Chassis No. VC57S192323

Body No. 1222

The word "iconic" is applied so often to automobile designs that it has almost lost much of its original punch; however, it feels wrong to not apply it to describe the 1957 Chevrolet, especially the top-of-the-line Bel Air convertible. It has been aptly described as the most popular used car in history, having essentially always had a hot following and always been in demand since its original production. Most significantly, like a two-seat Thunderbird or a Corvette Sting Ray, it is an instantly recognizable design to most of the public. Even if one is not a "car person," they know a '57 Bel Air when they see it – tribute to its enduring power.

Registration copies in the file indicate that this particular Bel Air convertible was owned by Leonard Fontana of Fountain Vault, California, prior to its acquisition by the H. Robert Nelson Family of Maple Glen, Pennsylvania. The Nelsons undertook a complete restoration of the Bel Air to a meticulously factory-correct standard, after which it was shown in AACA national competition, winning the Louis Chevrolet Memorial Award in 2000. In 2005 it was acquired directly from the Nelsons for the Gateway Automobile Museum, where it has remained since.

The car has recorded 569 miles at the time of cataloging and remains in truly excellent, show-quality condition throughout. Finished in classic Larkspur Blue with a blue vinyl interior, matching its trim tag, it is equipped with the Power Pack 283 cu-in V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, as well as Powerglide transmission, power steering and brakes, DCI tinted glass, clock, Wonderbar radio, day/night rear-view mirror, power windows, seatbelts, rubber-tip bumpers, and front parking lights. The interior is properly finished with loop pile carpeting and a top boot grained to match the white pinpoint vinyl top, and the top irons are correctly restored.

Examining the undercarriage reveals very proper finishes, including overspray in the correct areas, red oxide primer on the floor pans, authentic spiral shock absorbers, and detail extending to the green finish on the wire clips. The engine compartment is equally finely finished to a high standard, with all hardware showing as-new, and such niceties as a windshield washer with glass jar. Further, the engine itself is properly coded for its equipment of Powerglide transmission and the four-barrel carburetor.

Still an extremely fine example of a very important American postwar car, this 1957 Chevrolet reflects the Nelsons' fine standards as well as the continued excellent care that has received in the Gateway Automobile Museum. It is an outstanding Bel Air in every important regard.

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.

Please note, title will be in transit