1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

Fully restored to the highest standard, this is a well optioned example with 283 four-barrel V8, automatic, power steering, power brakes, power convertible top and and power windows.

Exquisitely finished in Matador Red, panels are laser straight with excellent gaps; show-quality paint with nearly flawless chrome, grille, bumpers, glass and trim. Convertible top is excellent; wheels and hubcaps are like new with nearly new Coker Classic whitewalls. Floor pans and rockers are crisp and clean; zero known rust.

The interior shows beautifully and is finished in correct red with silver inserts. Carpet, door panels, seat upholstery and headliner are like new; dash is also excellent with all gauges clear and working. And of course my favorite option is the ash vacuum below the steering wheel. Yes, you can flick your ashes into this device, press a small lever on the side -- et voila -- engine vacuum sucks the ashes into a glass jar. Of course this car has never been smoked in, at least not since it was restored, but it's such a great throwback to the 1950s. A modern retrosound two-post stereo is fitted in the dash.

This Bel Air is highly correct in its appearance inside and out, but with one notable functional improvement: the original two-speed powerglide has been upgraded to a TH350 three-speed automatic. The freshly-rebuilt 283 cubic inch V8 is otherwise stock and the engine compartment is nicely detailed. The purist may wish to install a period battery, but the car would be welcome at a show at any level. Starts, runs and drives beautifully.