1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

The classic 1950s

Chevy. Following the triumphant introduction of the now-legendary small-block V8 along with a new body style in 1955 – the first of the so-called

‘Tri-Chevy’ years to

1957 – Chevrolet’s ’57 model with optional 283bhp engine was a surefire winner when it hit the showrooms carrying a price tag of $2300. Not long afterwards, it became the bread and butter of every hop-up artist for street and strip racing. Now, and for many years in the US, the model is ranked as a very desirable collector’s car, with restorers reaching deep into their pockets to buy every ’57 remaining part they can find, even though there is a burgeoning reproduction parts industry based around this model.

Price guide: $55,000/£39,600

*(Bel Air 2dr convertible 8 cyl 283cu in/220bhp 4bbl)