The mentioning of “classic cars” often brings up vehicles like a ‘57 Chevy. It’s about as iconic a vehicle as you can get. But are there any other vintage rides that can take on the Chevy? Read on, as this edition of Auction Dilemma explores a match-up between a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air on autohunter.com and a 1957 Chrysler 300C at hemmings.com.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The second-generation Bel Air was short-lived (1955-1957), but this was in an era when automakers made substantial model tweaks each year to remain competitive. As such, the ‘57 Bel Air was endowed with a more elaborate front end and exaggerated tail fins that make this model year stand out from its predecessors.
This Tropical Turquoise and white example shows off yards of chrome that is quintessential to the ‘57 Chevy look. And the aftermarket wheels and rakish profile give it a “go-fast” look. The seller reports a few blemishes, but otherwise, the exterior appears clean.
Powering this classic is a rebuilt 283 cubic-inch V-8 that featured fuel injection when it appeared in 1957 (a four-barrel Holley carburetor has since been installed). Original output was rated at 283 horsepower. The engine was also an upgrade for the Bel Air. A Muncie four-speed manual controls the rear wheels.
Inside, this Bel Air gets a bit of a restomod treatment with an aftermarket steering wheel, Hurst shifter, grey vinyl and fabric upholstery, and seat belts. An aftermarket audio system has been fitted to the cabin as well.
1957 Chrysler 300C
Chrysler’s approach with the second-generation 300 wasn’t to directly take on the Chevy Bel Air. The 300 was more about full-sized luxury (even though the Bel Air was the top trim for its class of Chevy). But, the 1957 300C did have one thing in common with the same-year Bel Air, outrageous tailfins that are hard to miss. The Chrysler’s streamlined front end and cabin embraced the future while the amplified back end paid tribute to excess for one last time.
Refinished in period-correct Parade Green Metallic (from the original Polar White) during a restoration, this 300C is crisp and blemish-free, according to the seller.
Hemi power is as appealing in the 1950s as it is today. In the case of this 300C, it’s a 392 cubic-inch V-8 that was factory rated for 375 horsepower thanks to a dual four-barrel carb set-up. A push-button three-speed automatic transmission handles the rear wheels.
The near-perfect exterior is matched by a restored leather interior that appears showroom-worthy and includes factory upgrades like power windows.
Take Your Pick Of Extreme Tailfins
Both this Chevy and Chrysler harken back to a time when excess mattered, so take your pick of how you like your tailfins. With two days left, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air has a current high bid of $26,500. The 1957 Chrysler 300C auction ends in ten days and has a $32,000 best offer.
Sources: autohunter.com, hemmings.com, allpar.com