about it, I have not seen one in about 5 or 6 years now.....
My grandmother had a 57 2 tone green with the 283, 3 speed. That car would fly. I doubt she would have every given that car up if it would have had the Power Guide & power steering. When she purchased the car it was a 1 owner and the purchase was in early 1959. When this guy would trade, the sales guy from the Chevy - Olds would call her. She traded except the next time. She loved that car.
When looking back 50s Detroit iron, I have to say that the Tri-Five Chevy was the first car of that decade that I fell in love with. I may only be 24, but I'd buy a 57 Chevrolet over any modern car.
The tri-five Chevys are like Harleys-- they are "Americana," they evoke memories of America in its muscular, proud epic.
You might want to mention that the Two Ten Delray was ONLY available as a 2 door "post coupe" and was essentially a Two Ten with an upgraded, de luxe interior
I own a '57 black 210 Delray.
love love love this car .soo beautiful... olde but a goodie.....love old cars....
Hands down, cars from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s are where cars peaked!!!!!! No question!!! Classic cars, like classic rock, are just 100% iconic!!!!! It’s not even an opinion, it’s a fact!!!!!
@ age 18, I bought a used 1956 chevrolet 2dr hdtp, adobe beige just like in the video. It had the 265 V8 4bbl carb and powerglide tranny. Out of all the new cars I have owned...brand new 67 mustang gta, brand new 1970 mach one, brand new 1972 cutlass supreme, brand new 1976 Cutlass brougham, brand new 1980 cutlass brougham, brand new Eagle talon turbo, brand new 1999 Toyota Camry SE...I really pine for my 56 chevy. Every time I see my 56 fully restored, the memories comes easily. No doubt about it, I have had good cars, especially my GM cars were easily the best. BUT...as I speak, I currently own a 1974 Cutlass Supreme with 65 thousand original miles and a 1978 Delta 88 Royale with 13 thousand original miles. I have a 2009 Lexus RX 350 that I drive every day just to keep my two Oldsmobiles low mileage. Thank You.
beautiful cars...
2:15 shows the TRUE Icon. Yes I am from a Chevrolet Family and I do honor the '55-'57, but Virgil Exner a former Studebaker Designer had it RIGHT! The Forward Look in my opinion was the BEST, now drive train? maybe not so much but, the lines were far exceeding. I own a 1957 Saratoga and it is a Beautiful design with fins that start from the front of the rear doors all the way back. It is a 4 door Hardtop which is rare in itself, Push Button Automatic and the rear view mirror not fit from the roof, but by the dash. It's differences like that why I like the oddities from 'Traditional' classic cars. Still, I'd love me a '56 Chevy should I chose one. Because the Forward Look has been so much over looked is why I chose that line vs. what I see all the time at Hot August Nights.
I love mine, my 2 door 1957 Belair has more class and style than any car made in the last 50 years. Turns heads everywhere. That video tells it all!
Love the 57 but I got to say personally the 56s front end and the stainless chrome that is perfect for two tone is far superior in my eyes.
'56's were the middle child in the trifive group.
I have a 1957 die cast model of this car in mint condition in a case… 2 door convertible. It has enterprise license plate with the old logo of enterprise.
Lovely old car! A perfect classic!😁🛠️👍
Had two 57's- I still liked the 56 the best- I dont know what it was but the 56 was a lot nicer car.
Oddly enough, Ford outsold the Chevy in '57. One thing that wasn't mentioned here though, was that '57 was the year that Chevy introduced the ill-fated Turboglide transmission. This was a triple-turbine automatic transmission that worked on the same principle as Buick's twin-turbine Dynaflow. It eliminated the shifting that occurs as the car gets up to speed. The shift quadrant was P-R-N-D-Gr (R could possibly been the last position as was common on many GM automatics at the time). Gr stood for Grade Retarder, which would lock in the low-speed turbine to allow engine braking on declines.
This proved to be a troublesome transmission. My dad had a '58 Impala at the time I was born that had one. After the second time it failed on him, he traded it in on a '60 Olds Dynamic 88. The Turboglide was discontinued after '61.
People shied away from the 57 Chevy because it was the first to offer Tubeless tire. People didnt trust the tires. Even so they still sold a lot of cars but was just behind Ford numbers because of the tires.
Love the videos. I have a 72 or 73 Cadillac Fleetwood been working towards road worthy. I see value hasn't started to really rise yet. I love the look of 60s and 70s cars. Only thing I hate mines have that little2 barrel carb on 472 engine but it original so I'll keep it as oem.
My favorite Chevy of all time!
Why the '57 Chevy? Nostalgia & numbers. It's that simple. As some commentators already pointed out, the '57 Chevies were better built than both Ford and Plymouth that year. The styling was actually considered dated and lagging behind the competition, which was the main reason why Ford and Plymouth sold so well that year. BUT, a '57 Chevy just lasted longer. While more Fords were made in '57, Chevrolets stayed in the "vehicle population" much longer, which made them a frequent choice as a first car by young couples just starting their families or anyone in the used car market back then. Hence many more people had direct exposure to them vs. the competition, which translated into higher numbers of people looking back at them fondly as nostalgia started affecting their memories, which in turn drove demand for them as classics. The higher survival rate also resulted in a plentiful supply as a cheap and easy to own classic many years before the "cult" started. That's why we see them so often today and why they are remembered as "special" by some, which they decidedly were not when they were new.
DSGNflorian you might want to look at low oil pressure problems. Oh sorry talking down Chevrolet.
I disagree....I remember as a 9yo my 4th grade teacher was considered the "coolest teacher" in the whole elementary school...why...she drove a brand new pearl colored '57 Chevie convertible...even then as kids we were "wowed" by that car.
They could be found on the back of many used car lots in Southern California well into the late 70s. They brought customers in who had to walk by the other cars to check out the 57 Chevy.
Troll the Ford channels would ya and stop being a dd.
I've never heard of the '57 Chevys being better built than the Fords that year. The Chevy had a problematic triple turbine transmission, and the fuel injected V8 that everyone raves about was prone to failure. Also, the oil pumps were shot at around 30k miles, causing serious pressure drops that would bake a motor in seconds. The reason that the Chevy became so big on the aftermarket scene is because hotrodders would scrap the interior and drivetrain and replace it with a 454 (like the '55 used in Two Lane Blacktop). They were so common on the used market it didn't really matter if you gutted everything and started fresh.
We know that the Chrysler models had quality issues as well, being that they were rushed to market, but the Fords were probably the most reliable out of the big three choices.
My first car in 1964 was a 57 210 2 door sedan, a very
light green and white
Even today, I would gladly pay for a quality daily driver in the 2 door Handyman wagon! Particularly the 1955 version!
Beautiful card I always wanted as a kid
I have a just restored black '57 Del Ray Coupe. Love it!