A ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic collector’s prize. Not only was it popular since its inception, it even set a benchmark for all American cars at the time. The ’57 Bel Air car has truly become an iconic classic car, with its raw V8 power being one of its standout features.

But it’s not every day you come across a ’57 Chevy that turns heads like this one. Sean from Autotopia LA recently got a chance to hang out with Mitch from Kelly and Sons Crazy Painters and review Mitch’s custom ’57 Chevy, which is nothing short of fascinating, from the insane fading paint job to the impressive power beneath its hood.

This Classic ’57 Chevy Can Make Over 600 HP

Mitch’s 57 Chevy Fast Facts

• Mitch built this upon an original ’57 Chevy using aftermarket components.
• A stock ’57 Bel Air came in over ten different color combinations with seven different engine options.
• The Pace Performance LSX376 B15 engine current makes around 559 HP.

At first glance, you might assume this ’57 Chevy is just another restored classic, but it’s far more than that. Mitch, who has customized it himself with evident love and passion, explains this isn’t a typical restoration but a ground-up custom build. Every part of this particular ’57 Chevy has been carefully designed and assembled by Mitch and his team, making it truly unique.To really appreciate the engine upgrade in this build, it would be helpful to recap the engine specs on a stock ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air. Of the seven different engine options, the most legendary was the Super Turbo Fire V8 which produced 283 horsepower. If this classic seems familiar, you might have seen the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe in the film Dirty Dancing.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Super Turbo Fire V8 Engine Specs

(Source: ConceptCarz)

On popping the hood, Sean could not hide his admiration for the neat but spectacular engine setup. Mitch explained that the engine under the hood is a Pace Performance LSX376 B15. While they’re estimating an astounding 673 hp overall, it currently churns 559 hp for the rear wheels.

This ’57 Chevy Has A Six-Speed Tremec Manual Transmission

Mitch points out that it’s not just about having a lot of horsepower; it’s about getting that power to the ground. With a six-speed Tremec transmission, this ’57 Chevy offers the thrill of rowing through the gears, something purists would likely enjoy. The rear end features a Currie 9-inch setup with 3.77 gears.

The Chevy Bel Air has been in production for around 25 years, but the ’57 model was considered one of the coolest. This particular ’57 Chevy’s cooling system features three components: an intercooler for the blower, an AC condenser, and a radiator.

Sean mentioned that Mitch wouldn’t have gone the distance to curate this build so carefully without a solid suspension setup. Mitch smiles before mentioning the chassis and suspension for this ’57 Chevy comes from the Roadster Shop. The brakes are Baer brakes, and the wheels on this ’57 Chevy are Budnik, designed specifically for this build.

The Paint Job On This ’57 Chevy Is A Work Of Art

The paint job on this car is a true work of art of blending colors to create a stunning fade effect. Mitch reveals that a lot of people on the internet ask which color this is, but there is no single color but eight different shades, and they blend seamlessly to create a stunning visual treat.

We already learned how difficult it can be to paint a restored classic when DD Speed Shop restored a Bel Air with original paint. Now painting this ’57 Chevy was no small feat either. Mitch said it involved careful application of each color in layers, transitioning from dark to light as you move up the car’s body. The result is a paint job that’s full of character. The urethane candy clear coat adds depth to the finish.

The Interior Of The ’57 Chevy Is Evidence Of Mitch’s Attention To Detail

Subtle Details Of This ’57 Chevy

• Mitch’s attention to detail is impressive, with the custom double-latch trunk as a perfect example.
• The dash looks amazing when it lights up, with soft under-lighting in the cabin.
• The seats look royal, with Alcantara upholstery and German square weave carpet.

The 2nd Generation of the Chevrolet Bel Air was produced from 1955 to 1957, and it can be worth a fortune. Mitch has built upon one such Chevy, and his attention to detail is staggering, which we can glimpse from a simple observation: the trunk. A stock ’57 Chevy has a single latch trunk that wobbles if you open it up. But Mitch turned it into a double-latch trunk to ensure it stays put as you heave your suitcases in the back.

As soon as Sean hops in behind the wheel, Mitch, like a pleased scientist, says, “You should light ’em all up, ’cause the dash is unreal.” And boy it is, lighting up all the meters on the dash in a tasteful red with touches of blue.

Modified Chevy Bel Airs can be really stunning, but this particular build is a work of art. The dash is beautifully lit, thanks to Decoded Digital, and the soft under-lighting adds to the car’s overall aesthetic. The seats are elegant and regal, provided by Elegance Auto Interiors. Sean recognizes the Alcantara upholstery, adding it looks phenomenal, and the German square weave carpet (reminiscent of Porsche) is both stylish and unique.

Mitch’s ’57 Chevy Build Not Only Looks Amazing But Drives Well Too

If having a classic ’57 Chevy Bel Air as a daily driver isn’t attractive enough, imagine having it with a supercharged 600 HP engine. As soon as the engine is turned on, the supercharger growl is symphonic. Sean takes this Chevy out for a drive, with a proud and passionate Mitch sitting in the front, carefully elaborating on the details with the love of a true enthusiast.

He mentions it was difficult getting the hydraulic clutch right for this car, something Sean loved right from the get-go. Mitch pointed out that the engine could go up to even 900 hp if tuned right, but the car was running so well that they made the prudent decision of leaving it at 559 wheel hp.

1957 Chevrolet Original MSRP And Used Market Price Comparison

(Source: J.D. Power)

While Mitch doesn’t plan on selling this custom ’57 Chevy anytime soon, a stock model’s price on the used car market has risen considerably compared to its original MSRP. You could buy the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air for anywhere in the range of $30,000 to $100,000.

This ’57 Chevy has seen quite a transformation with Mitch’s expertise, whether it’s the engine bay, the chassis, the remarkable paint job, or the interior. It’s a machine that not only turns heads but also demands respect for the craft skills and dedication that went into creating it. And we can’t wait to see what’s more from Mitch and his dedicated team at Kelly And Son Crazy Painters.