Taking a stroll through the fairgrounds at the 22nd Goodguys Summer Get-Together in Pleasanton, California, there were absolutely beautiful automobiles no matter where you looked. Whether you were there to spot out a vicious hot rod or an untouched classic, there was something for every car enthusiast. This Chevy in particular caught our eyes, and it is our pleasure to show it off to you.
A Classic Among Them All
The Tri-Five era will go down in history as the people’s car, as it was able to captivate all of America, leaving it as an icon of the 1950s. For those who don’t know, the Tri-Five years follow Chevrolet’s car production between 1955, 1956, and 1957. Specifically, the cars that were in the spotlight and still resonate in the car community today are the Bel Air, 150, 210, and the Nomad.
Featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, these Tri-Fives are highly sought after, rust bucket or not, in the hot rod community. They have only increased in value as the years have passed. Let’s talk about Don King’s immaculate 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
King’s Beaut
Residing in Newark, California, King and his beloved Bel Air simply captivated us from first sight. It’s black cherry, silver metallic paint accentuates all of the classic’s swooping curves and definitive tail fins, which were immensely popular during its heyday, and still hold true today.
“I actually purchased the car here at this Goodguys show some five odd years ago,” King said.
It’s been five years in the making, but it was definitely worth the patience and time.
– Don King
“The Bel Air is complete with a 383 stroker motor out of a 350 old school, with a 400 crank and heads,” he said.
The 383 cubic-inch V8 stroker mill makes for good power, using its altered crankshaft to further increase the stroke of the pistons. The 400 crank effectively changes the 383 to a total stroke of 3.75-inches. The stroked crank increases an engine’s overall displacement, which also results in more torque from leverage generated by the longer throw.
A huge upgrade from the usual 265 cubic-inch and 283 cubic-inch V8’s usually found in these ’57 Bel Airs. The 383 is mated to a Turbo 400 automatic transmission with a B&M shift kit. The turbo dual exhaust kit produces a nice sound note that lets everyone know there’s a little something under the hood.
“I’ve changed out the wheels and tires to better suit my tastes,” said King.
King settled for a polished set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, wrapped in Big O rubbers. Other modifications include an all-new power steering system, a power disc brake kit, and a completely refreshed cooling system.
Oh So Cherry
The outside of King’s 1957 Bel Air is simply beautiful. The black cherry paint is complemented with chrome and gold fittings, resulting in a vintage finish that helps to keep the eyes wandering around the car. From the gold front grille and hood emblem, to the rust-free chrome bumpers, King’s Bel Air looks just as new as when it rolled off the assembly line so long ago.
The paint remained the same, it’s the color that attracts everyone to the car.
– Don King
“I went out, made a few calls, and got some cosmetic work done to match the outside,” he said.
The two-tone black and silver interior complements the black cherry paint exquisitely, resulting in a classy, simple look that isn’t too loud or too dull. King added a tachometer near the steering column as well as oil pressure gauges to keep everything in check as he drives the Bel Air.
“It’s the only car I have and it’s not going anywhere,” he said. “It’s my baby and I’m proud of her.”
Settling to keep a majority of the interior original, the steering wheel, which is painted the same black cherry as the exterior paint works seamlessly, even with the numerous chrome components inside. The Bel Air includes a cassette deck and air conditioning to keep King cool while he cruises to his favorite tracks.
Wrapping It All Up
The days of curved glass and big bodied automobiles may be behind us, but King’s Bel Air brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of when it was fun to dream. King’s car represents an era that has yet to be repeated, let alone respected, as much as the Tri-Five era.
King’s ’57 Bel Air is a beautiful build that we couldn’t take our eyes off of. From its dazzling black cherry paint to its rust free chrome and undercarriage, his Bel Air is a timeless classic that will forever live on.
With a sizable mill under the hood and all the modern modifications to make it safe for daily driving, where can you go wrong with King’s immaculate Bel Air? Flawless inside and out, King’s car has stood the test of time and still holds our attention, despite its nearly 60-year age mark.
“I was lucky to find this Bel Air and have no future plans other than to put in some backup lights that originally came on these,” he said.
Having no imperfections, Don King’s 57 Bel Air Hardtop is a cultural icon in American history that represents a timeless era when it takes to the street. Would you have done it any different?