I've Driven My Immaculate '57 Chevy For 62 Years | RIDICULOUS RIDES

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THIS stunning Chevrolet Bel Air has been the pride and joy of the same owner for more than 60 years. Grace Braeger bought the car for $2,250 in 1957 and never imagined she would still have it all these years later. Nicknamed 57 Lady, the Chevrolet continues to impress onlookers and its owner. What is the secret to its longevity? Grace said: “When it needs something, you take care of it. You replace it, you always try to keep it clean and you try to keep it waxed. And you go by the manual."
Videographer / Director: Nate Lehner
Producer: Frazer Randalls, Emika Berry
Editor: Ian Phillips
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[@Marc-js8rx]

Sept 2023 Update: Grace passed away on 8/24/2023 after going into a Senior community in 2021. She also stopped driving at age 92. (My own mother stopped driving at age 95.) To a true "classic" herself, RIP Grace Braeger. You've shown us the value of holding on to quality belongings. Bless your soul.

[@std882]

Thanks for the update. I was just watching the video and wondering about her and saw your comment. Wonder what happened to the car. RIP Grace.

[@metal4ever516]

As a younger car enthusiast, I have nothing but respect for Grace. It's truly amazing that she's still using it after all this time. A testament to how good American manufacturing used to be.

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

Regardless of how much servicing it's gotten, the quality of the paint, the chrome, everything, it's incredible either way...

[@matrox]

People were different back then. There was American pride back then unlike outward commies and traitors today who don't even hide their American hate. Yes we know fake news and traitor on Capitol Hill set the agenda for this anti americanism. Look at the POS stinking up the White House now who is killing American energy because the Deepstate globalist give him the orders. That POS is highly compromised and is Americas most dangerous enemy.

[@Twangabilly]

So nice to see one that’s not been ruined by hideous modern wheels and LED gauges etc.

[@artdecotimes2942]

Golly you speak my language. We once had a 1921 hudson. It was lost and taken in the 1970s and turned into a hot rod. I'd punch them in the face if I could, modern ambition on old joy is never something I will endure, never!

[@jrmartinez3237]

Lol

[@randomstuff508]

@@artdecotimes2942 "people doing something to a car because they to make it look cooler to them? Preposterous! They should only have things that look good *to me!*.

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@randomstuff508 oh my goodness I'm so glad you understand how I feel about it, thank you.

[@elithelonewolf2677]

Don't get me started when they change the interior, Especially when they put those modern seats in.

[@davebatts4731]

@ 2:31 "They don't make steering wheels like this anymore" - They don't make ladies like Grace Braeger anymore either.

[@marcusc110]

That is one classy lady and her love for that car is amazing

[@ArisFilms]

Those classic all steel cars may break, but they're never broken. -RCR

[@toker_poker420]

Nice!

[@narvul]

She did in 60 years about the same mileage as I did in 4 years. I paid 500 EUR 4 years ago.

[@lindakutsubos1222]

That's amazing!

[@357bullfrog9]

👍

[@ih302]

Just don't get into a wreck in one...

[@ItsIdaho]

Glad to see her still up and about. Hasn't aged a single time since 2011. Both look great.

[@akjeff64]

I still have my 57 Chevy 4 door hardtop..bought it in 81 had it longer than a couple of my wives :)

[@bkgnkprt]

Damn🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@southwestparkforever2746]

That is the most boomer comment I have ever read.

[@akjeff64]

@@southwestparkforever2746 and saying "boomer" is the most millennial comment ever..

[@southwestparkforever2746]

Go mow the lawn or something

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

*”57 Lady.”_* I love that

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

AHSAN MIAH MOHAMMED I know, but I was just saying I liked it. Not many women drive classics now. It’s nice to see a changr I’m far from a feminist BTW

[@BeingRomans829ed]

It makes me feel good to know that she decided not to sell it. I was certainly disappointed back when she said she was going to.

[@Karmy.]

Yeah

[@sharksport01]

she sold it, this was filmed in 2014

[@stickshiftdriver1832]

@@sharksport01 no she said that she is one owner for 62 years. 62 two years from 1957 is 2019. She still own it

[@dylanclay2741]

​@@sharksport01she changed her mind afterwards

[@sharksport01]

Oh, good.

[@mattskustomkreations]

Saw a news story from 3 years ago where she said she would sell. Glad she still has it!

[@rockets4kids]

Same!

[@hunyesmith03]

RIP Grace, I hope your beloved car is still out there, pride of place on any street it goes down!

[@dylanclay2741]

Hopefully some kid didn't get it. If so good chance its already in the scrapyard

[@hunyesmith03]

@@dylanclay2741 Really? Why would a kid buy a ‘57 Chevy & send it to the scrapyard? It’s not fast, not really, it’s in perfect condition so not a junker kinda car or a cheap and cheerful classic it’s a serious classic, so I don’t understand what you mean. Also, what do you mean by kid? Like her kids? Or like just a young person. What age also? I’m late 20s will be 30 next year, am I a kid? I haven’t seen the video for months but I think it was a bel air, a ‘57 bel air in that kinda condition is anything from like 40-50K up until above a 100K people don’t buy something for money like that just to abuse it, especially not a younger person, if a young person is buying a classic they’re a car guy (or gal). I’m not saying you’re necessarily wrong, or attacking your point by the way, I’m just adding context and a little confused as to what you mean exactly?

[@hunyesmith03]

Also, she only died a few months ago (end of August 2023), and went into “Senior Community” in 2021, not sure if nursing home or like those places in Florida with actual condos and stuff but apparently drove it up until she was 92. I honestly don’t see it being anywhere near a junkyard barring an unfortunate accident, an auction lot, or dealership lot, yes. An unfortunately garaged, air conditioned, battery tendered, babied, never used car, also maybe (very sadly) yes. Although maybe less likely as I think she had repainted it but it was still 1 owner so could be also a yes, but either way not a junkyard. In my opinion.

[@jayrowe6473]

A good car ought to last 62 years. That's a good car.

[@vinesauceobscurities]

Damn, can't believe she still owns and drives this beauty.

[@FrankieKuntheDisneyHater2001]

Me neither buddy ^^

[@lindakutsubos1222]

Me neither.

[@cameronthomas9532]

I thought she sold this car

[@FrankieKuntheDisneyHater2001]

@@cameronthomas9532 i thought she sold it to but........

[@johnfranklin5277]

I love that she has been able 4:31 4:31 to enjoy this car all these years! I have a similar story. My 58 cadillac was purchased by my parents in 1960 from the family Doctor. Lifelong Southern California car car certainly helped keeping it in good physical shape. I was 1 year old when they bought it. I remember taking trips to family reunions several times in the 60s, in the summer, and thanks to it having factory AC, it was comfortable for us kids, Palm Springs to Joplin Missouri. Unfortunately, my parents divorced after 20 years together, and mom got the cadillac. She didn't drive much, just the usual around town stuff, and taking us to school. So she never needed a new car. She was well aware i wanted the car, i had been seeing to its needs for years, and in 1982 she said, its time, here is the signed pink slip, the cadillac is yours. I was 23 then. I grew up in this car, remember being driven to elementary school for my 1st day of Kindergarten in it. She is still going down the road, shes in good shape, she's 65, I'm 64. We're growing old together! And no matter what, I'll never sell her. She is definitely a part of the family. 😊

[@andrewfayers9147]

Lovely story, thanks for sharing it. Enjoy your car.

[@georgecollins9388]

I was 14 years old in 1962, was 4'10" and weighed 80 lbs. I was a Kansas farm boy. I had started my company and needed a car so I bought a used '57 Chevy on a Saturday and drove it 30 miles home. Went to the DMV on Monday morning for a license and got it. I had to sit on several cushions to see over the steering wheel, passing the test and driving home. I was pulled over 3 times on the way home by the police who were passing the word that I was about 10 and just wanted to see me. After that I never got stopped, and used that car to travel and work with the guise of to and from school and farm errands (I just threw a gunny sack of grain in the trunk and I was all set.) I loved my '57 and kept it for 5 years.

[@Jo_Wardy]

She learnt to look after things. Because of living in the depression. Was a good car. I still drive 20 year old cars. And will keep driving them till their 50 years old

[@carlcampbell6827]

I think the black Bel Air is the sweetest looking of any; contrasting chrome enhances beauty.

[@sinclair271]

I knew grace when I was a little kid. She belonged to the fabulous fifties car club in St Louis. Glad to see you are still kicking Grace!

[@firstlast7112]

I guess she didn't end up selling it a couple years ago

[@thebrokenbolt3990]

She sold it in 2017?

[@blinkie1523]

That's some sweet ride, tops to the owner!

[@yournostroleeoleeolees.]

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL STORY. BEAUTIFUL CAR & BEAUTIFUL LADY.

[@Bob-oc2xp]

God bless this lady for her automotive knowledge, traditional values and foresight into the preservation of this iconic car. I know a lot "know it all men" that profess to know about cars, especially the tri-5's that don't know squat about them. Ownership and the restoration process educates people truly interested in the preservation of the iconic tri-5 Chevy's. Owned and restored 2, a 57' Belair, India White over Tropical Turquois and 57' 210, India White over Red, both lost to natural disasters. Flippers stop stealing these cars from their owners and selling them to over seas investors for a huge profit and leaving the owner in the dust telling them "it has a scratch here, or a chip there, or a wear spot here or there.. the car is 63 years old (at time of post) for Christs sake. You should hope and pray you look that good at 63.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

That's a beautiful car.

[@matrox]

I knew these would be classics even before they were classics.

[@fischkopf]

I thought she had decided to sell it?

[@brodie2005thegamer]

I think she changed her mind to keep it longer.

[@kingkota2302]

@@brodie2005thegamer yep her being the og owner makes it one of the rarest bel airs on the planet.

[@pedrorodriguezquinones3462]

I.no se.equivoca la señora este. No es.un.carro.cualquiera lafelicito.PRQ

[@narvul]

@@pedrorodriguezquinones3462 Vamos a la playa.

[@scottkrafft6830]

@@kingkota2302 It's probably the last one owner Bel Air on the planet, no? I mean, excusing barn finds that don't run.

[@party4keeps28]

Everything about that car is perfect. If I was buying a new Bel Air back then, I'd have picked the same exact options.

[@bmw803]

Scotty Kilmer is gonna lose his mind when he sees that a chevy lasted that long.

[@dannyhernandez265]

@Adam Speck agreed.

[@matrox]

Kilmer has always been so FOS.

[@matrox]

@Adam Speck Exactly!

[@matrox]

Every time I Watch his annoying videos and hear his annoying voice, I end it with a big FU.

[@dylanclay2741]

He likes the older chevys. New ones are garbage along with most modern cars

[@judgedayan9934]

I bought a 1960 Chevy Biscayne in 1971 for $40. It was the most stripped down car available. Featured, heat, AM radio, 3 on the tree transmission. It was in terrible shape, wood boards covered the floor, ran on 5 cylinders of 6, used a quart of oil every 50 miles, but got me to where I was going. A year later, I sold it for $10.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

This car came out when my mother was 1 year old and this lady has kept this car in such an immaculate condition

[@ss67camaronut]

God I would love to own and drive that car. Hav wanted one my whole life. Most folks look down on the four doors but I love them. My kids would love it, and grandkids too. Be a shame for a rich guy to get it and store it away. Would be my daily summertime ride. If only. But those deals always miss me. Broke my back when 32 disabled and not able to work at 55 now, I'd never be able to afford if , but I can dream! ♥️✌

[@artdecotimes2942]

By golly what do you mean, they aren't too expensive compared to some automobiles pal, really is no worry I found a couple that were in the $2000 price range. Quite a barter of a deal, my 1955 Ford is still working fine held high by its streamlined wheels, bought it in 1973. My father had a Chevrolet 1915 given from a mail service friend in 1916, ought to wish it wasn't wrecked in a car crash... absolutely horrible and revolting what happens. I miss those days, oh I miss them so! ...

[@ronbond6259]

I bought a 1957 black Chevy 2 door for $150.00. It was the raggedy est piece of junk I have ever had! I bought a 1965 GTO. FOR $150.00. It was the Best! Lasted 35 years. 👍😄😑😞

[@SaleProofCarReviews]

This is incredible! This reminds me of the lady who owned the Mercury Comet since new, only this Bel Air is much lower mileage

[@albertandrews130]

Decades ago my uncle went to the Chevy dealer and told him " I want the best car on your lot for my wife". They drove off in a 1964 Impala SS 409, which my aunt drove for many years.

[@carlcampbell6827]

Albert Andrews - I wonder what your aunt and other women thought about the many required gas station stops with old muscle cars as a daily driver? Gas was super cheap but man was that inconvenient stopping all the time. I had 1- 383 and 2 -440 MOPARS; very short trip ranges; especially that 440 Magnum that drank gas like it was driving up a steep grade 100% the time!

[@lindakutsubos1222]

Nice car!

[@tootsie5052]

It just so happened that she picked the right car and the right year. I still remember when my dad bought a new '57 Bel Air 4 door hard top in the color turquoise, but he only had it a couple of years, and he never bought another new car until 2013.

[@brodie2005thegamer]

I'm surprised she's still alive & that she still drives '57 Lady after 62 years! Edit: Grace died on August 24th, 2023

[@tuanh_duong]

Happy to see that she didn't sell it

[@driftxtz7167]

God Bless Grace and Lady. Love y’all

[@normanalvarez5751]

What a machine, God-bless you Granny...

[@beendoneagain]

God Bless Grace and the 57 Lady!

[@nasirlanier7481]

She's the reason this is my Dream Car.

[@jamesshirrell3677]

Very beautiful 57 chevy

[@rfurr62]

I would cherish that car for the rest of my life. And would keep it all original. Old school personable car.

[@FernandoSchulman]

You always pick amazing stories and make them in to a great video! Please keep this up.

[@robocock475]

This woman's still alive!!!

[@m_r_1320]

Mrs. You and your cars are true legends

[@carlcampbell6827]

That is real nice to see a little old lady pampering her favorite car.

[@crusinscamp]

Lovely car, lovely lady, lovely maintenance. That car was built the year I was born. Just a note on that big steering wheel, it gives you more mechanical advantage. That's important when you have a heavy engine sitting over those front wheels and no power steering. I had a '68 IHC Scout that had an enormous steering wheel, it was cool. I like the muffler guarantee bit. I had a muffler guarantee that I got a half dozen muffler out of, you do have to follow the fine print. I've got two 20 year old cars now and hope to run them to the end.

[@redtra236]

It has factory power steering actually, pretty big option for 57

[@hakeemsd70m]

​​@@redtra236 Was that standard on the Bel-Air only, and not the other Tri Fives? I never knew that, cool fact. Thank you for sharing.

[@samuelsaady9909]

No it was optional, but she mentioned it in another video taken about the car, it was a demo car for the dealership she got it from, so it had all of the bells and whistles you could ask for@@hakeemsd70m​

[@ClassicChrome86]

Love seeing an unrestored original like this one. Keep on driving and enjoying it.

[@2000LexusRX]

i just remembered her and was surprised to see she still had it she passed away 10 days ago (august 24)

[@CdA_Native]

Oh Yeah! This was my car back in 1962.......a junior in High School........thanks Mom & Dad!!

[@crsmith56]

I love how she has to look through the steering wheel!

[@trwsandford]

What a gem! ...and she has a pretty nice car!

[@vitothepizzaguy7475]

I love how the steering wheel is so huge for her

[@parkergeiger5403]

It is a big steering wheel

[@caitlingonzalez8633]

Had to be, no power steering! I've got a reproduction Belair wheel in my truck and it's way smaller

[@samrosenthal2111]

@@caitlingonzalez8633 Yeah, it's interesting. Got the chance to drive a T2 Westfalia a few years back, and the size of the wheel is hilarious.

[@fabulo50s1]

Only in FAIRY TALES🧚🧚 kind of town can a LEGEND of car🚘 and it's owner🧓 survive impeacably that long. ☺️

[@shaneteacman]

@@caitlingonzalez8633 she did have power steering added when the car was new, as well as power brakes. Those accessories were add on's back in 57'.

[@haakenlein9873]

R.I.P Grace ✝️👼😢

[@anniewilkes6011]

Much respect. I regret not having my first car still🥺

[@hakeemsd70m]

I know how you feel. I want to keep my first car so bad, a late model Pontiac Grand Prix, however it's getting too expensive to own. Too many issues. 🥺😢 I'll be sorry the day I eventually have to let her go.

[@senderzeyv4292]

Her car is over 60, and Grace Braeger must be close to 100 years old.

[@8176morgan]

Grace is currently 94 years old and has now owned the car for 64 years, which next month will be 65 years. You can't blame her for owning that car for so long as the 1957 is one of the most popular models ever built - just ask Eric Clapton.

[@CarolinaCasper414]

I love stories like this

[@nanaclark2951]

Damn that is a sweet car

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

My first car 57, 4-door hard top. My last car 57 2 door hard top.. 45 years on the last one.

[@artdecotimes2942]

I think you mean 1957 Chevrolet Gasser, which I wouldn't call original but I in some unwelcome form accept that you at lest favor them over todays nonsense of bland plastic. They worry too much, in 1940 we were driving along with folks running by and automobiles driving past because we had common sense and knew where to drive and avoid getting hit. No street lights in some areas and certainly no lines on some roads. In Salem it was calming, felt less restricted, in Chicago it was calming although they had some lines to separate vehicles but still felt less intense than today. I am glad you have a passion for "older" automobiles although I'd barely call 1957 an old year...it was quite new when it arrived and I've frankly never left the time period.

[@PU8698]

@@artdecotimes2942 He didn't call it an original either. But you just hate to see it, when people "ruin" good cars by customizing them

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@PU8698 yes, I do. You would never understand therefore this conversation will be pointless

[@PU8698]

@@artdecotimes2942 you got it all wrong. I yotally agree with you. By "you just hate to see it", I meant it in general

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@PU8698 no no, the ruin in "---" quotations

[@759NPR]

Grew up a toe-head in the sixties. Those heaps running up and down the boulevard today ain't got no soul - this, now when you drove a 350 w/a 4bbl, you had something substantial under you... it was a man's car. My uncle had one, orange w/black interior and the same power plant. He liked to tromp the pedal, summer breeze whizzing threw those little wing windows - rode like a tank, solid. This black one's a beauty... only thing missing is Marilyn Monroe and the fuzzy dice !

[@zachjuggler8074]

Chevy commercial if I've ever seen one!

[@sandrakeymer30]

Love my chevvies!! As you well know dear!! Miss you a lot Jim! Hope all is well with you! Merry Christmas and all the best in ❤️2022!

[@nellayema2455]

That style looks great even with 4 doors. Classic.

[@lindaagnew5637]

I-ve Drove My Rocking 58 Honda For 63 Years Good Trip

[@CourtneyCoulson]

Grace is wonderful! I hope my car and I can get old together, we've already survived a lot.

[@mashooqbughio]

Congratulations, dear lady, you are owner of materpiece and such a beauty CHEVROLET BEL AIR 👏👏👏

[@justinraystyles3537]

Prettiest car ever made!!💗 and I love it's a 4 door!! My dream car! All original 57 chevy bel air!!

[@yannisgouras4482]

Good to see that she is still alive the last video that I saw of this car she could actually still see over the steering wheel

[@jeepdude_2502]

Why the Satan star

[@mr.hearse7512]

Keep on rolling 57 Lady what Beauty

[@Chernobypi67]

Wonderfull machine, greetings from Santiago Chile 🇨🇱

[@MintyFreshTurds]

The color combo is stunning. It makes sense that it was a dealer demo.

[@sandrograziel5589]

Lindo chevy e simpática senhora motorista. Adoro Bel Air 1957 modelo de carro lindo.

[@Wingedbull751]

This not ridicules this is amazing. I could learn a Lesson or two from this lady.

[@SuperSaiyan3985]

She’s driven that car longer than I’ll probably live.

[@brodie2005thegamer]

I would say the same thing.

[@duckingcensorship1037]

Such a beautiful car.

[@johnmilner7603]

I’d be happy with it as well. My favourite ‘57 color.

[@schallb6766]

A classic , oh and the car too !

[@Abrikozenjam.]

Thats one badass old lady.

[@Streetzsanchez]

My grandfather had a 57 Chevy Bel Air as his first car when he was a teenager. Still have the gear shift from it.

[@samrosenthal2111]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[@Antje671]

Ein sehr gepflegtes Auto und eine ganz tolle Besitzerin !!! In diesem Auto ist keine Servolenkung . . . . da muß man beim Fahren noch richtig arbeiten. Ich bewundere diese tolle Fau und ihr tolles Auto !!! -

[@andeekaydot]

Doch. Dieser Wagen hat sowohl Servolenkung als auch Bremskraftverstärker als Sonderausstattung!

[@oldsledpurgatory3595]

This is what happens when you treat an automobile like a beloved member of the family

[@turboeddude4849]

It would be my dream to become the second owner of a car like that

[@growing367]

What a real G

[@btrdangerdan2010]

I thought she put the car up for sale, or maybe that will happen when she passes as she said she has no heirs. But kudos to her if 57 lady still gets a lot of love to do doted upon.

[@PU8698]

Considering that she said that she has had the car for 62 years, means this video was taken in 2019, but uploaded only a few months ago. So who knows what was the fate of the car

[@shellywalker6013]

Loved this🙏🇺🇲❤️❤️❤️

[@dennisdedios8975]

Just proves to show that cars then were made to last forever

[@larryb7047]

'57 was a great year. I'm a '57 model as well.

[@camnelson1]

She’s made me realize, you can save lots of money by keeping your same car. I will hopefully do the same.

[@peteprutzos1536]

GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!!!

[@PeterPan-mx6rk]

Cool Lady!

[@visekual6248]

One of the most beautiful American cars ever made, by the way are the golden parts in the car really gold-plated?

[@jonathanmorrisey5771]

Gold anodized aluminum.

[@Daniel-pw8pk]

You ma’am are a LEGEND

[@jeremiahsatterlee3940]

I wish there were more people like to this

[@dp6824]

that is so Awesome I love 57 s

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

I'm glad she's still driving her 57 Lady

[@atomicninjazyuranger5418]

1957 will always be the king of all cars. Hail to the king!!!

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

One careful owner is a understatement

[@carlenger9707]

She's awesome

[@dannyarchives]

rest in peace😢