No. 099 of 207
Rockabilly Hall of Fame Member Garlin Hackney owned this beauty.
Garlin Hackney and Tracy-Leigh Pomeroy would like to share this '57 Chevy for all to see and enjoy. It is our pleasure to fulfill that wish.
It was in his possession for over twenty years. This one was the 3rd '57 Bel Air that Mr. Hackney has owned through the years, being his favorite car of all time. The first one he saw in 1957 was when the local mail carrier bought one to deliver mail in rural eastern Kentucky. Garlin felt that the 1957 Chevrolet epitomizes the 50's decade, with jet age style of the fins, and the music of the day, as a musician from his early teens, Garlin found his way of fusing 1957 and music by naming his group "Hack and The 57s". This '57 that you are seeing has been the mascot of quite a few performances over the years at Rockabilly Festivals and car shows and featured on Arizona Highways salute to Route 66. Mr. Hackney is honored to have his '57 on display at the prestigious Martin Auto Museum, for all visitors of this wonderful place, to view and have hands on experience with this 1957, and the rest of Mr. Martin's wonderful collections.
Few facts on the 57 Bel Air: assembled at The GM Lakewood Plant in Atlanta, Georgia around Memorial Day 1957, 283ci Power Pak engine and two speed Power glide transmission.
From the start we decided to perform the restoration in house. Our team of Jeff Gibson & Bobby Cook caringly restored her to the specs on the VIN, Trim Code, Body Code, and Paint Code.
Paint by Vic's Custom Auto Body & Paint, Victor Garcia, Phoenix Arizona
Rick DeBruhl Commentary - " Why is the 1957 Chevy an icon of the 50s?"
Available options in 1957:
BODY STYLES
The 1957 Bel Air was available in multiple configurations:
2-Door Hardtop (Sport Coupe)
4-Door Hardtop (Sport Sedan)
2-Door Convertible
2-Door Sedan
4-Door Sedan
Station Wagon (Nomad)
Station Wagon (4-door Townsman)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Length: 200 inches (approximately)
Width: 73 inches
Height: 57 inches (varied slightly by body style)
Curb Weight: ~3,200–3,500 lbs (depending on body style)
POWERTRAINS
The 1957 Bel Air offered a variety of engine options to suit different performance needs:
Engines
“Blue Flame” 235 CID Inline-6
Horsepower: 140 HP
Carburetor: Single-barrel Rochester carburetor
265 CID V8 (“Turbo-Fire”)
Horsepower: 162 HP (2-barrel carburetor)
283 CID V8 (“Super Turbo-Fire”)
Horsepower Options:
185 HP (2-barrel carburetor)
220 HP (4-barrel carburetor)
245 HP (dual 4-barrel carburetors)
270 HP (dual 4-barrel carburetors with Duntov camshaft)
283 HP (with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, “Ramjet” option)
Transmission Options
3-Speed Manual (Column-Shift)
3-Speed Manual with Overdrive
2-Speed Powerglide Automatic
Turboglide Automatic (new for 1957, a continuously variable ratio transmission)
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Front Suspension: Independent, coil springs
Rear Suspension: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Brakes: 4-wheel drum brakes
Steering: Recirculating ball
INTERIOR FEATURES
Bench seats with vinyl or cloth upholstery in a variety of patterns and colors.
Optional deluxe appointments included:
Two-tone interiors
Carpeted floors
Padded dashboard
Electric clock
Signal-seeking AM radio
STANDARD FEATURES:
Chrome accents throughout (bumpers, grille, window surrounds)
Full wheel covers
Electric windshield wipers
Dual exhausts for most V8 models
OPTIONAL FEATURES:
Exterior Options
Two-tone paint schemes with a wide variety of color combinations.
Chrome bumper guards and trim packages.
Fender skirts.
Continental spare tire kit.
Interior Options
Power windows.
Power seat adjustment.
Deluxe heater and defroster.
Mechanical Options
Power steering.
Power brakes.
Electric windshield washers.
Dual exhausts (standard on higher-output V8s).
Performance Options
Rochester mechanical fuel injection (“Ramjet” system).
Heavy-duty suspension package.
Post-War & Chrome / 1946–1959
More from the collection.
1946 Ford Super De Luxe 2-Door Convertible
1946 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom
1947 Chrysler Town & Country Sedan
1947 Ford Super Deluxe Fordor
1947 McCormick Farmall BN Culti-Vision Tractor
1948 Buick Super Convertible
1948 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door Fastback
1948 Crosley CC Convertible
1948 Crosley Super Sedan
1948 Ford Super Deluxe Sedan
