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There were three yellow based paint shades offered by Chevrolet in 1957. The only one named ‘yellow’ was, to my eye, the least yellow of all, “Coronado Yellow”. It had that dreaded hint of Miami Sand to it. But Calypso Cream and Colonial Cream have definite tonal leanings in favor of butter, goldfinches or, dare I say it, lemons. This car is DM’s first fifty-seven in Colonial Cream. Their 1957 Bel Air Pro Street Machine version was done in screaming yellow but this factory stock issue is much more civil in the paler shade.
Essentially a remake of the silver convertible issued as a limited edition of 5000, this version carries on the tradition of the early Chevy “fuelie”. Issued here in 2007, the model is named as the, “50th Anniversary Edition”. A brass plate on the chassis displays just that wording. The model still depicts the first year of Chevy’s fuel injected V8 that pumped out one horsepower per cubic inch and DM’s rendition of the engine itself is still magnificent. We’re treated to minute lettering printed on the air handling intake, miniature fuel lines running hither and yon, hoses and wiring in classic scale and a chrome radiator cap to top it all off. There’s a blend of badging that adds a nice touch of detail to the exterior. Script lettering is found in the form of tampo printing for, “Chevrolet” on the facing edges of the hood and trunk lid, “Fuel Injection” and “Bel Air” on the sides along with louver simulations on the front fenders, while the gold “V” is multi-dimensional up front and in back and so is the gold license plate frame. I like the black plate with, “1957” in yellow numerals. A California car perhaps?
The crossed flag insignias, above the fuel injection script, are photo-etched. The chassis features articulating suspension and the trunk exhibits jacking instructions next to the jack and covered spare. DM did the interior in a beautiful blend of yellow; excuse me, Colonial Cream and silver. The dash has nice detail and the door handles and window cranks are delicately finished. The top boot, in body color, fits extremely well and the ‘up’ top displays wonderful workmanship within and on the outer surface. From below you see separately fashioned top rails and framing and outside we see a fine fabric covering yielding exceptional realism. The added rear welt line, complete with chrome trim ends, doesn’t hurt the detailing either.
Don’t expect all today’s technology to be built into this gorgeous little creature; it is a product of yesterday’s fare. But do expect a fantastic finish, flawless fit and a great overall fidelity to everything that is likeable on one of Chevy’s most favorite images. Of the ’57 Bel Air’s, it is the Colonial Cream of the crop. Issue price is $120.
(02/24/2007)
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