Summary
A dramatic redesign: Chevrolet's 1957 models brought distinctive styling changes, including prominent chrome trim, tailfins, and a more recognizable profile.
Something for everyone: The lineup included several trim levels and body styles, from budget-friendly models to the upscale Bel Air and the iconic Nomad.
Performance under the hood: Buyers could choose from inline-six and V8 engines, including the high-performance 283-cubic-inch V8 and an optional fuel-injection system.
Ahead of its time: Options such as power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and the Automatic-Eye headlight-dimming system added comfort and convenience.
A collector-car legend: Although Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1957, the '57 Chevy eventually became one of the most recognizable and sought-after American classic cars.
A dramatic redesign: Chevrolet's 1957 models brought distinctive styling changes, including prominent chrome trim, tailfins, and a more recognizable profile.
Something for everyone: The lineup included several trim levels and body styles, from budget-friendly models to the upscale Bel Air and the iconic Nomad.
Performance under the hood: Buyers could choose from inline-six and V8 engines, including the high-performance 283-cubic-inch V8 and an optional fuel-injection system.
Ahead of its time: Options such as power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and the Automatic-Eye headlight-dimming system added comfort and convenience.
A collector-car legend: Although Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1957, the '57 Chevy eventually became one of the most recognizable and sought-after American classic cars.
How Did The 1957 Chevy Come About?
It all started with Chevrolet's need for change. For the first time since 1918, Chevrolet was ready to offer a V8 in its 1955 passenger cars. With the introduction of that V8, Chevy thought it was time to ditch the shoebox look it had been using and try something different.
Chevrolet chief designer Ed Cole wanted to get rid of the shoebox look by 1956 and introduce an entirely new design for 1957. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and the new look never launched as originally intended. That forced Cole and the design team to make do with the existing styling for another year, although significant changes were still on the way.
The changes Earl was making to the '57 Chevy would be widely ridiculed by his coworkers, automotive experts, and just about anyone who couldn't see his vision the way he did.
'57 Chevy Dramatic Transformation
Some of the changes included a new dashboard, a reshaped windshield, a sealed cowl, and 15-inch wheels to replace the previous 16-inch wheels.
Earl also incorporated distinctive headlight surrounds and air intakes into the front-end design, giving the car its big, unmistakable chrome look. Then came the iconic rear quarter-panel fins, which helped give the Chevy a longer, lower appearance that enthusiasts still recognize today.
Other intriguing changes for 1957 included a redesigned front end, a larger engine bay, and new drivetrain options. Chevrolet also offered a fuel-injection system and several automatic transmission choices.
Dual exhaust was available with certain V8 configurations, adding both performance potential and the unmistakable sound that enthusiasts loved.
In commercials, magazine ads, and on billboards, Chevy's motto was always the same: "Chevy Puts the Purr Back Into Performance."
A 1957 Chevrolet Coupe And Convertible For Everyone
Different trim levels helped make the car affordable for the average family while offering enough style and luxury for those who wanted something a little more upscale.
Trim Models Were As Followed:
The 150 was Chevrolet's entry-level passenger car, designed for buyers who wanted dependable transportation without paying for unnecessary extras.
Base: 210 Series
The 210 sat a step above the 150, offering additional trim and comfort while remaining relatively affordable.
The Del Ray was a more distinctive, budget-conscious two-door model within the 210 lineup, featuring its own interior and trim treatments.
The Bel Air was Chevrolet's more upscale series, with additional styling details and a more luxurious appearance.
For buyers who wanted open-air motoring with classic '50s styling, the Bel Air convertible was one of the most eye-catching choices in the lineup.
The Nomad combined station-wagon practicality with distinctive styling, making it one of the most recognizable members of the 1957 Chevrolet family.
The El Morocco was a custom-built automobile based on the Chevrolet, designed to give buyers Cadillac-inspired styling without purchasing an actual Cadillac.
Each series offered different body styles and equipment combinations. The base 150, particularly when equipped with an inline-six, was an attractive option for consumers on a budget. It also offered better fuel economy than the V8 models in many configurations.
As you moved up the lineup, you generally gained more comfort, trim, and luxury—and, of course, a higher price.
The Bel Air and Bel Air convertible became especially popular with collectors. Today, the '57 Chevy is one of those cars that enthusiasts love regardless of their brand loyalties. Even if you're not a Chevy fan, chances are you've wished you had a '57 Chevy at one point or another.
Choose Your '57 Chevy Options
Each model could be ordered with options to make the car more comfortable and luxurious. Some of those options included air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, a padded dashboard, power windows, and power seats.
Color combinations and chrome trim packages provided another way for buyers to show off their impeccable taste in automobile selection.
A signal-seeking radio with a power antenna was also available, along with an optional rear speaker. Back then, having sound coming from more than one speaker was about as close as many drivers got to what we'd call a more immersive audio experience today.
The Automatic-Eye was another interesting option. Mounted on the dashboard, this device detected approaching traffic and automatically dimmed the headlights when necessary. That was high-tech stuff for 1957!
Performance: More Than Just Good Looks
One of the things that helped make the '57 Chevy so desirable was its performance potential. The engine bay offered room for a range of engine configurations, and the car became a popular platform for enthusiasts who wanted to go faster.
As drag racing grew in popularity, the ability to modify these cars and install more powerful engines made them especially appealing to the go-fast crowd. Over the years, enthusiasts have fitted plenty of larger engines into '57 Chevys, often turning them into serious street machines and drag-strip contenders.
Even without a larger engine swap, buyers could get respectable performance by choosing one of Chevrolet's more powerful 283-cubic-inch V8 options.
The available high-performance combinations included four-barrel carburetion and dual exhaust, while the fuel-injected 283 became one of the most memorable engine options of the era.
The Fuel-Injected 283
Although Chevrolet's fuel-injected 283-cubic-inch V8 could produce an impressive one horsepower per cubic inch in its highest-rated configuration, the option was unfamiliar territory for many buyers.
Fuel injection was still relatively new to mainstream American passenger cars, and some owners and mechanics weren't comfortable working on the system. For someone planning to modify or race a '57 Chevy, a carbureted setup might have seemed like the more practical choice because it was easier to understand and service.
The fuel-injected models were nevertheless an important milestone in Chevrolet performance history and remain especially interesting to collectors today.
Ford Outsold Chevrolet in 1957
Here's an interesting twist: despite the '57 Chevy's legendary reputation today, Ford's 1957 models outsold Chevrolet that year.
Maybe some consumers weren't sold on Chevrolet's bold chrome front end and prominent rear fins. Maybe the rapidly evolving technology, including fuel injection and newer transmission options, made some buyers cautious. Or perhaps Ford simply offered a package that appealed to more people at the time.
Whatever the reasons, history took an interesting turn. By the 1980s, the '57 Chevy had become a highly desirable collector car, and its reputation has continued to grow among classic-car enthusiasts.
Worth Every Penny
Nowadays, a meticulously restored '57 Chevy Bel Air can command $100,000 or more, depending on its condition, originality, body style, and specifications. A convertible in comparable condition can bring an even higher price.
However, if you're thinking about buying one, be careful—and consider seeking professional help before making a purchase. There are plenty of replicas, modified cars, and vehicles represented as something they're not, so it can be easy to get fooled if you don't know what to look for.
A little research and a thorough inspection can go a long way toward making sure the classic Chevy you're buying is the real deal.
However, if you're thinking about buying one, be careful—and consider seeking professional help before making a purchase. There are plenty of replicas, modified cars, and vehicles represented as something they're not, so it can be easy to get fooled if you don't know what to look for.
A little research and a thorough inspection can go a long way toward making sure the classic Chevy you're buying is the real deal.
