Presented here is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Custom. Of the 1,136 Canadian-built Chevrolet Bel Air Convertibles, this was #530 off the assembly line in Oshawa, Ontario, now finished in High Octane Red over a Pecan interior. A rotisserie restored example, this Bel Air combines classic looks with upgraded mechanicals and interior refinements suited to contemporary driving. Power comes from an LS3 6.2-litre V8 paired with a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission, with under 1,000 km on the build. The car rides on a complete C4 Corvette suspension and is offered from north of Winnipeg by its seller, who gave it a frame-off restoration, completed in 2022. Two sets of keys and the Vintage Vehicle Services Inc. authentication of manufacture document shown in the gallery will accompany the car.
The exterior was painted in High Octane Red, a metallic tone that complements the Bel Air’s heritage lines. The body-off restoration is documented in our second gallery on a separate webpage linked below, showing the car’s transformation from a weathered shell to the quality example you see offered here. The bodywork includes correct trim placement, a contrasting convertible soft top by Haartz matching the interior, custom polished wheels, and modern lighting. A custom rear bumper has been fitted to accommodate the licence plate, which by original design was to be mounted on the trunk lid. The stock gold emblems have been changed to chrome for a consistent yet custom look. Panel fitment and paint quality are consistent with the calibre of the build and can be reviewed in the gallery.
The car rides on polished alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile performance tires, installed in 2021 and having travelled 1,000 km. The chassis was upgraded with a Canadian Hot Rod Inc. (CHRI) “Redi-To-Run” Road Hugger Chassis and C4 Corvette suspension, bringing modern geometry and handling to this cruiser. Braking is by power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Steering is updated to a rack-and-pinion system with power-assist for ease of use.
Inside, the cabin is upholstered in Pecan leather with custom touches throughout, including a body-coloured dashboard and retro-modern styling. The car features digital instrumentation, a custom centre console with integrated touchscreen, and aluminum accents. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows, power convertible top, and a modern infotainment system with DVD, Bluetooth, and navigation. The heated, six-way power seats are sourced from a 1995 Lexus SC, restuffed and trimmed in the Italian leather. Under foot is found Daytona weave carpet while a custom centre console integrates HVAC and media controls. Wiring is current to modern standard, with photos showing under-dash integration. Other premium touches include tiger wood door card inlays, Lokar shifter, Billet pedals and Billet stainless latches. The seller notes that cruise control is currently inoperative.
Instrumentation is displayed via a digital gauge cluster with modern readouts, surrounded by a styled bezel. The chrome three-spoke steering wheel and custom shifter complete the blend of period look with contemporary refinement. Cabin finish and fitment reflect a high-end build, with attention to detail in plain evidence throughout.
Under the hood is an LS3 6.2-litre V8, a GM Performance engine. Originally released for the C6-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 is rated at 430 horsepower, complemented by 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine compartment is fully finished with colour-matched inner fenders and firewall, polished accessories, and a custom radiator setup. The engine cover matches the exterior as well, as dressed up as we have seen. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a modern GM 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. The engine and transmission have travelled under 1,000 km since the build was completed. Many highlights of the build are captioned on the show poster appearing as image #174 in our gallery. The car has a current Manitoba safety.
Included in the sale is a Vintage Vehicle Services certificate, shown in photo #170 in the gallery, confirming this car as #530 of the 1,136 Canadian-built 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertibles. It was originally finished in Tropical Turquoise (paint code 1010) over an Ivory and Medium Turquoise interior (trim 680). Supporting documentation also includes the original GM Canada VIN plate data, cowl tag data, and restoration photographs.
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Custom is a turnkey, show-quality restomod built blending vintage flair with modern tech. It is offered with two keys, GM authentication documents, and photo documentation of the restoration process by the owner who commissioned the restoration in St. Andrews, Manitoba.