57 Heaven

I've been recently blessed with the ownership of this 1957 Chevy.  This will be the second time in my life that I've owned this year and model car.  It took over 40 years before I would fill that classic car void which had clung to me for all those years.  I found this current 57 on eBay which led me to southern Maryland to give it the once over.  Within an hour the deal was struck and the owner delivered the car a few days later as promised.

The 1957 Chevy is the most recognizable classic car in American history, or so say the classic car gurus.  General Motors really hit it out of the park with new styling on the 57 model starting with the two "missiles" mounted on the hood pointing straight out to oncoming traffic. This was the "rocket age" and the 57 didn't disappoint when it came to futuristic design.

The 'eyebrow' headlights complement the front view with air vents that directly funnel the airflow into the engine compartment supplying the with engine with all the cool fresh air needed to make maximum power.

Not to be outdone by front view of the car, the side and rear view portray the true essence of the 1957 Chevy.  The duel rear fins are probably the most predominate feature of the new model year.  Add the aluminum "Belair" quarter panel insert and the 57 Chevy needs nothing else to turn heads in its direction.  Other base models are 210 and 150.

As soon as I turned 16 and had my drivers license in hand, I quickly plunked down 500 dollars to a good friend for his old car, my first car, a 1957 Chevy complete with a V-8 283 small block.
My crew of buddies (below) liked my car almost as much as me.

I took care of that beauty for over a year, selling it just before I enlisted in the Marine Corps which was over 43 years ago.  Bottom photo leaning on the car from left to right- Johnnie, Louie (RIP), Walt, Cutts and me.

Nowadays things move along a lot slower but it's been a blast fixing up this old Chevy during the few years I've owned it.  It needed so many things to bring it up to safety standards such as all new glass and window channels, new electrical system, new suspension, upgraded disc brakes and brake lines, new interior and much more.  The memories of the old days working on my first 57 behind my parents house in their driveway are held close to me almost every time I open the driver's door and get inside.  

My plan is to hold onto this one and hopefully hand it down to my grandson.  In the meantime I look forward to making new memories my with friends and family while looking after it and keeping it in tip top shape for the next owner.