John Paul DeJoria's 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod - Jay Leno's Garage

This week Jay is honored to be joined by Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and car guy John Paul DeJoria. You might know JP from his successful businesses, like Paul Mitchell Hair Products! JP shows off his exquisitely modified and upgraded 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, complete with custom interior, an updated engine, and even air conditioning. This gorgeous vehicle was a gift from JP's late business partner Angus Mitchell.
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A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.

[@richardchambers3533]

That 57 is absolutely Stunning!🏆🏆

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Too bad most people didn't have color TV in 1957 so they could fully see the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@micah_boatwright]

The 57 was one of the prettiest cars chevy ever made in my opinion.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Yes...along with some of the Chrysler cars...Fins looked clutzy on some cars, but when done right, it was a very cool look! I owned a 1957 Lincoln Premiere, over 50 years ago. I loved it, but had to admit, that the large fins on the 57 Lincoln was not a great look. It turned out, that the 57 Lincolns were the lowest-selling Lincolns of the 1950s. The 1957 Cadillacs outsold it around 3 to 1.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

And too bad most people didn't have color TV in 1957 so they could fully see the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@user-mt2ew2dv3d]

I would concur. In 1966 I bought a '57 Chevy Bel Air convertible from a widow for $350.00. The car had only 51K miles on it and was in excellent shape in and out. It was her late husband's car, and always garage kept, but it was a 3 speed on the column and she did not know how to drive a stick shift. She just wanted to get the car out of the garage to make room for her new Pontiac Tempest. The car was Tropical Turquoise with a Black canvas top and a turquoise and white interior. It had the 283 Power Pack and the famous Wonder Bar signal-seek radio. I had a lot of fun cruising on warm sunny days with the top down, my girlfriend sitting next to me and the Beach Boys, Beatles and Chuck Berry playing on that radio. I'd give anything to be able to have a beautiful ragtop like that again...what a great memory from my long-lost youth. :-)

[@buzzwaldron6195]

@@user-mt2ew2dv3d - Too bad we can't go back or 'go home' again...

[@user-mt2ew2dv3d]

@@buzzwaldron6195 You're right. If I had a Time Machine I'd get in, set the controls for 1966 and I would be out of here in a flash...a one-way trip, never to return. Most of us who remember the 50's and 60's wish we could enjoy those days, (and the cars), all over again. Life was simple, cheaper to live, and it was a slower-paced and more sane way of living. Frankly, they can take the 21st century and put it in a place where the sun never shines. :-) Long live the '57 Chevy...and thanks for your post. Have a great day!

[@crimson888]

Incredible human being, the fact that he said he is grateful everyday for his life really was something special

[@snopunk2]

JPD! What a guy. Saw him at the Pomona drags awhile back. He liked my shirt with a pic of my ‘64 Galaxie on it. As we were standing there, Danny Trejo shows up. Turns out they were both raised in the same neighborhood (Echo Park) and were born the same year (1948)!

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Those two, me, and Hot Rod Magazine all born 1948!

[@ACoustaDC]

My heart goes out to ya Jay. Take care of Mavis...... and yourself. Love to you both.

[@user-tj8wv7ri7d]

Jay and crew. After a very complicated day I get to sit and sip a glass of wine and watch Jay Leno drive what I have always felt was one of the finest body designs every to come out of GM. What a beautiful car and how nice to spend some time with Jay. Tomorrow is my birthday, I'll be 84. I'm a gearhead and proud of it. Thank you for the drive in a candy apple '57 Chevy Bel Air. Wonderful!!

[@chuckb470]

Happy Birthday!

[@kylestewart8354]

Happy Birthday old timer!

[@brunodobia9223]

Happy birthday there fellow gear head and many more i am glad you commented on this car and told us a bit about yourself it is very nice both you and Jay and JP what a story hey I love it made my day .

[@rick.reckage128]

Out of the Chevy "trio" the 1956 is my favorite. I suppose it just comes down to taste and preferences. All three are my favorite Chevys

[@markohara6855]

Happy Birthday!

[@josephbatta1730]

Good example of "What goes around, comes around." You get what you give. Two amazing car nuts. Love it.

[@danielkeel9265]

What really impresses is how quiet it is untill you request something of it, the stance is perfect, and looks original. Perfecto!

[@ronspeer]

OMG! When Mr. DeJoria walked on, I thought he looked familiar. I never noticed his last name until Jay mentioned his last name which more focused my attention. I met him a few years ago when he went to see his daughter race at Indy. I talked with him a few minutes. He seemed like a super nice guy.

[@haroldbirge6881]

🏆🍀👀✌️

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Steve Magnante needs help! He's recovering from an infection in his brain and is doing better physically. But financially, not so good. Everyone in the automotive community who knows Steve, or knows of him, knows that he is important to our hobby. Im hoping that the people from Motor Trend or Barrett Jackson will help. But im not counting on it. If there's anything you can do to help, please do. If you're like me and can't help financially. Spread the word so maybe we can get the right people involved so Steve doesn't have to sell everything he owns to survive. Nobody should go broke because they got sick. Spread the word! Help Steve!

[@TheRealCCSmith]

Yes Steve is an auto guru and a great person. Maybe some of us could donate project cars for a charity auction.

[@conantheagrarian]

only in America can you go broke from medical expenses. Not France, not Germany… medical bankruptcy, insane.

[@HandicapRacer]

Where's Maguire's when you actually need them😂

[@richardboettger6761]

​@@HandicapRacer Is the Old Man still alive?

[@richardboettger6761]

​​@@conantheagrarian It's absolutely pathetic that we don't have a National Health Care system here. I remember being in the third grade in the mid-60s and my teacher telling us to expect that we would soon have National Health Care. Yeah, unfortunately there are too many greedy insurance companies and lobbyists in the way these days for that to ever happen. Nixon absolutely opened the door for that one.

[@johnnymossville]

John Paul is such a cool guy. He has a joy for life. You just want to hang out with the guy and talk about cars and everything.

[@rob2039]

Jay Leno The Godfather of all car guys

[@michaelfew7704]

That car is wet dream for most all of us!

[@stevenslater2669]

That car is exactly what I wanted back in 1960. ‘57 Chevy Belaire, 283 Power Pak, dual exhausts, and ‘57 Dodge Lancer wheel covers. Ended up with a ‘57 Rambler. Clean car but not fast. Its seats folded down into a bed. My best buddy had a 1960 Corvette, 270 BHP, dual quads. Power top. We would swap cars when he had a hot date. I got to burn his tires off + a tank of gas. I would get back a freshly detailed vehicle with a full tank of gas. Good old days. And the ‘57 Chevy still lights my fire…

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Light your fire on the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@danielraymadden]

I'm am glad to see the love this car was given....a true work of art from the bold front to the aerodynamic tail fin....so Bossy.... king of the road....beautiful red....this car commands the love it was given...57 chrome jewelry is excellent...

[@coldwarsarge7592]

Disabled Vet loves your videos, Jay! So many countless hours watching you share your passion for cars here on KZbin! Thank you so much for producing such quality, informative videos. My fond regards to you and to your dear wife...best wishes for her health during this trying time! Hugs! -D

[@Farlig69]

What a beautiful car, I want one!!! The weight is falling off you Jay, well done!!!

[@choward5430]

My mom bought me a 1956 Bel Air 2-door hardtop in 1976 for $200.00. A few years later, I was driving and I looked down an alley and saw the fins of a '57 Bel Air. It was covered so I didn't know what model it was. I rang the doorbell. An old man answered the door. He said, "I'll show you." He pulled the cover off and it was a Red and white Convertible in absolute mint condition with 17,000 miles on it. He said, "I'll let you have it for $1,500.00. I couldn't come up with the money!

[@BillyLintzenich-wf7sk]

Although i'm a ford guy i do like those tri-five chevys. Btw i have a similiar story except i didnt try to come up with $2500 when i should have. In '80 i looked at a ugly green 67 gt500 shelby with a blown up motor or a 57 nomad for $9500 sitting in maryland back around 2010. Anyway enough about the ones that got away.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Check out the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@justinroper4872]

Super impressive how easily he opened the hood.

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

Now THAT's a Beauty!

[@barath4545]

The paint and gloss/niceness (sorry if wrong word) is absolutely STUNNING!

[@jimkalfakis9893]

Paul Mitchell appears to be a totally cool dude. He’s very humble and certainly remembers where he came from. And also, that car is drop dead gorgeous!

[@ksjhong]

It is good to see John Paul, what a stand up, down to earth guy.

[@frankE91210]

he was sitting down most this video

[@allenkranawetter9482]

Such a beautiful 1957 Chevy. 1957 Chevys are my favorite car because. My late father had owned a 1957 Chevy black the black and silver interior. 235 straight 6 with a 2-speed powerglide. I have wonderful memories of that 🥰 😁car

[@michaelmurray7199]

Looks pretty sharp, plus it combines the best of both worlds. Classic styling and modern engineering.

[@mzaccagnini7179]

That is one beautiful hotrod!😊

[@donhathaway3234]

Just amazing car! 57 was my first love as a kid. Later, it was the 55. Now in my 70s I appreciate the 56s. I always thought the 56 was an old man’s car. I guess I was right!

[@barath4545]

If you guys wanna see how awesome this guy is, watch the interview with him after his daughter (Alexis DeJoria) won US Nationals in Funny Car in NHRA in 2013! Just the best family-relative interview and very wholesome!

[@lutomson3496]

and she married Jesse James also

[@johnfrei9057]

Yeah he’s an awesome dude.

[@waynekaminski5438]

Got to wonder what JP thought of Jesse James marrying his daughter!

[@normc4603]

I had the privilege of meeting JP at Bristol one year , Super humble man, he was busy with his daughter but not too busy to speak to their fans, Jessie James on the other hand didn’t even nod his head to his wife’s fans!!

[@idontlikecops1]

I've meet jesse twice and he was always kind. He was probably working on the car. When I'm in the garage working on my frap the last thing I want to do is chit chat

[@jefffrancis8769]

Once again Jay Leno's Garage proves why Jay Leno's is the best. Thanks Jay👍

[@andymelendez9757]

I remember seeing these around. Loved the Nomad too. Johnny has done very well for himself.

[@MichaelBradley1967]

Weren't the Nomads always 2 doors and the Bel Air wagons usually 4 doors? Or was the Nomad just the 2 door model of the Bel Air?

[@DrDennis]

Had a blue one just like it in HS. Had 283, corvette heads, Edrlbrock with Holly 4 bbl. 4 speed Muncie trans with white ball shifter. Corvette cam and solid lifters. Loved that Chevy!

[@fleece192]

Cool

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

In 50 years nobody is going to be standing around talking about how awesome their classic 2024 Tesla is.

[@4literv6]

So says you, bet you won't be around either boomer!

[@doctoribanez]

I'm expecting post apocalyptic ruins 😂

[@allenkranawetter9482]

My late father for 10 years old a 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4-door. Powerglide 2 speed inline 6 cylinder. It was black with a black and silver interior

[@colinthomasson3948]

That paint ! Flawless, not to mention the mechanical engineering perfection and the way the engine performs...a masterpiece , best practical and sorted out custom car you'll ever see , i think

[@tompage6421]

That is honestly one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. 🇬🇧

[@305classics]

Beautiful!!! I just love classic cars!!! Hello from Miami’s classic car scene💪💪😊

[@ralfrainfurth6034]

It was a beautiful discussion about memories, history, cars, motorcycles, I love it, well done gentlemen. 👍

[@noyfub]

Beautiful Car, and what a great guy.

[@davemeshamsr6000]

Wow love the stance with the fat tires in the back looks great

[@christopherbrown3824]

JP's goal of "$150 a week" straight out of high school in 1962 works out to $81,484 in April 2024.

[@Clear_Ski3s]

Absolutely insane lol, times are different now

[@ronlynch7744]

The Ultimate Hot Rod! Very cool colour. Thanks Jay. 😎👍😎

[@HausFit]

Ah, dads birth year! He taught me about the fins and how each year changed the shapes. 55 56 57's. Also the hood had the rockets!! 55 and 56 had smooth hoods. What a vehicle. One of my dream cars! Thanks Jay!

[@michaeldalzell6670]

The 57 is undoubtedly one of the cars with pure classic lines… By far one of all time favorite cars actually my dream car

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Dream on the '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@pierredecine1936]

Very Nice '57 !!! Excellent Sound - wish I had 400K to put into my '96 Caprice ...

[@RamblinAround]

JP seems like a really cool guy. It's hard to beat a '57 Chevy, they were beautiful straight from the factory. His friend did a nice job on the build.

[@jamesburke4302]

Thanks , brought tears to my eyes . I think your car is the very coolest 57 Chev 2 dr hardtop I've ever seen! I think I can die now. My first car too. I had for almost 40 yrs & before I ever drove it I lost it in a horrendous fire along with my 111 Van Norman crankshaft grinder 1944 Model year that worked perfect (grinds cranks between centers same as the factory work & no need to rebalance "a precise " ) & machine shop I spent my whole life building up after working for a Shipwright retired from the Halifax Shipyards after WW2 . The Shipwright had tools my grandad made for him . Some days are diamonds & some days are coal ! Thanks this a diamond day ! Perfect I love it and we all know you can not improve on perfection . The earth is perfect with more than enough space for everyone to get along together . You 2 looked like a couple of kids having the time of your life . Good work fellas keep it up . We need a lot more like you 2 ! (clones lol) Gooday A Thanks So Much Jay , John for all your efforts . James T. Burke homeless retired on disability .It is not how many times you get knocked down it is how many times you need to get back up. Cheers ! I think I just got back up

[@johnclapperton5556]

I have to say I love that colour.

[@danielraymadden]

The BOSS......the 57 Belair is the most Boss looking car on the road....Total mans car....I grew up in a cherry bomb 57....I watched my dad working on it in the garage took it back to frame like professor Potts....my brother and I sanding on it till 1am at night we got to stay up past bedtime....

[@steveshoemaker6347]

WOW WHAT A BEAUTIFUL 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod.....JP is an amazing man....Thanks Jay and JP.... Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@peterdevreter]

I'm not really into 50's cars, but this thing is just perfect. What a machine! With respect to the old design build for the modern age with perfect craftmenship. Just awesome.

[@haroldbirge6881]

🏆Jay Leno 🏆 the king of 🍀cars 👀✌️

[@MatyHam86]

I love how Jay kinda steps away from the car a little before he’s about to tell a joke like he’s o. Stage or something. A true car guy and a true comedian

[@993isgawd]

This build has STANCE.

[@CraigSmith-qq3sr]

Nothing better than a Roadster Shop tri-five with a LSX454 and T56 trans. My uncle has the 56 I'm taking about,and probably going to get it when he passes,he has no kids,but not to soon uncle Bob, love ya😊 Beautiful car John Paul,thanks for sharing it with us😊

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗I JUST HAVE TO SAY THAT JP’s FRIENDS DID AN AWESOME 🤩 JOB IN AND OUTSIDE…MY FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME,DONE PERFECTLY AND ALSO MY FAVORITE CAR GROWING UP, STILL A TIMELESS BEAUTY 🥶💚💚💚

[@ronlokk]

Thanks for the mention of the motorcycles "None of us had." Got to love it.

[@uzivatel56]

As Jay says - it's kinetic art.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Two great guys in an awesome 57 Chev. You boys deserve it, unlike some. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@fntsmk]

Two of the best humans on the planet, in THE COOLEST '57 Chevy on the planet. Priceless!

[@pah9134]

There was no better overall fun car than the 57 chevy - especially the Bel Air. So awesome to work on, modify, plenty of room, do whatever you want to it. Just so fun.

[@trudy285]

Beautiful car! 🥰 Back in my teen yrs, neighbor boy had a black '57 Chevy, with Candy Apple Red dash. It was gorgeous til he flipped it. Rolled a few times. Sent his GF into the hospital for a year! She ended up marrying her orthopedic surgeon! True story! Thanks Jay! 😉✌️❤️🦋🙏

[@likethewords]

Jay thank you for sharing that historical context to explain the culture that created this to be a Hot Rod icon. I learned a ton quickly. 🙌

[@matrox]

Always been one of if not my all time favorite since new. This was my Uncles first car he bought brand new.

[@ronwatson4902]

My brother had a 57 BelAir. We had a blast in that car. That car you're driving honks!

[@matrox]

Thats one hell of a gift.

[@earlputnal9124]

So nice and cool to hear about JPs daughter trying to take Shirley Muldowny's place in top fuel drag racing history. She still has to win 4 top fuel titles though? LOL

[@alexandremesquita7631]

Stunning!

[@eddiea3782]

This car is absolutely gorgeous.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Gorgeous '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@jeffkelly636]

Great episode, the '57 will always be one of the coolest classic designs. I assembled a 57 Chevy model funnycar as s kid. It was red and had the wide rear plastic tires twisting as if the car was just launching off the line. Love the in driving video and hearing it accelerate.

[@noahkatz9616]

What a beauty! But I'd sure like to see the custom frame and IRS.

[@user-cy7tp4je9r]

I remember our neighbor across the street, getting a 57 Chevy. It was pale lavender, in color. I thought it was so pretty. My Dad had just bought a 57 Oldsmobile. I was 10 years old.

[@bcgrittner]

My family had a ‘57 210 Townsman Station Wagon years ago. That car is a story in itself. I had that car for a while. Then I settled for the Old Spice. I noticed that J. P.’s BelAir has all silver toned trim. It really works on his car. The BelAir was known for gold-tone trim. I’m in love. Fine car.

[@allenkranawetter9482]

As I said yesterday such a beautiful car 😍😍😍

[@sside8]

Awesome awesome awesome Chevy!! Thanks for showing us Jay!

[@louisrauzi3872]

Please Jay put this one on the lift. Would love to see the IRS rear suspension

[@maximus1318able]

That 57 is beautiful

[@FishFace1776-ur9qw]

It will be at Mecum Auction for 30k

[@ShipReK66]

it would have been awesome to hear the on-ramp acceleration test as performed in Jay's older videos.

[@walter9724]

Stunning. I'm with jay, nothing worse than seeing a 57 Chevy or any other beautiful car chopped up and huge engines stickingbout of the hood. This is spot on and definitely how I would build one. Red or jet black white. Perfect colors for the 57. My wedding act was a black and white 57 belair and I swear I'm going to buy one soon. Just don't tell the wife 🤣

[@chuckb470]

Buy her one for your wedding anniversary. 😊

[@dauntlessasmr7910]

One of the best rides you've ever featured on your channel, Jay.

[@seinsmeld13]

Thank you John Paul & Jay.

[@dhultman1]

Beautifully done, spectacular

[@justayoutuber1906]

Gorgeous paint job!

[@joeethereal2968]

A true American Classic/Icon...

[@rgbigdog]

Jay looking sharp, and the car is pretty cool too.

[@donnawoepke8861]

What a beautiful car. This model was so popular when I was in high school but we had the back end raised up with big tires.

[@michellevey9608]

John seems very nice.

[@russwaegelin2134]

Your comment about being affordable back in the day brought back a fun memory. In 1970 a friend of mine had a 57 2 door post model. 283, 3 on the tree. He was in the process of buying a 65 Impala and he offered me the 57….for $375!! I tried to convince my parents but they were unphased. They said “it’s too old, you’ll just end up dumping money into it. Probably true, but it would have been worth every penny!!

[@rixkafer56]

Very nice 57 ! Love the tri fives... makes me want to take my car out and rip some gears !! Love it when jays says ^oh this cats fast lol " thanks for sharing

[@HRM.H]

Beautiful paintjob

[@leonwhildenjr4483]

Hi Jay, That’s the sweetest 57 I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot now!😂 It’s just Fabulous, Thank you Jay and John! 😎🙌🙏⭐️☮️🖤🌅🕊🦋🕊✌️🎉🇺🇸

[@TurkGallant]

I always thought that guy's name was Paul Mitchell

[@StringsandWings]

I knew he would try the horn! lol. And you know Jay is impressed because he never once mentioned his F1. Great car, great guy.

[@laurabuffone4742]

Love the restomod - and loved listening to these two chat! Two mediocre students that made good, and give back with gratitude. ❤

[@Hat6000]

Always one of my favorites. Would love to have one like that today! Automotive perfection, that paint job is amazing! much less all the great upgrades while keeping the classic look, fabulous!

[@davidhinkson8856]

Everything is just perfect about this restomod - the color, the stance, the sound - beautiful! Had to click on this the moment I saw it.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

They were like that when new, '57 Chevy convertible at 34:10 in this old commercial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjHd2aClNaris0

[@judgetk8327]

That's about as nice as it gets. Beautiful colors and the Morrison frame and topped off with that interior. Well done. Nothing like a hardtop from the triple 5 group. Just top knock.

[@claycampbell7901]

What a sweet ride & a sweet man !

[@busterdee8228]

Gorgeous '57. Thanks for showing it John Paul, and to Jay for hosting it.

[@marksheffer625]

Love it done right and my first car

[@gordierock4106]

In my opinion the prettiest Tri Five. Loved this episode!! Cheers