1957 Chevy four-door sport sedan, most iconic 50s car?

Today On what it’s like one of the 50s biggest icons 1957 Chevy Belair four-door Hardtop a.k.a. sport sedan. This episode we go over lots of ads specs button switch is in knobs and take a tour as well as lots of comparisons be sure to stick around till the end of the video for name that tune in three would you rather scenarios. Enjoy this episode I apologize it’s a bit late lotta stuff came up this morning
This car is currently for sale at classic auto Mall if you’re interested and want to know more information and pricing and pictures pertaining to this very car click the link below after the show
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If Do you like to get in touch with me should be a common in the comment section below or check our Facebook group it correlates with this KZbin channel by clicking the link below if you don’t have Facebook and would like to contact me shoot me an email at
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[@christimmons389]

Emotion by Samantha Sang

[@What.its.like.]

Emotion by The Bee Gees =)

[@christimmons389]

@@What.its.like. The Bee Gees wrote the song but Samantha Sang is the credited artist. I love your videos! I’m a classic car guy. You really give great perspective! Thank you, Jay.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much I appreciate that it means the world it really does because I wanted to design a car channel for people looking to buy these cars to give them as much insight as they could possibly want to know before buying these cars try to produce at least five videos a week because there’s so many cars out there that just haven’t gotten the attention they deserve =)

[@What.its.like.]

Congratulations you got the song and title I didn’t know bee gees sang back up their voices are so similar.

[@ronkemperful]

My uncle’s first car was a bright blue 57 Chevy, which I road in with my mother in the mid 1960s . In those days the 57 Chevy was considered just another old used car, not worth much. Boy, I wish that he had kept it!

[@nonelost1]

But by the time I was going to high school in the early 70s I noticed a lot of high school kids were driving tri five Chevy’s. Therefore it was no surprise that their value really skyrocketed by the 80s. And the rest is history.

[@29madmangaud29]

My Kindergarden teacher had one of these, a '57 Yellow and White, Bel Air.....2 door hard top. Wow, this was back in '68, I remember how beautiful that car was, but it sure needed a waxing. My teacher named Mrs. Baldwin, from Miller Elementary School, Santa Maria.

[@What.its.like.]

Great story thank you so much for sharing that memory

[@matskarlsson3219]

For me the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is one of the most beautiful cars that GM ever built. Thanks Jay, for as always a great car video! 👍

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much glad you did this episode =)

[@mattbalik2585]

Hello Jay, those screens above the headlights are actually air vent inlets. There isn't a vent on the cowl in front of the windshield.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet thank you for that information =) That is where the vent is like when you open the vent in the foot well that’s where the air is coming from that screen behind the headlight

[@NeedtoSpeak]

Now this is a nice looking car! The transition from 56 to 57 is quantum. I like the new comparison feature. The 57 Chevy aces all the other potential vehicles in its price range. Excellent presentation, Jay.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much Sorry this one was a little late I’ve been trying to be consistent, and on time which if you knew me in real life I’m never on time for anything lol.. trying to get better

[@oldmancigars1869]

you are entitled to your opinion....however the facts are the '57 ford outsold the chevy by 170,000 cars.....there is no chevy that compares to the '57 ford skyliner....the skyliner was such a desirable car that even the POTUS, Dwight D Eisenhower bought one.....like the, as now, unpleasant facts are forgotten because it doesn't fit the narrative.

[@DSP1968]

You chose another nice example to review, Jay. Great color combination. And....I think that the reason you feel the backseats are a bit tight is because we've grown in the last 70-80 years -- back then, the average man was probably 5'8" or 5'9".

[@What.its.like.]

That’s very true but if you compare a Chevy to a Ford the Ford has more rear space but the seats aren’t comfortable, but a Dodge and or Mopar product has more space than both of them combined and the seats are comfortable.

[@johndoty3361]

I don't know I had a lot of fun in the backseat of my 57 chevy 150

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

The 1957 Buick lineup actually consisted of two separate bodies...Special and Century (GM B-body), Super and Roadmaster (GM C-body). The 1957 Roadmaster 2-Door Hardtop and 4-Door Hardtop were offered in two versions (one version at the beginning of the model year had two chrome strips that traversed the roof and then divided the rear window in three, although the glass underneath was still one piece...a late version removed those two chrome strips, imitating the 1957 Buick Super). The 1957 Oldsmobile lineup consisted of the standard GM B-body (Golden Rocket 88 and Super 88) and an extended GM B-body (Starfire 98 with a four-inch longer wheelbase). All 1957 Cadillacs used the GM C-body. All 1957 Chevrolets used the GM A-body on the 115-inch wheelbase. All 1957 Pontiacs used the extended GM A-body on the Chieftain and Super Chief (122-inch wheelbase) and the Star Chief (124-inch wheelbase).

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that added information and corrections I just took the top models from each segment, and honestly that would be the hardest thing going forward is the wheelbase of those cars would never match up. Especially not in the 40s and 50s because they offered two different wheelbase offerings

[@windsorcastle9973]

My favorite car of all time. It may be stereotypical 1950s car, but truly the quintessential American automobile. My favorite car is this, but with a black on black exterior and the red interior (4 dr). Like Grace Braegers 57 Chevrolet. Thanks for sharing this!

[@What.its.like.]

I love four-door hardtops they are so cool even though I think this car is super overrated I wouldn’t mind having one this is of course the car that started everything for me they got me into Classic Cars 57 Chevy Belair

[@glennspreeman1634]

1957 was a great year for many car lines, but '57 Chevy is most popular it seems. Kinda the standard for all!!

[@robertwbingo]

That screen over the headlights is the air intake for the cabin vents. They were placed there to ensure that cooler air would enter the car without going through the engine compartment. Those "fog lights", as you described them, are actually the "parking lights", or turn signal lights. Your remark about being over-rated for what it is, is right on the money. Little-known factoid: Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1957. The Ford design was more advanced. The problem with Fords, though, was that they rusted out quickly in those northern climates.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah those are the turn signals I forgot to edit that part out I mention where the turn signals were in the beginning of the video I said they were fog lights when I did the walk around because I taped them two totally different times to be honest.. lol And it pains me to say that 57 Chevys are overrated this was the car that started everything for me to get into the Classic Car hobby but I stand by my comment they are vastly overrated. AMC also offered feel injection in 1957 and they actually had the fastest car of the 50s in 1957 and that car is a super underrated car I’m talking about the 1957 AMC Rambler rebel

[@robertwbingo]

@@What.its.like. No, you pretty much nailed it with the AMC angle. AMC was so under-rated as a performance car. Their biggest problem was that their products were too far ahead of their time. I miss AMC.

[@paulhare662]

Back in 1975, at age 16, I stripped and scrapped a 57 Sport Sedan for parts needed to rebuild a 57 ragtop. 283 power pack, 3 on the tree, gold/white and very solid. Still kicking myself.

[@What.its.like.]

Different time I had a friend that was in the junk car business and the cars he junked... still keeps him awake haha maybe not that extreme but definitely thinks about it

[@josephgaviota]

As a high school sophomore, my friend's older brother had a '57 Chevy Nomad Wagon ... so I've ridden to lunch, but _always_ from the back seat.

[@What.its.like.]

57 nomad has been on the radar since last year problem is every single one that I’ve come across is customized in someway I don’t like doing customize cars because the channel is called what it’s like not what it could be like.. lol 😂. So I try to stay away from customers cars but every single 57 nomad that I’ve come across generally has the stupid small steering wheel with a digital gauges which for the life of me I can’t figure out why people like to do that it takes the original character away from the car

[@josephgaviota]

@@What.its.like. I completely get what you're saying. The Nomad I rode in was _definitely_ cool, but no mods. I was just the "stupid" friend of the "stupid" little brother. Shut up and sit in the back.

[@billolsen4360]

@@What.its.like. Don't like those modern either.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid, beautiful 57 😍

[@gabrielsandoval4994]

My dream car, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, black with red/silver/black interior. The quintessential American car.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@jorgegustavoocamposcaceres5656]

Lemme tell you that I'm a 2-door Hardtop lover. That's my favorite car model.

[@What.its.like.]

Two door hard tops are really cool love that body style as well

[@larryfeeks6620]

I love the 55!

[@josephgaviota]

8:17 I believe the over-the-headlight grids were the airflow for the vents inside the cab.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome

[@allenwayne2033]

I rode in a 57 4 door hardtop Belair with my Grandmother to a wedding, driven by an old biddy friend of hers in the mid 60's. It was the "robin egg" blue and white. Beautifully designed cars, but yes, I consider them to be way over-rated now. You can't go to a car show and throw a cat without hitting a 57 Chevy! So many other 57's deserved saving and weren't. Those are park/turn signal lights, not fog lights. Would you Rather: 1. 56, not stylistically the best, but the underdog of the bunch 2. 57 Plymouth 3. Delahaye! Great vid as always Jay!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that story what a great memory =) thank you so much for sharing your choices

[@jorgegustavoocamposcaceres5656]

I just like that '57 Bel-Air 2-door Hardtop.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@jrkat]

Love 57 Chevy, had one years ago

[@What.its.like.]

What did yo like about it and what did you dislike if anything

[@denislandry7577]

I would take all of them cars! Lol

[@glennspreeman1634]

I think when I was in high school in the '60's, every '57 Chev was copper and cream like this one!

[@What.its.like.]

That’s crazy all the ones around here are either black and white or teal and white couple red and white copper and white are really rare around here

[@danielimpastato3466]

"Emotion" by the Bee Gees 1978

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah buddy congratulations you’re the first one to get it but just barely you just barely beat out another person Be sure to tune in tomorrow to catch the 1954 dodge series truck that’s what’s coming up next on what it’s like to do tomorrow at 4:30 Eastern standard time to catch that episode

[@danielimpastato3466]

@@What.its.like. Thank you 👍🏼I accept being "pinned"😊👏I just barely made the end of the Premiere. First time! So, car talk. I agree with you; highly overrated. We can be traitors together because they are gonna lock us up for this opinion‼😂Isn't it interesting how GM played around with the true definition of sedan ( has a post). One other example I can give (I owned one) was that the 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 4 door hardtop was officially branded as the Super Deluxe Holiday Sedan (mine) or I am guessing the Deluxe 88 Holiday Sedan (also owned one in college but it rusted out in NY winters) My Super Deluxe had a more upgraded interior than even a Super 88 hardtop and many other extras that were standard, not options. A truly unique model. I would take the 1956 Bel Air (the 1955 is way cool but still a smidge stodgy in exterior and interior design) and the 1957 Plymouth. Thanks again for all you hard work and meticulous research. Your social metrics are going through the roof💫🥂

[@christimmons389]

@@What.its.like. The song was written by The Bee Gees but Samantha Sang is the credited artist.

[@What.its.like.]

@ Chris Timmons This is the link to the song that I used kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3PKcp1qmLOYm5Y

[@danielimpastato3466]

@@christimmons389 You're technically correct. The Bee Gees wrote the song; Samantha Sang performed it (with the Bee Gees brothers singing back up; that's Maurice and Robin I believe and they lip synced while female back ups of Samantha Sang appeared. Very strange. I included the KZbin Vevo which are considered the official versions. So, technically she is the artist. I am glad to relinquish my "pin" to you if Jay says so 😊kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIHaoYmAYsp8nck

[@discerningmind]

With all the popularity of the '57 Chevy, it's hard to believe that Ford out sold Chevrolet in 1957. When the '57 Chevy's became a few years old their popularity grew with the hot rodder's and proceeded to skyrocket. The '57 Chevy tail light lenses have always reminded me of the heel on a men's shoe.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah it’s hard to believe the Ford outsold Chevy in 57 I’m not a huge fan of a 57 Ford but I feel like the 57 Chevy is drastically overrated for what it is. The fin profile is the exact same on the 56 Plymouth Savoy just the tail lights are in different spots

[@paulhare662]

Ford had much better financing than GM.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

Another tough choice. Great questions!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah that last one would be really tough I like all three of those cars but I think I take the V 12 Packard that’s my favorite Packard or one of my favorite Packards of all time I should say the Delahaye is right up there with it.

[@wzune6513]

Those grills around the headlights are functional. And part of the cabin's fresh air system. It is my understanding, the 55/56 had a higher cowl. On those, the air was drawn in through the more common grills, near the base of the windshield. The change in '57 was for styling purposes.

[@Donald_Shaw]

Jay, I'm always amazed on four-door hardtops how the rear windows disappear totally into the rear door... Some have some complicated mechanism to conceal them in the door. Thanks for all your research putting your videos together.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m a huge 4 door hardtop fan there will be more =) thank you so much for the positive vibes glad you dig this episode

[@wallacem41atgmail]

@@What.its.like. The '56 four-door sedan is what is known as a 'six-window' sedan. The third widow is known simply as a 'vent window.' It was usually operable but not in this case. A 'quarter-window' is the small fixed portion of the door glass where the door extends over the wheel-house / arch.

[@grahamparr3933]

As a Limey I think that for the most beautiful car in my eyes is a toss up between the 57 Chevy or the Jaguar E-type.

[@garrettsmith2654]

You should go find a 1958 Chevy. They're nice looking.

[@What.its.like.]

I did a 58 Biscayne but I haven’t done any other 58 Chevy cars yet

[@Vegaswill714]

If I could have any 50's car, it would be the 57 Bel Air 2 door. 283 V8, 4 barrel carburetor. I love the color of this car,

[@What.its.like.]

Any 50s car for me would be hard Top three 57 golden hawk 59 rambler cross country 1952 rambler wagon

[@terribelbliss9646]

The inside door lines match the outside. In 57, GM hit their design epitome on all their makes with this one being the most iconic. Thanks for showing us this fine car.👍

[@What.its.like.]

Th am you for watching =) I really like this color too

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice🥰

[@agostinodibella9939]

Out of the tri- fives I like in order 1st ‘57, 2nd ‘55, and ‘56 3rd. I believe that’s the passenger fresh air intake’s above the headlights.

[@What.its.like.]

Very cool 😎

[@retrobilly1719]

4 Door Hard Tops Awesome ! The Mini Cadillac ,Fins 283 Torque , This was the Every Man’s Luxury Sport Car ,Stylish Yet sporty,Hard Top 4 Door looks like a 2 Door like the Caddy did

[@What.its.like.]

I love four-door hard tops especially from a far one can’t tell they are 4 doors

[@stickshiftdriver1832]

Exner incorporated the rear side window design from this model on the original design for the 62 Plymouth fury before he was forced to downsize

[@29madmangaud29]

the BeeGee's It's just Emotion........ the song!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah lol it was going to be a different song had a supreme song but I couldn’t figure out where I wanted to cut it. And then this came on and I was like oh yeah we’re doing that lol

[@danielimpastato3466]

@@What.its.like. I would have nailed it on the Supremes, too. 😅🎶🎤

[@toltec13]

Those are not fog lights as mentioned on the front grill. Those are signal lights. I've had two 57 Chevy: one was Californian(1 piece front bumper) & the other one was out of state(3 piece front bumper). The VIN also confirmed. Due to collusion safety reasons, California law required 1 piece front bumper in 1957.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that correction. I forgot to edit that part out

[@clydeisblue]

Sorry dude I'm not going to watch 30 minutes of commercials before I see a video. That Said the 1957 Chevrolet was the most beautiful car GMC ever made, to me.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not sure why there are so many commercials I’ll look into it. Need to get to a desk top computer

[@markchandler90]

Headline bezel grading is for interior air inlet. 1956 Chevrolet Packard

[@billhyde2303]

nice

[@1lovesgreatness]

Swell channel!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you dig, welcome to the community =)

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

HA! You said "Darrin Dip".....FINALLY! Great review!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I did that for you lol glad you dig this episode =)

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@What.its.like. Now you need to do it for the next 1 million times.

[@richardwagner4668]

My mom had a 1957 Belair 2 door sedan which I didn't care for. I preferred my next door neighbor's 1956 Belair 4 door hardtop which was very peppy the way my buddy's mother drove it. If I was buying a car in 1957 I would have bought the Ford Fairlane 500 2 door hardtop. I thought the styling was way better looking than the Chevy.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that memory =) and choices

[@JonDraeger]

Nice video! Slight correction though, Delray was only distinction within the 210 lineup (the 2 door models) and not its own thing. Outside of Corvettes and trucks, there were only the 150, 210 and Belair Chevies in 1957

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you for that correction =)

[@stevencarter385]

Nice. Can you do a side-by-side of all the 56 GM models too? Always thought the 56 models were cleaner than 55 and 57.

[@What.its.like.]

When we do a56 this might be a staple going forward. Compare all of the side-by-side comparisons of all of the top model lines per brand it will get harder in the 60s and 70s I don’t know if it would be possible to do it it would depend on the car.. =) We haven’t done a 56 Chevy yet I’ve got a 55 Belair but I haven’t done anything but 2 door hardtop

[@johnboydTx]

I owned a 1955 glacier blue and sky blue 210 my favorite 🤠 A Packard is my elusive dream car ....😔 Another great episode 👏👏✌️

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you glad you really enjoyed this episode If I ever have the privilege of owning that Packard I would share it with everybody. It’s never going to happen but it’s good to dream

[@aldenconsolver3428]

Oddly enough I like the 56 more than the 57 of course engines and transmissions could change that, and really if I was lucky enough to be able to get one of these I would go for a convertible or a wagon.

[@mjrchapin]

My uncle had one. They were called Baby Caddys because of the similarity to the 57 Caddy. They are Tri-5s but also Tri-Powers with their Holley Carbs. It's cool how they hid the fuel cap. You kinda missed the point about the design that is absolutely icnonic.

[@What.its.like.]

57 Chevy ripped off the 56 savoy especially tail design, it’s iconic but overrated in my opinion

[@ColtonRMagby]

I like the stacked side profile because it shows pieces of history. If I had a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, it'd be a 2-door hardtop with the largest V8 on offer. I'd like to have a manual transmission, but an automatic would be fine.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet I’ll try and do that car cars like that going forward

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

Those creeking hood hinges serve as a reminder that these things are made from solid steel without hood struts like modern cars. I prefer the 1956 two door hardtop. Give me the 1930s DeLahay please.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s the sound that I honestly look for every time that I open the hood. Idk lol

[@montymatilda]

1956 Chevrolet, 1957 Ford, 1932 Chrysler Imperial. Like the new format. Maybe a little longer on the interior sweep.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =)

[@bobpierce115]

It's nice to see a closer look video at the '57 Chevy 4-door sport coupe. The 4-door open coupes were a great body style that from the mid-50;s to the mid-'70s that were JUST that; not "sedans" at all other than the convenience of the extra doors. Styling wise, I wish the '57 had retained the '55-'56 bird-plane hood ornament, instead of the separate 'jets' or whatever they are. This also would have let the '57 have a cleaner (top) of the hood. Having said that, I know GM/Chevy was under a lot of pressure to make EVERYTHING different to disguise the fact it was the 3rd year of the same (basic) bodystyle, against a totally new Ford and Plymouth, it's main competitors, so I do get why they switched that up. Looked much different, not an $$ thing to do. Do to the styling cycle, GM had to 'make do' with the 3rd year. They advertised the hell out of the '57 Chevy as just as all-new as the Ford and Plymouth, even though that was an 'untruth', and it sold extremely well. (cont.) My biggest problem with these cars I see at car shows are the ones with the hideous bumper guards in the front and back, the f'n ugly extra mirrors, the horrid fender skirts and continental kit!! This is especially true on the convertible. Really horrible. When I see one WITHOUT this crap, I compliment the owners on their good taste, and am thanked in return. On those that do have the crap, I politely ask if they bought it that way, or if they added it. I don't express negative opinions to the owner especially if they bought it that way. If they had it added, I'll just say "oh wow, that's really something" with a slight smile, and walk away. Unfortunately, these were legitimate options Chevrolet offered for better or worse.

[@What.its.like.]

My biggest problem with these cars and this is why I think they’re overrated every single car shoe that you go to in the summertime sometimes that’s all that goes to the car show is 55 56 57 Chevys and Corvettes, so yeah I stand behind my opinion that it’s overrated and it hurts to say that honestly because 57 Chevy is the car they got me into the Classic Car hobby. When I was about 12 or 13 I was obsessed with a 57 Chevy. But then I started looking at other car makes like AMC national Hudson rambler and I got hooked on weird 50s cars =)

[@bobpierce115]

@@What.its.like. I understand what you're saying. I've always loved the '57 (born May '57--coincidence) but the tri-5 are over-represented at many classic car shows; frankly sucking all the air out of the room (figure of speech) of a lot of other under-represented cars. Another thing I HATE are these shows being overrun with muscle cars to the exclusion of everything else. '69 Camaros alone. Please.

[@howardgreenman2908]

I agree the continental kits on this and most other 50’s cars look terrible. Fender skirts I think do look good on some cars. As you say these were period options so from an originality viewpoint they can’t be faulted. What i really hate are the big fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror, garish paint,stuffed dolls, pillows and other stupid things some people add to the cars.

[@joeseeking3572]

Bel Air to1981? US offerings ended in 1975, the later Canadian ones are not generally found in the US. Love 4dr hardtops, not so many were made or saved as the 2dr version. Have to be honest though, riding in the back seat with all windows down is a bit of a hurricane. Side note - the 57 Buick also had a 3 piece rear window on some models including the hardtop sedans. The 57 Chevy was a clever facelift and iconic, but I prefer the Ford. The Plymouth was in fact years ahead, as advertised. The cabin fresh air intake was above the headlights, hence the grill - received criticism for giving passengers exhaust fumes. Choices: 55 Chevy, 57 Plymouth, Packard Aero by a country mile.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for all of the insight and information I’m with you I haven’t sat in the backseat with all of the windows down but I did get to drive a 57 century last year four-door hardtop I absolutely love that car. When worked at the Classic Car dealership we only had that car for a week and we sold it. The starter was on the gas pedal it would only start when it was in park it wouldn’t start in neutral. But I’m totally with you I just found out the 34 Packard arrows dad was even a car that existed and it’s probably one of my favorite patterns of all time the downer is I will probably never own one because they didn’t make that many of them I don’t know if they need more and 35, Delahaye is right up there with it though those are really cool cars.

[@ernielaw]

I Believe 1975 was also the last year for Biscayne in Canada, and I knew someone who owned one. Would you know the last year for Biscayne in US?

[@What.its.like.]

According to google 1972 but wasn’t advertised in 72

[@alwenke212]

in 1979 there was a large fleet order of very base model Chevy full size station wagons, they had bel air name plates.

[@chrisjeffries2322]

I have already in my youth, had a 1956 Chevy. So what the heck I will take the 57.🚔

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@gman3109]

I found 257 ft/lbs torque for the 265 and 300 ft/lbs torque for the 283

[@What.its.like.]

This is where I got the specs www.conceptcarz.com/s1659/chevrolet-bel-air.aspx

[@The1cdccop]

You would think with production numbers like that, these would not fetch such a high price. Back in the 70's and 80's a good example "Tri Five" would be more valuable than a late 60's muscle car. Also, those grills above the headlights had a function. The passenger side grill was the fresh air intake for interior ventilation. In 55/56 was located on the cowl below the front windshield. Oh, and I would take the 57, preferably 58 Plymouth 100% over the Chevy. Those bring even more insane money today.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s crazy how many of these they made was crazy yet is the price people pay for them. All Mopar stuff is crazy expensive and I think it’s because the quality of steel that they used wasn’t all that great I have a friend that has a 56 Plymouth Savoy and he said that even when they were new brand new they would rust on the dealership light after a heavy rain because they didn’t pre-treat the metal like all the other companies did. Which is a total shame Mid 50s is one of the best arrows of Chrysler decides the 30s in my opinion

[@robertwatkins364]

1957 Buick had a three piece back glass on the special (40 series) and Century (60 series) The Buick (50 Series) and (70 series) share the Cadillac rear window.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that information I was only going based off of the top trim lines and wasn’t on the Buick in the picture lol

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

Notable difference was the 1957 Roadmaster with the chrome strips over the rear window (chrome strips later removed due to customer requests).

[@robertwatkins364]

@@What.its.like. It's just strange to me why they would do that.

[@josephgaviota]

FWIW, I think the '57 was the _best_ of that vintage. Such classic styling.

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

Okay, the DeLahay is a 1948, but they were a sports car maker in the 1930s that won grand prix races.

[@What.its.like.]

I love Delahaye they’re one of my favorite prewar companies =) they made dropdead gorgeous cars

[@hcombs0104]

I would rather have a: 1. 1957 Chevy 2. Either the Chevy or the Ford 3. 1934 Packard.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@avp217]

Those are vents above the headlights. They are unique to the '57 Chevy. Notice that there is no cowl intake. Previous and later year Chevys do not have the headlight vents. No Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, or Cadillac has them either. The designers hit a home run with the '57 Chevy. Amazing when you consider that it was a stopgap design because the model that became the '58 wasn't ready. The '57 Ford was bigger, and actually outsold the Chevy at the time.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that added information That’s so cool that it was just a feature that was on the 57 Chevy

[@vo1dfc]

The GAZ-13 Chaika (Seagull) made in the Soviet has a copy of the fins on the 1957 Chevy.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information I did not know that the car that I’m talking about came out in 1956.. competitor product

[@vo1dfc]

@@What.its.like. You must be talking about the 1956 the Eldorado Special Convertible.

[@vo1dfc]

@@What.its.like. 1956 Buick Roadmaster?

[@What.its.like.]

I was thinking 56 Plymouth savoy

[@vo1dfc]

@@What.its.like. Yes I forgot about that one. My Farther was a mechanic his first car was a 60 Plymouth and the tail fins were crazy, he told me that at high speeds the car would swing from side to side. Also he had a friend that drove a 59 Impala and at high speeds the rear end of the car would lift up because of the shape of the bat wing fins. Ever come across a 1978-79 Ford Bronco? They where the best looking full size Bronco I think, I have great memories of me and my farther working on the 1978 Bronco Custom (base model) but had the rare sliding rear windows in the fiberglass cap.

[@kennethreed2186]

See the USA In your Chevrolet a And see Your Chevy dealer Today Test drive the Brand new 1957 Bel-Air You'll be Glad you did😊

[@ernielaw]

You were asking what those fins were copied from, I see a similarity to the 1955 Eldorado.

[@What.its.like.]

It was a good guess but that’s not what I was thinking 1956 Plymouth Savoy

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

Personally I prefer the 1956 over the 1957 Chevy, but I seldom march with the crowd. #1- 1956 Chevy #2-1957 Ford #3-1932 Chrysler Imperial

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@johndoty3361]

I have a 2 door 150 and a 4 door Bel Air but mine is black with a white top i have had my 150 since high school its the 188th one made it's red. those fog lights are turn signal on all 57's

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome correction thank you so much that’s awesome that you still have your car from high school =) I wish I still had my high school car or my second car those two cars are really cool

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

nice looking car not many are left every 57 is a 2dr hardtop

[@What.its.like.]

I think these cars are super overrated for what they are but I wouldn’t mind owning a four-door hardtop I wouldn’t go out my way to find one but these are getting pretty expensive, Because they are the cool versions of a four-door car and they wasn’t saved

[@Kamikazekims]

i really wish they made the 2002 concept

[@What.its.like.]

It would’ve been competition for the Thunderbird.. =) did you notice the windshield looks very similar to say a Pontiac solstice windshield

[@Kamikazekims]

@@What.its.like. i've done a lot of research on the 02 concept and it never got made because of the SSR which is a awesome truck but I'd rather have the 02 bel air concept. the 2002 thunderbirds look awesome but i wish they didn't get the 3.9 jag engine and got the 3 valve 4.6 the mustangs got instead

[@What.its.like.]

The 2002 Thunderbird there isn’t that much space in those cars I ii over the summer time and they had pretty good pick up but they were just like the 55 56 Thunderbird cars there isn’t that much space in that car

[@Kamikazekims]

@@What.its.like. my issue with the engine is long term reliability and cost to fix. it's cheaper and easier to fix a 4.6l 3 valve v8 then the 3.9l jaguar motor.

[@AlphabetSoupABC]

A beautiful and timeless car. I slightly prefer the 56 Chevy over the 57 or 55. The wide square grill, square parking lights, and extra bit of textured chrome around the front just make it the more visually interesting car, and that's not even mentioning the variety of paint jobs on different trims. For the second scenario, I would take the Plymouth in a heartbeat. It has more beauty, sportiness, and elegance than should even be possible in such a large car. it's my favorite 50s car and quite possibly my favorite car design ever. For the third scenario, I would take the Imperial. It's crazy how long that thing is. It reminds me of Cruella De Vill's car.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing all of that I really wanna find a Chrysler imperial those are so cool I have a thing right now for the airflow if I could buy any car right now I would go out and buy an airflow because I could drive the car every day gets 32 miles to the gallon or so I’ve read and they’re huge in the inside.. I really wanna review one this year I’m hoping to go for a ride and one that would be freaking amazing but I’m a huge Packer fan as well that is my ultimate dream Packard. And don’t even get me started on Delahaye. Lol I would really like to review one this year

[@garryjames5338]

My Dad had a yellow 57 Chevy. Black and white plaid seats. One thing you didn't mention was that there was an automatic 2 speed automatic transmission called the powerglide.

[@garryjames5338]

power glide. I prefer the 1957 chevy and the Packard

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices thank you so much for adding that information in =)

[@paulhare662]

It was cast iron and weighed more than the engine. My old crane had a hernia pulling an engine/trans assembly.

[@NickTwisp80]

You could hardly go wrong in '57 with a 283 & Powerglide! Yes, hardtops like this were cool but this design would not be considered safe today---the wraparound windshield combined with the pillarless side window feature weakened the roof in a rollover. But then, who cared about car safety in 1957?

[@What.its.like.]

Tons of options especially engine options you could have the 283 and six different variations

[@billolsen4360]

Yeah! Safety features implied you were going to have an accident. DON'T mention accidents becuz that's bad luck. Around the same time, Ford offered seat belts as standard equipment for one year, which very few owners used anyway.

[@danielulz1640]

​@@billolsen4360 Ford offered seat belts as an extra cost option starting with the 1956 model. They were not standard equipment until required by law. Other than that, you are entirely correct.

[@NickTwisp80]

When my parents purchased our 1960 Chevrolet the salesperson did mention that seat belts were a dealer-installed option available. When my Mom asked Dad if we should get them, he replied, "Nah, only a very nervous driver would need those."

[@billolsen4360]

@@NickTwisp80 Yup, real men didn't need those!😀

[@linwoodccole9765]

57 for me

[@josephgaviota]

4:04 I hate to admit it, but I _am_ a fan of the "Dagmars."

[@What.its.like.]

With optional rubber tips

[@josephgaviota]

@@What.its.like. _With optional rubber tips_ And, be careful to use a "p" not a "t" there ...

[@What.its.like.]

Haha it was meant to be a risky comment lol

[@danielmoore7332]

Ya know, I tried hard to rid my memory of the Disco era Bee Gee's. Thank's a heap! As for what I'd rather have- I really dig the 56 Chevy. But the 57 kills the other offerings, IMHO. I'll take that old Chrysler as well. If they were free of course! Toodles

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha that’s what I’m here for =) you guys had disco when I was in school emo was big Looking back we are both embarrassed right lol

[@danielmoore7332]

@@What.its.like. Not sure what 'emo' is. I do like Queens of the Stone Age' & Bauhaus. But my bread & butter is mid 60's garage. I never bought a Bee Gees LP after Odessa.

[@richardwarren7492]

Say Jay, was that a misspeak when you pointed to the turn indicators and called fog lights or did I miss someting? Very nice original car. Choices? 56 Chevy - Why? Had one, 2 door hardtop in the same color as the one shown. And how much did I pay for that 10 year old car? $100 dollars. 57 Ford, why? Had one. 2 door hardtop again, how much did I pay for that 12 year old car? $100 dollars again. Back in the day, you could buy these for 100-500 dollars all day long. 34 Imperial.

[@What.its.like.]

It was a part of the video that I forgot to cut out I corrected myself earlier in the video but forgot to cut that part out.. that’s awesome that you were able to get those cars are $100 but $100 with a lot of money back then. But still that’s crazy

[@richardwarren7492]

@@What.its.like. would be $931.06 in todays dollar with basic inflation. Heck my first car was a 54 Ols for 50 bucks, my second a 50 Chevy was 25 bucks. Put a 235 in it, 25 dollars, did the swap myself, got a 29,.99 Earl Sheib paint job, some seat covers from Sears and sold it 3 months later for 500 bucks. 100 bucks the was 2 weeks pay for me at a 1.25 an hour. Try buying pretty much anything these days for 2 weeks pay.

[@goldenboy5500]

1956 chevy

[@christopherkraft1327]

The Bee Gees Emotion!!!

[@What.its.like.]

Oh man you just missed it by like literally a minute

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@What.its.like. Oh well, I'll do better next time!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video on the 57 Chevy, I agree with you that they are overrated!! 🙄

[@What.its.like.]

Super overrated but I wouldn’t mind owning one but with that said I would pay a fortune for one either there’s so many cooler cars than this and it hurts saying that because this is the car that started it all for me. I was absolutely fascinated by the 57 Chevy. But that was then i’m really into 30s cars now I wouldn’t mind having a Chrysler airflow as a daily driver

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@What.its.like. my favorite is the 1957 Ford Skyliner!!! 🙃

[@danielimpastato3466]

@@christopherkraft1327 see my comments please - now you, Jay and me will all be sharing a cell when word gets out we think the '57 Chevy Bel Air is overrated‼

[@carlosdad2204]

The fin is similar to the 1957 and 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Broughan.

[@What.its.like.]

I was thinking 1959 Rambler cross country wagon and 1956 Plymouth Savoy, if you look at the Plymouth fin it is identical (somebody copied lol)

[@markchandler1130]

The Sport sedan was also offered in the 210 series in 1956-57.

[@What.its.like.]

Good to know thank you so much for sharing that information I didn’t know they made a four-door hardtop in the 210 line

[@josephcrafa2694]

In my opinion the ‘56 Chevy was much more elegant . In ‘57 the Ford outsold the Chevy and would have been my choice over the two . I’d always pick a Packard or Duesenberg over anything.

[@What.its.like.]

Duesenberg almost was in the spot of the Chrysler imperial but I figured everybody would pick the Duesenberg because it was the most expensive one. =)

[@josephcrafa2694]

Like many things in life it’s a subjective opinion and the Chrysler is beautiful to be sure but compared the the detail and engineering of a Duesenberg there is no comparison in my opinion. You get what you pay for .

[@aldenconsolver3428]

56 Chevy and 57 Plymouth

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =)

[@billolsen4360]

Dashboards? Prefer the 56..just like the shape of the speedometer housing that's mirrored on the opposite end by the radio speaker. Favorite '57 of all the big 3 makes? That's the Plymouth for Christine vibes. Of the last three? The Imperial.

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah I have yet to do a 56 on the channel. I’ve done a 55 bel air Plan on doing them all del Rey, 150 wagons I would love to compare a sedan and a hard top one day

[@ernielaw]

I prefer the 56 to the 57 as well. The 56 has the gas tank behind the taillight which is Cadillac like. Even so the 57 is Cadillac is Cadillac like in other ways. The BelAir has the thick chrome. the gold lettering and the chromed fins.

[@bobpierce115]

I also prefer the '55-'56 dashboards somewhat more they had that art deco styled ''open fan' look that was sharp.

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hi Justin, nice video! Nice car! I have just a bit of trivia in regards to the 1957 Chevrolet. The 1957’s cowl and hood were dropped 1.5 inches over the '55 and '56, for a lower and sleeker look, this is why you see a new dashboard on the '57 that is not down as deep. The '55 and '56's have 15" wheels. '57 has 14" wheels stock, for a lower and sleeker look. The 1957 Chevrolet had tubeless tires, the first car to have them. Please reply. Dave...

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for all of that added information highly appreciate it I didn’t know that =)

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

Reducing the wheel diameter by 1" resulted in lowering the overall car by 1/2" (tires were wider with a taller sidewall on a 14" wheel in order to maintain similar air volume). Another benefit was that a smaller wheel (and wheel cover) made the body of the car appear larger (opposite design aesthetic to modern vehicles).

[@daveridgeway2639]

@@SpockvsMcCoy I agree! I see that you are a original Star Trek fan, me too! I am 63 years old. Dave...

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

Tubeless tires became standard equipment on most American cars in 955. Chevy was no more the first than other makes. My dad's 1955 Ford came from the factory with tubeless tires.

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

I believe the grille vents above the head lights allowed fresh air to the heater/defroster system. Being lower to the ground also drew in more exhaust fumes from other vehicles.

[@joen7795]

The fins could be considered a copy of the 1956 Plymouth or 1956 Dodge. Plymouth is closer.

[@tigre7739]

I have always really liked the look of the '57 Bel-Air, I think it is a really beautiful design, but in the same respect, I've always really liked the look of the '55 as well. I've never really cared for the '56 that much for some reason, but if given the choice of the three, I would most likely pick the '55. I just think that overall it has a really nice but simple look to it. In the second scenario, I think I would pick the Chevy, even though I really like the Ford, and even though that model year is about the only one of the Plymouth that has ever really appealed to me. If the choice was a '58 Ford, I would have definitely taken that! In the third scenario, I would definitely pick the Packard without a doubt! I think the idea of showing all the comparable offerings for a particular model year is great!👍😎 video!

[@What.its.like.]

=) awesome thank you so much for sharing your choices

[@charleshunziker7416]

I heard once that the V on the hood signifies V8

[@What.its.like.]

I’ve heard that too but I haven’t seen one of these with a 235 in line 6 I also wondered what are the three lines on the very front of the fender for I’ve seen three lines that I’ve seen four lines

[@glennso47]

I don’t like the comparison idea. Please drop it!

[@bazza945]

How did that Chevy get onto the Levee?!

[@What.its.like.]

Not sure how?

[@danielcheatham3400]

QUESTION. When you were comparing the 56 and the 57 front ends... You mentioned that the turn signals on 57 were moved in closer to center. Later when you were looking at styling... You mentioned FOG LIGHTS. Which is it?

[@What.its.like.]

Is the turn signal location, I knew I forgot to take a part out I just didn’t remember which part it was that was the part I forgot to edit out.

[@vernebrown4441]

It's turn and park lights. I have a 57 4HT Belair, though the only part that is 57 is the body ;-). Lots of fun and thumbs up when driving.

[@thomaskeene7327]

i bought one like this in 1969 with a blown engine and promptly jammed a 1968 440 mag mopar block and tranny in it... never lost a race all summer.. lol

[@What.its.like.]

Wow that car sounds awesome 440 would make that move quiet nicely =) what happened to the car

[@thomaskeene7327]

@@What.its.like. it was dismantled and sold off due to police harassment over the drive train being hot... couldnt let them see the engine numbers ..really funny story

[@What.its.like.]

Wow that’s crazy

[@mrpontiac83]

My 64 Catalina is a 4-door hardtop. Same cantilevered door post with no pillar. Not a car you'd want to get T-boned in!

[@What.its.like.]

Getting t boned would be a really bad day if you survive it

[@nonelost1]

So do the fins on the ‘57 Chevy copy the fins on the ‘56 Plymouth?

[@What.its.like.]

Very close in design

[@stickshiftdriver1832]

The 56 because it doesn't have the fins

[@ernielaw]

My favourite as well

[@hot88s23]

Has anyone ever actually seen a '57 Delray? I have not.

[@What.its.like.]

I second that I’ve never saw one in the flesh

[@joshuas8258]

1) 57 2) Chevy 3) 32 Imperial

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@grahamparr3933]

Is this one fully restored?

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not sure if it was restored or a survivor car it’s possible that it was restored earlier on in life but I would guess that it was more of a survivor car..

[@grahamparr3933]

@@What.its.like. well if it is original it’s fantastic condition 👍👍

[@davidlogansr8007]

Oh what a dreadful car! Both my Mom and I got sick in it due to the apparently unfixable leak around the rear window, which spawned mold and made us sick! Thankfully Dad traded it after 6 months of Luby Chevrolet trying and failing to fix it! I remember that compared to the Hudson Hornet he had traded for it, the Chevy rode very very rough! With prompting from Mom, Dad traded the Chevy on a ‘56 DeSoto Adventurer! What a world of differs! Comfortable, Really Quick with that Hemi, and my first experience with Power Windows! Dad never owned a Chevy again, and I only owned 2 briefly both also hateful cars!

[@What.its.like.]

A friend of mine has a Chevy 210 and he always tells me that it’s one step above a horse and buggy.. It pains me to say it the 57 Chevy is what got me into the Classic Car hobby but I think that they’re drastically overrated for what they are there are so many nicer cars out there that ride and Frankly just look better. 56 De Soto Adventurer would be one stellar car.. what an improvement thank you so much for sharing that story and all of those memories =)

[@johnnygthedj]

No 327 motor in 57?

[@What.its.like.]

The 327 and come out for 62 Amc had a 327 though and it wasn’t shared with Chevy it was Amc’s design

[@edwardberwind8544]

You are good at presenting the cars BUT the toodle doo at the end has to go.

[@What.its.like.]

That’s my thing is a polarizing thing a lot of people like it some people don’t like it. It’s eventually gonna be on all the shirts lol

[@retrobilly1719]

@@What.its.like. Tootle Loo 😂👍

[@ernielaw]

How about Tootle Loo instead of Toodle Doo.