Rick’s Grandfather bought the above 1957 Chevrolet new from Premier Chevrolet in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. The price of the above four-door hardtop in 1957 was $2,188.00. The car was ordered with power steering, power brakes and turbo glide transmission. Additionally, Rick’s Grandfather specified the 283 cubic inch V8 engine with a power pack option. The Power Pack consisted of special heads, dual exhaust, and four-barrel carburetor.
His Grandfather did all the maintenance on the Chevy at home, so Rick not only learned to drive in the car, he also learned how to change oil and do brake work…even front-end alignment. His Grandfather instructed Rick on front alignment, using a ball of twine and mirrors.
Always garaged from day one, the 1957 Chevrolet was in very nice condition when Rick’s Grandfather passed away in 1984. At that time the car had accumulated 59,000 miles. Rick let his mother and her brothers know he would like to have the car. The decision was made then let Rick keep his
Grandfather’s 1957 Chevrolet.
Rick’s ‘57 Chevy currently has 96,000 miles. Various components have been replaced through the years. These include generator parts, fuel-pump, brake wheel cylinders and others. Rick rebuilt the motor himself. When Turbo-glide transmission problems surfaced a Power-glide replacement was installed.
All exterior trim on Ricks car is original to the car. Only the rear bumper has been re-chromed. Rick’s car was repainted in the correct Chevrolet Inca silver and white in 1987. Base coat, clear coat was used to replace the original lacquer coating. The dash was also painted at that time.
Rick barely had the car out of the paint shop in time to attend an AACA Hornets Nest Region Tour to Helen, Georgia. He worked through the night, getting the car reassembled. It was rolled out of the shop at 5:30 AM. The following morning. Rick drove home, picked up his family, and continued down the road to Georgia.
This beautiful 1957 Chevrolet has been a participant in many Hornets Nest Region activities through the years.
Rick’s Grandfather would be happy to know the 1957 Chevrolet he bought new continues to live on through his Grandson’s Family.