Stunning 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Fully Restored

I've had this car stored in my shop for a while and finally got to take it for a drive. It drives as good as it looks. This car is pure beauty at every look. The color combo. The condition. And driving it was a joy. It's for sale and if I could afford it I'd buy it without question.
No wonder the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air remains an icon in the automotive world.
Sit back and enjoy...
Autotopia Social:
/ autotopiala
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www.autotopiala.com
Paul Welsh - Videographer + Technical support: / mr.paulwelsh
Edited by Kyle Simon:
/ _kylesimon
• 1000 WHP Million Dolla...
Music:
"Put Your Head On My Shoulder" - Rogeay 1
• FREE Doo-wop 1950s ty...
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Thanks for watching and help spread the word by telling your friends to check out AutotopiaLA! New episode every Tuesday and Friday at 5 pm (pst).

[@AutotopiaLA]

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[@thatcar-guy1013]

Why has no one replied? I love this guy and that car has the exact paint job and it’s the exact car that I want that’s my dream car right there

[@ega_srb9156]

Those cars had a soul, wonderful, a true masterpiece...

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love this car for a beautiful pure cruiser

[@CrossOfBayonne]

Same, My Uncle's father a WW2 veteran owned a 56 Bel Air

[@kimberlymurray5293]

This was my Dad's dream car! This car was our family car, and we hid my two older brothers in the trunk when we went to the drive-in! He got compliments everywhere we went and guys on the highway were always challenging him! I miss the powerful sound of that engine when we dusted them! Very happy times! One very important safety upgrade that's missing on this beautiful renovation is seatbelts! We didn't have them when I was a kid back then. My Dad was a professional driver with a CDL, but we were gambling with our lives every time we went out on the road. We were sooooo lucky. In an instant it could all have been a tragedy. So, don't be a (crash test ) dummy--buckle up! If not for yourself, for those that you love! Thanks for the cool memories, Daddy-O! I love you!❤❤❤❤❤

[@AirbrushingtipsNet]

My dream car. That exact color, that exact motor. The '57 Bel Air is the epitome of class and luxury.

[@marajadeskywalker5992]

God damn, that is the most beautiful color combination and body styling I’ve ever seen in a car. That’s my DREAM car.

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s such a beautiful car and the drive matches up. This is true artistry

[@LexTVi]

It’s my dream car too. 🥰

[@baraah720]

Same 🥲

[@GreatNorthernOfficialChannel]

I hope it's still alright. The road is quite dangerous after all!

[@HAL-su8uc]

My Favourite car of all time! You are probably the worlds greatest Father. Riley is just adorable... he may take after you some day and follow in your footsteps. You are a great guy! I love this channel!

[@Anon-Ymous2065]

Beautiful restoration and great color combo. The narrator misspoke when he said the horsepower on this setup was either 250 or 283. The two-barrel carburetor was rated at no more than 185bhp if it was the Rochester carb. The most you could get out of a carbureted 283 was 270bhp with dual quads and solid lifters. To get 283bhp, 1 hp/cubic inch, you needed the mechanical fuel injection setup.

[@MrJosephfunk]

Correct, the power pack 4 barrel was 220 hp

[@seanlarson4595]

As a fellow car guy and dad, its really fun to be able to share these cars with your kids. They love it! A lot of memories being made for sure, keep it up. Nice '57 as well!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. We have fun with car stuff together. Reminds me of times with my dad as a kid

[@mattcrowley3075]

Awesome car and the fact your step son got to ride with you is even better.

[@AutotopiaLA]

We had a blast shooting together! He’s a great kid and I’m glad he enjoyed the car

[@K1ng1995]

Honestly whenever I look at mid to late 50’s cars I think about going into space and how everything industrial was copying the atomic age

[@AutotopiaLA]

I get it. Very space age design

[@UmmYeahOk]

Yeah, then the 60s and 70s came and we went back in time, styling and naming cars after horses. Too bad Westerns didn’t get a revival.

[@kevinbodman1011]

You got the two rockets on the hood.

[@kevinbodman1011]

Have you done a video on a Nomad yet?

[@carlosaponte1520]

Beautiful car! I'm glad it wasn't butchered. Excellent restoration! Cheers to the owner of that car 👍🍻

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love that the upgrades aren’t noticeable (except the yellow top). This thing is really a beautiful car

[@carlosaponte1520]

@@AutotopiaLA absolutely brother! 🍻

[@FYMASMD]

One of my brothers owns a 1949 Cadillac coupe. The right rear taillight opens up to the gas cap. 331 V8. We just love cars like these. This 57 is great and safe. Love the exhaust note as well. Great stance.

[@AutotopiaLA]

A design era long gone. They were works of art back in that era

[@robertkolb228]

2 barrel 283 was around 180 or 190 hp, the 283 hp version was fuel injected. Very sharp car!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. I was misinformed on hp. Beautiful car

[@gnarlytothemax]

1 hp/cubic inch for a stock naturally aspirated engine is still respectable in 2020.

[@AutotopiaLA]

True but so many have gone beyond with massive power

[@packrat76]

I don't believe they ever achieved that in the carbureted 283 in the Bel Air. The Corvette had a fuel injection option which produced 283 hp in 1957. Even more the following couple of years. The mechanic fuel injection option didn't last long and wasn't particularly dependable. Update: apparently the fuel injection was offered in 57 with the 283 but not particularly common in the Bel Air, more so in the Corvette.

[@franciscs1604]

One word for this car: - *”Beautiful”*

[@lixingzhao5931]

A true time capsule. Color is perfect. I sat in a 57 convertible with the same color. Even the smell of that car takes me to an earlier era.

[@farrellcoppin8778]

Thanks

[@AutotopiaLA]

It really is a perfect Bel Air. Love the bright colors

[@slightlyspicysoysauce2332]

BelAir is my favorite classic! Such a nice designed car

[@Tomgillchevy]

Late 50s Chevys have such incredible character and design characteristics. The swept rear wings are some of my favorite on any car ever constructed

[@AutotopiaLA]

Completely agree with you. True work of art

[@franciscs1604]

Don’t you mean the *“tail-fins”* ?

[@jaypeepineda44]

I like the color choice!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah, it’s really incredible

[@thomas9079]

Awesome! You might have mentioned this, but I missed it. The tires are upgraded from bias ply to radial. That helps a lot. Thanks very much for sharing this with us Shawn! I hope you and your dear families have a wonderful year!

[@buckyodom9190]

Wow...absolutely beautiful ride

[@AutotopiaLA]

Available.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

I love it! It looks as pure as it can be, and the thoughtful upgrades must make it a joy to drive every single time.

[@AutotopiaLA]

The upgrades made the drive. And you don’t see any of them. Great car!

[@robertmannon520]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aidanmorgan6291]

I wish they made more of these type cars, I don’t want a futuristic car I want a car that’s tasteful

[@Guest4465]

Me being 16 years old I still want a bel air so badly because they are just gorgeous cars

[@doofenshmirtz1327]

I’ve watch this vid probably 3 times over 2 years. I will never not be in love with this car.

[@juliestevens6931]

This was the first car I remember. My parents purchased this exact model and color when I was 5 mons. old. It was brand new. :o) We had to sell it when I was 10 because my dad was going to Vietnam and we thought we were going to Hawaii. Sigh. We had a lot of fun in that car.

[@allantaylor3288]

Nice cruiser, love the subtle up grades that you don’t even notice but makes it an enjoyable ride; thanks for sharing Shaun 👍

[@AutotopiaLA]

Perfect upgrades. Car looks completely original (other than yellow top battery) and is just stunning to me

[@djsonfire0001]

Oh yes the tri5's i love early to late 50's my favorites! This car is perfect with just the right touches

[@AutotopiaLA]

This one sold me. Just love it

[@milanimoreno4097]

This is my absolute dream car. The time period the color the look everything about it. It’s just a beautiful car.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I drove it for a few minutes on Saturday and it’s such a beautiful cruiser

[@hubertwalters4300]

I had one like this,different color,I bought it in 1967 for 250.00,it had a two barrel,283 V8,three speed standard shift on the column,good car,ran great,never had to do any major repairs on it.

[@hubertwalters4300]

Oh,mine had the drum brakes,imo,they were dangerous bc when you drove through standing water that was deep enough to reach the drums,they would get water in them and you didn't have any brakes until you pumped the brakes hard and fast to get the water out from between the brake shoes and the drums,I don't know if disc brakes were even a option on these cars in 1957.

[@gnarlytothemax]

Haha that intro beat was perfect.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Very fitting

[@Snowy-oq4ur]

@@AutotopiaLA should’ve put Mr sandman

[@autofanaticcars]

We had a drop top same color last year we did some work and sold for the client, these cars are so awesome kinda wish the younger audience liked them more

[@AutotopiaLA]

This color is perfect. Drop top would make this even better

[@marajadeskywalker5992]

Auto Fanatic I’m 19 and have been in LOVE with 50s culture and yes, ESPECIALLY the cars! This is my dream car, not some stupid Ferrari or Lamborghini!

[@ranalidana332]

@@marajadeskywalker5992 Oh, you said what my heart thinks & says instead of my brain & tongue! 🙂

[@devonknight7955]

My grandfathers first car was a 55 belair. Bought it brand new in 55. Always been a car I've planned on buying one day

[@AutotopiaLA]

Truly beautiful at every look

[@57carl]

Cool 57, I still love my 57, ive had for 36 years now. I like your showcases man!

[@bigbird2100]

One car that's for any car collector must have, with proper upgrades.Great video 👍

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed and thank you. It’s now for sale. Curious to see what it goes for. Beautiful car

[@storyteller1749]

A great classic. Your stepson seemed to enjoy the cruise. He'll be a car guy I'm sure. Thanks for featuring this car. I enjoy the fast exotic cars too. But you gotta love the classics ad well. Keep the great content coming.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you and he had a blast! He loved how comfy the seats are

[@PhilAVega]

Very cool 😎 57 My first car given to from my mom was a 57. Back in 1976 n only being a kid. It had a stomping 283 hooked to power glide . Light blue with blue original interior . The wheels were chrome M/T steel mags. Dual exhaust with glass oaks. Mom told that's how they had back in 70. This video is cool l.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool story. This car is really wonderful

[@andrewvermeltfoort]

What I wouldn't give to own one of these. They are so beautiful

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah and this one is so damn clean and that color is perfect

[@sterlingarcher74]

You can spend $400,000 on a brand new Ferrari, or you can drive a classic and roll in style 👌🏼 absolutely gorgeous car/restoration.

[@DirtCobaine]

I LOVE what the owner did. I love he went with a modernized but stock update to everything. Like the Bluetooth stereo, the AC, the breaks, the steering wheel. I love it. He said I want to be able to daily this car and you absolutely could.

[@Timbo195771]

I have always wanted a 1957 Bel Air..I was born in 1957..thanks for the great video.

[@damienleigh9943]

I was 15 reading unique cars magazine here in Australia when I came across this car. It's been my favorite ever since.

[@bennie4376]

god i WANT that car!!!! i looooove bel airs. my favorite car ever. THE best design!

[@mistervacation23]

Amazing behind the scenes, Thank You!! Boggles my mind to watch how you effortlessly maneuver all those dials/switches/

[@kittybennett9004]

I think my dad would trade my mother and me for that car (kidding, I think). He graduated in ‘57 and this was his ultimate dream car. Color and all ❤

[@KelvinMeeks]

My 1st car, was a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (in Jacksonville, Arkansas) - that my father bought for me for $300 - in 1977 - in this color.

[@jb2oldies69]

Love the classic look

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah, this one is pure beauty

[@V8March]

This is about to love what you build, your work...simple is that. You see that on this cars, the pure love, the hard work, everthing.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed all the way here 👊

[@mmkarindas802]

'56 '57 '58 '63 and '64 Incomparable legends.

[@valinormons]

My favorite year of car. When I was a kid the parking lots were full of em. It was Dream Heaven. I remember asking my dad if we were gonna get one too and he said, "What for? Everyone else already has one." Rats...

[@tommyfrombama4834]

The 57 Bel Air is probably the most beautiful Chevrolet ever built. Every line, every piece of trim, every proportion is just absolutely stunning. The car looked so much more high end then it really was. Just an absolute master class in automotive design. As was stated in the comments, the 283 HP 283ci engine was the fuel injected version. One hp per cubic inch was indeed a big deal at the time, and being fuel injected was also a pretty big deal. I think the highest output carbed version was 270 hp. Such an awesome car that I think epitomizes what I think of when I think of the "American dream" in that era. Mom, apple pie, and Chevrolet!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Great comment!! This one is true beauty

[@jimbrown4652]

I could never afford it, but that's my dream car. I was thinking the color was close to today's Seafoam Green. Beautiful car! 💙

[@dannyg718]

Shawn I really enjoy your channel. Have been a subscriber and have been looking at all the old videos. Its great you share this love of cars with your stepson Riley. Believe me , He will remember these fun days the rest of his life. Nice bond you have with him. Great car by the way

[@norbertpandur3887]

this is the most beautiful car in the world!

[@alangilman6821]

lucky kid & yourself....both looking like you're having fun!

[@AutotopiaLA]

We had a lot of fun shooting this. What a great car

[@johnbehneman1546]

Thank you so much. Great video and one of my favorites as well!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@mr.cluckingtin8643]

Thanks for the video I know I'm 2 years late but this gave me alot more ideas for the truck that I'm detailing soon in this style love these classic cars

[@Idiot505Yes]

This is actually my favourite car ❤️❤️ love it

[@759NPR]

Wow, pure awesomeness. Thnx 1000 times for posting this dude. I grew up in one of these (though the orange w/black interior). My uncle had no problem tromping the foot pedal, planting my scrawny little arse back into those cushy seats ! That's a beauty most certainly. Cars today have no soul. Keep posting these classics, they were all just incredible. Absolutely terrific job at posting these dude, thnx ! 👍👊

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you like what we do here! This is a really beautiful Bel Air. I loved the few times I’ve driven it

[@759NPR]

@@AutotopiaLA I like your straight forward heart towards these killer vintage cars. So many memories growing up w/out seat belts, big-honkin-seats, the large horn bail (awesome) and no plastic ! I miss those cloth seats and sound of carburation power plants. Used to be you'd have your honey right next to you driving down the boulevard... those days are gone. Keep doing what you're doing - keeping a bygone era long gone, relevant. 👍

[@mylightningbug]

My grandma who raised me had this exact car and we took me on so many road trips in it together.. I would absolutely love to buy it from you 💖

[@AutotopiaLA]

The owner sold this a few years ago. Beautiful car

[@GenerationOldschool]

I saw the entire video! Great content! You sure know your stuff

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. Absolutely in love with this car

[@supergolkybros1027]

This is my dream car. It is on my bucket list to ride in one

[@PAUL_K]

So this is how a perfect Chevy look like. '57 Bel Air 🤩😍

[@adrianstanciu8876]

This car is a true beauty! Love the colour!😄

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m with you all the way here 👊

[@Pharaoh421]

cars like people like me who love 50s will want this car like crazy

[@markscicluna157]

Nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it. Truly beautiful car imo

[@jdtankvideos2584]

now that is totally awesome old classic car

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sure is a pure beauty

[@richardnapper2074]

A gorgeous 57, great job saving it.

[@vaibhavmamle1997]

That song is perfect for this car

[@bernarddurand6742]

merci pour ce tour en voiture, c'était formidable et le bruit du V8 j'adore😄. 57 c'est mon année préférée. plymouth, chevrolet, oldsmobile,cadillac... Thanks a lot.

[@willyboy6126]

Pure *ART* on wheels! : )

[@collinwilson4223]

Excellent video

[@Revon-Feuer]

Among the best American classics.

[@ashookchandra8191]

Gorgeous Bel-Air, although modified a little still looks original, is my dream car 😲💋❤️💯🔥🔥🔥

[@LALO325TX]

This is my dream car. Someday I will have one.

[@susanjones2701]

So beautiful!

[@lsvip1820]

Damn bro. That’s clean 👊👊👊👊

[@AutotopiaLA]

It is incredibly clean and the drive is smooth perfection

[@ranalidana332]

Oh god, why no one understands how much I love & respect to the great 1950's cars, specially 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air! I wish I had been born in 1940's & could ride & drive them at the age of 17 on the Route 66 with the Drive-In facilities. And as well, the girls like 1950's pin-up girls. I pick you up route 66, life gives me the kick, oh lady my heart beats for you. Only you! ❤💗💓💗💓

[@oxymoron296]

This right here was always my dream car. It was that "when I win the lotto I'm getting me a..." thing that we all dream of buying. Sucks that it will never happen now. Maybe in another lifetime.

[@maxoconnor5087]

Such a beautiful car

[@gasratzcustoms]

Very clean 57. So nice to see it in the mint condition.

[@AutotopiaLA]

This thing is pure beauty

[@TheJackassGangXD]

Absolutely beautiful❤️

[@societycrumbles]

This is my dream car. I would love to have it one day in red!

[@soappoodle6267]

This is by far my favorite car and I'd do anything for one, but sadly by the time I could be able to get one they'd be a century old

[@AutotopiaLA]

This one is so beautiful and the drive is perfect

[@stevee30m3]

My dream car! Perfect!! Beautiful! Good color good job!! Gratulation! Wonderful! ❤🥰😍👌🤘👍🍻 Thanks the good video!

[@chriserz94]

Never knew about the lifting chrome window trim, super cool!

[@farrellcoppin8778]

Thanks again for your

[@farrellcoppin8778]

Actually it is how do I put an application in for that pics of Chevrolet car how do I say how much they wanted 1957 Chevrolet car contact me on this 1957chevyl

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love that touch

[@fixitshop3025]

That’s my dream car, I’ll get one someday

[@AutotopiaLA]

It is a stunner

[@tomnekuda3818]

Great looking '57. My buddy had an Easter Egg blue like that with a white drop-top, white interior, and Cragers. He also had the fuelie 327 in it. Believe it or not, it was even sharper than this ride but not all original. Really sweet ride it was. Dunno why but convertibles were chick magnets. P.S. When the guy who invented tilt steer wheels got to the Pearly Gates, St. Pete said, "C'mon it, Good and Faithful Servant." No lie. P.S. #2: LMAO when you did the drive-in movie bit....wonder how many times we did that! Pontiacs had a massive trunk in the day; we got six guys in one time....had to take a number to breathe.

[@AutotopiaLA]

The drive in! Awesome!! I was never a Bel Air guy but this car sold me in so many ways

[@haji2nd444]

OMG I NEED TO HAVE THIS SOMEDAY!!! WOWWWWW

[@MeghanReddington]

Henry!! ❤️❤️ he was into this as well

[@cameronyeager7635]

I already loved this beauty but even I didn't know about the secret styling cues like the gas cap location & the trim folding door mechanism. I would honestly love to build one for myself in the future but I'd want the 4 door, a little more modern stuff, 350 or maybe a 427 & different color choices. Nevertheless, always a fantastic car!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I like hot rods too but this thing is perfect for a beautiful cruiser. So many cool design elements

[@procharger89]

I own one with exactly same color, i really love it

[@timtraverthediecastcollect6482]

Totally amazing car, I agree with you I love car smoke tires and go fast

[@AutotopiaLA]

This car really sold me. Pure beauty. Rolling art

[@deopersad2915]

Very nice car 😀👍🏾

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah, real beauty

[@YOUR_MOTHER_WENT_TO_COLLEGE]

My fav is the 56 Hardtop Bel, but I gotta give credit once again for the owner for adding subtle touches of modernization to this classic. Too bad you can't enjoy something like this to drive everyday due to people doing everything but paying attention to the road once behind the wheel and parking like the own every spot and whack the side of your vehicle like dollars fell out when hit. I would love to have one of my builds to drive back then, less cars, less traffic and most importantly less stupid people on the road. Can't wait to move into a smaller city/town and move away from the state and city I once called home.

[@bzmaro]

Now that’s classy! 😎

[@AutotopiaLA]

Isn’t that a beauty! And it drives as good as it looks

[@robertwhite1993]

I'm still mad my dad got rid of his for a 65 Ford country squire station wagon you know kids. But my bro-law pass away and left a 55 bel-air to my niece. All hid the gas filler but nice because out in the open it would take away the touch.👍I still dig chrome.❤

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool stories. Bummer about the 65 😬

[@robertwhite1993]

@@AutotopiaLA He was tired of putting the sit up so we could climb in and getting kick in the back.😟 KIDS😂

[@johnnymayo8534]

Funny u mention the brass accents.....True story....I was run over by an elderly gentleman driving a 57 chevy back in 67 {I was 12].......he rear-ended my bike and I summer salted backward into the hood....head first......I can still remember the chevy 'V' symbol.....but in red....I got a fractured skull and other cuts, etc from that little adventure!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Crazy! You’d know the brass well then 😬

[@johnnymayo8534]

@@AutotopiaLA Yep...u may say....up close and personal!! 😎

[@bradleypope5170]

I’ve seen a 1957 bel air on eBay near me for £12K. And I so wish I had the money for it, I’m seriously considering getting a loan after this video ahaha honestly. I’ve always loved the bel airs but this has really made me want one more ahah! Awesome vid dude 👍🏼

[@nasseral-momen1463]

I'm in the same boat right now. That's cheap for England mate.

[@bradfordsmith5942]

My DREAM Car!! 💙💙💙

[@DouglasJWalker]

A real gem