The 1957 Chevy Bel Air holds a special place in automotive history. It’s a symbol of post-war American optimism and iconic design. However, imagine taking that beloved classic and infusing it with cutting-edge engineering and artistic flair. That’s precisely what happens when it gets the Kindig-It Design treatment, resulting in the breathtaking Kindig-It 1957 Chevy Bel Air. This isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling work of art that seamlessly marries vintage charm with modern performance.
Dave Kindig and his talented team approach these builds with a unique philosophy. They aim to enhance the Bel Air’s timeless appeal. They also integrate high-performance components and luxurious finishes. The result is a vehicle that commands attention. Its presence on the road is truly unforgettable.
The Art of Transformation: Signature Kindig-It Touches
Kindig-It Design is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail. This extends to every aspect of the ’57 Bel Air. One signature element is the custom door handles. The Kindig-It Smooth Classic Door Handles are flush-mounted. This creates an incredibly clean and streamlined profile.
Furthermore, custom fuel and brake lines are often meticulously built. They are polished stainless steel for a show-quality look. You might also find a custom gas cap. This replaces the original bulky fuel door for a sleeker appearance. Every modification contributes to a seamless design.
A Mirror-Like Finish: The Paintwork
The paint finishes on these Kindig-It builds are legendary. They often use specialized paints like AkzoNobel’s “Black Hole Black.” Alternatively, they might use “Modern Classikk by Kindig” custom blends. The body is typically polished for hundreds of hours. This ensures an absolutely mirror-like finish. The depth and brilliance of the paint are truly astonishing.
Unmatched Power: The Heart of the Beast
Underneath its stunning exterior, a Kindig-It 1957 Chevy Bel Air boasts serious power. These vehicles are engineered for exhilarating performance. They commonly feature a potent Lingenfelter LS7 engine. This powerhouse can produce a staggering 670 horsepower. That’s an incredible amount of force in a classic shell.
This formidable engine usually pairs with a robust 4L80E GM transmission. This ensures smooth and reliable power delivery. The transmission is often sourced from experts like Bowler Transmission. This pairing guarantees a thrilling driving experience.
A Symphony of Sound: Custom Exhaust
The exhaust system is equally impressive. Features like Borla Eight Stack Injection are often included. Custom stainless exhaust and mufflers from Borla are also common. These components ensure a distinctive, powerful sound. The deep rumble truly announces its presence.
Precision Engineering: Chassis and Braking
Handling such immense power requires a sophisticated chassis. Kindig-It Bel Airs typically ride on an Art Morrison Chassis. This provides a solid and modern foundation. They also feature a custom independent front suspension. This greatly enhances the car’s agility and ride quality.
A Ford 9″ rear axle from Strange Engineering is often installed. This robust component ensures reliable power transfer. Every aspect of the chassis is designed for optimal performance. It provides a stable and responsive driving experience.
Superior Stopping Power: Wilwood Brakes
For stopping, these custom builds rely on high-performance brakes. 13.5″ 6-piston Wilwood Brakes are commonly used. These provide superior stopping power. They ensure confident and precise braking. This is crucial for managing the car’s immense power.
The cars also roll on custom, one-off wheels. These are often 19″ and 20″ Billet Specialties wheels. They are designed by Dave Kindig himself. These wheels are typically wrapped in high-performance tires. Michelin Pilot tires are common, sometimes with a custom redline.
Inside the Icon: A Luxurious Interior
Stepping into a Kindig-It 1957 Chevy Bel Air is an experience in itself. The interior is completely custom. It features high-quality upholstery, such as China Red leather by Crestleather. Every stitch and panel is meticulously crafted for luxury.
Modern instrumentation is seamlessly integrated. Dakota Digital HDX gauges are frequently installed. These provide a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. They keep the iconic dashboard look.
Comfort and Technology: Hidden Luxuries
Modern amenities are subtly incorporated for comfort. Vintage Air provides hidden climate control. This ensures a pleasant cabin temperature. Kicker Car Audio delivers premium sound. An American Autowire wiring harness ensures reliable electrical systems.
Features like Nu-Relics power windows add convenience. A Lokar shifter provides precise gear changes. Even the steering wheel is often customized. A Koch’s 1955 Bel Air steering wheel might be modified for a perfect fit. All chrome parts are typically finished with triple plate show chrome. This ensures a dazzling, long-lasting shine.
In summary, a Kindig-It 1957 Chevy Bel Air is a breathtaking fusion. It combines the original car’s timeless beauty with cutting-edge engineering. This results in a truly unique custom vehicle. It offers unparalleled performance, luxury, and style.
Disclaimer: The information provided about Kindig-It 1957 Chevy Bel Air builds is based on general characteristics and common modifications seen in their projects. Specific features, engine choices, and specifications can vary greatly between individual custom builds.
Source: Kindig-It Design
