1957 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet

Slick and
Ultra-Collectible

 

This is one of the most popular models in the modern collector car hobby because of slick styling and crisp good looks. It would be the last year of the 115 inch wheelbase – returning in 1964 on the mid-size Chevelle.

 

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General Year Information

One of the most popular models in the modern collector car hobby, the 1957 Chevrolet was highlighted by a new oval shaped front bumper grille complete with bomb type bumper guards. Round front parking lamps were seen at each end of a horizontal center bar that seemed to float against the delicately cross-hatched grille insert.

A Chevrolet medallion was set into a center cavity within this horizontal bar. Wind split bulges ran along both sides of the flat hood panel, decorated in front by bomb sight ornaments. The headlamps were set into small “grilles” housed in square-looking fender openings. New side moldings appeared, but varied for each series, looking a little richer as they moved up the scale. The rear fenders were shaped into broad, flat tail fins. The Chevrolet gas filler was incorporated into the chrome molding at the rear edge of the left-hand tail fin.

Models Offered

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Series 150 I-6 & 1200 V-8. The 150 models were the plainest. They had exclusive use of the 1955-1956 style sash molding (below rear side windows), which intersected an approximately half-length. single horizontal molding. This strip of chrome ran. from the front door region, to the trailing edge of the tail fins. “Chevrolet”, in script were affixed to the upper sides of front fenders. The fins had only partial outline moldings near their rear tip, which dropped to the taillight housing. The grille insert was done in anodized aluminum finish.

Interior trims were the most basic, although the Handyman station wagon had a two-tone look inside. Round horn buttons were used, with standard steering wheels.

 

Series 210 I-6 & 1600 V-8. The 210 was distinguished from the150 series by the distinct side trim treatment and upgraded interiors. The body rub moldings began just behind the headlight area and gently sloped to the rear bumper ends, although the sweep was most pronounced towards the rear half of the body. However, there was a second, upper molding, that branched off just below (and behind) the body belt dip. This top molding just about paralleled the general contour of the fins and ran, rearward, to hit the back edge of the fender. Inside the two moldings, near the tail lamp, a “Chevrolet”, in script, was placed. With the optional two-tone finish schemes, this “inside” area was painted a contrasting color, .

Other trim features were the same as 150 models. Rear fender top moldings on the rear third of the fins only and silver aluminized grilles. Three two-tone interior schemes, with cloth and vinyl combinations, were available without charge. The Two-Ten looked more Bel Air like, especially with the optional two-tone exterior finish. As in 1956, all Chevrolets with V-8 power had large, V-shaped hood and deck lid ornaments, which were bright metal finished.

BEL AIR SERIES: 2400C I-6 & 1800 V-8. Extra richness characterized the Bel Air line in all regards. Side trim was arranged as on the 210 Series, except the area between the molding “branches” was filled with a silver anodized aluminum beauty panel. At the front, three gold chev­rons were added to the forward side of each front fender. Also done in gold were such things as the grille insert, V-8 ornaments when fitted, and “Bel Air” on the beauty panel in script. The rocker sills, roof, and window outlines and the entire edge of the fins were all trimmed with bright metal moldings. There were also traditional Chevrolet/Bel Air crests on the rear fenders, near the golden script.

Distinctive two-tone interiors were fitted to the Bel Air. The Nomad station wagon had carryover features with but with the new 1957 styling. Of course, the Bel Air convertible had all the hardtop’s features with an even more stylish interior.

Engines

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Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4200 RPM. Torque 215 ft. lbs @2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: UNK; Lift: 0.4004″. Carburetor: (Powerglide) Rochester one-barrel Model 7007200 or Carter one-barrel Model 2101S; (standard shift) Rochester one-barrel Model 7007181.

Base V-8 – with Manual Transmission, Optional with Powerglide: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.334″.  Carburetor: (Powerglide) Carter two-barrel Model 2286S or Rochester two-barrel Model 7009910; (standard shift) Rochester two-barrel Model 7009909.

Turbo Fire Base V-8 – with Manual Transmission, Optional with Powerglide: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 275 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″.  Rochester two-barrel model 7010648

Super Turbo Fire Optional 4-barrel Carburetor V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 220 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Overlap UNK, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: (Standard Transmission) Rochester 4-barrel 4GC 7012126; (Powerglide) Rochester 4-barrel 4GC 7009846.

283 CID Two 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: (Early) Carter WCFB 2419S PN 3730599. Rear: (Early) Carter WCFB 2362S PN 32720953 Front: (Late) Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear (Late) Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

283 CID Fuel Injection V-8. (Code “EM” & “FK”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

270 Horsepower Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8.  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

283 Horsepower Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8. (Code “EL” & “EN”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 10.50:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Fuel Injection (Early) Unit Model: 701460 Air Meter: 7014361 Fuel Meter 7014362. (Mid) Unit Model: 701520 Air Meter: 7014521 Fuel Meter 7014522. (Late) Unit Model: 701800 Air Meter: 7014801 Fuel Meter 7014802.

Chassis Features

    • Overall length: 200 inches.
    • Front tread: 58 inches.
    • Rear tread: 58.8 inches.
    • Width: 73.9 inches
    • Height: 59.9 inches
    • Tires: 7.50 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall.

Powertrain Options

    • V-8 283 cubic inch 220 horsepower engine. ($25).
    • V-8 283 cubic 245 horsepower engine engine. ($55).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 250 horsepower fuel injected engine. ($484).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 270 horsepower engine engine. ($370).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 283 horsepower fuel injected engine. ($675).
    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
    • Overdrive transmission. ($105)
    • Powerglide transmission. ($185).
    • Turboglide transmission. ($251).
    • Posi-traction rear axle with 3.36 or 3.55 ratio ($48).

NOTE: Base 2-barrel 283 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.

Significant Options

    • Air conditioning ($468).
    • Air suspension ($124).
    • Deluxe heater ($77).
    • Dual exhaust as option ($16).
    • Electric wipers ($7).
    • Front power seat ($43).
    • Oil bath air cleaner ($5).
    • Oil filter ($9).
    • Power brakes ($38).
    • Power steering ($70).
    • Power windows ($102).
    • Radio, manual· ($61).
    • Radio, push button ($84).
    • Recirculating heater ($49).
    • Safety dash panel padding ($16).
    • Tinted glass ($38).
    • Two-tone paint ($32).
    • Whitewall tires, size 7.50 x 14, four-ply ($32).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1957 Chevrolet

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  Grecian Gold
  India Ivory
  712 Cascade Green
  718 Polo White
  750 Calypso Cream
  793 Onyx Black
  794 Imperial Ivory
  796 Harbor Blue
  797 Surf Green
  798 Highland Green
  800 Colonial Cream
  801 Canyon Coral
  802 Matador Red
  803 Coronado Yellow
  805 Sierra Gold
  806 Adobe Beige
  821 Dusk
  823 Laurel Green
  749, 799 Tropical Turquoise
  752, 804 Inca Silver

1957 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values

 

Powertrains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

  • I-6: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
  • 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
  • 283 CID V-8 Close Ratio – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.30:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1

Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios

  • Where Available: 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd –  1:1, Overdrive 0.70:1, Reverse – 2.94:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

  • I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1;  and Powerglide – 3.36:1;  Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1.
  • 283 CID V-8  SMT – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1, Powerglide & Turboglide 3.36:1.

NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.33:1. See Automobile Manufacturers Association specification sheet page 1 for all available rear gear ratios. You can access that document HERE.

Related Documents

Files directly related to the 1957 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:

1957 Chevrolet Deluxe Brochure

1957 Chevrolet Portrait Print Advertisements

1957 Chevrolet B&W Portrait Print Advertisements

1957 Chevrolet Landscape Print Advertisements

1957 Chevrolet I-6 AMA Specifications Sheets

1957 Chevrolet V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets

1957 Chevrolet Fuel Injection V-8 Drive Test – Car Life Magazine

1957 Chevrolet  V-8  Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1957 Chevrolet Full-Size Car Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1957 Chevrolet Line will appear below

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible was the sporty and luxurious Chevrolet offered that year, and the only convertible in the line. The result was 47,562 deliveries.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sport Sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sport Sedan was the slickest 4-door in the Chevy line. Buyers thought so too and 137,672 were sold.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sport Coupe

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sport Coupe was the most popular hardtop in the line (and still is today). 166,426 were delivered that year.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan was the most upscale 4-door in the lineup. It was also a huge seller with 254,331 delivered just 4,000 short of the Series 210 version.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan

If you wanted a sporty two-door at less price than the Sport Coupe, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan would have been your choice. It sold well with 62,751 produced.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Nomad wagon

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Nomad wagon was not a big seller back in 1957 with 6,103 produced. Today it is the Holy Grail of 1957 Chevy lovers.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman 4-door wagon

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman 4-door wagon was the most upscale 4-door wagon in the line that year. It was a great seller with 27,375 produced.

1957 Chevrolet 210 4-door Sport Sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 4-door Sport Sedan, while almost identical looking to the Bel Air model, sold in only one-tenth its number at 16,178.

1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door Sport Coupe

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door Sport Coupe was less luxurious than its Bel Air brother, but it was well received. Only 22,631 were sols, ostensibly because the Bel Air version was more flashy,.

1957 Chevrolet 210 4-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 4-door sedan one of the two most popular models in the Chevrolet line it barely outstripped the Bel Air version in sales 260,401 to 254,331. Between these two, they comprised over one-third of all Chevrolets sold in 1957.

1957 Chevrolet 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan featured a upgraded interior over the standard 2-door. With just that going for it, only 25,664 were sold.

1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan

the 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan may have been the least luxurious Series 210 car next to the Del Ray, but when equipped with either the 270 or 283 HP V-8, it was likely the view competitors had of it. 162,090 were delivered.

1957 Chevrolet 210 Townsman 4-door wagon

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 Townsman 4-door wagon was the only 9-passenger wagon that year. 21,083 were sold.

1957 Chevrolet 210 Beauville 4-door wagon

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 Beauville 4-door wagon was less upscale in interior appointments over the Bel Air version., however it sold in almost the same numbers at 27,803 produced.

1957 Chevrolet 210 Handyman 2-door wagon

The 1957 Chevrolet 210 Handyman 2-door wagon fell between the Nomad and the Series 150 plain Jane version. It sold the best of the 2-doors with 17,528 delivered.

1957 Chevrolet 150 4-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 4-door sedan was economical and a good value. the result was 52,266 deliveries.

1957 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 2-door sedan was pretty basic transportation, but it still sold well with 70,744 delivered.

1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility 2-door sedan

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility 2-door sedan was the favorite of salespeople and were used as many company cars. However, only 8,300 were sold, likely due to no rear seat provision.

1957 Chevrolet 150 Handyman 2-door wagon

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 Handyman 2-door wagon would have been the poor sister to the Nomad. it still outsold the sexy sibling by more than double with 14,740 produced.

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