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The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a genuine Icon of the late 1950’s, still popular today. The 57 Bel Air is a combination of great styling and excellent power. It is a well-balanced car, offering light steering and nimble handling. All 1957 Bel Air body styles were exactly 200” in length. The continental kit added a few inches. Chevrolet made 47, 562 convertibles in ‘57, weighing-in at 3, 409 Lbs. Available engines were a 140 HP 6-cylinder engine or a 265 ci V8 with 162 HP, with the majority being purchased with the popular 283 ci V8, rated between 185 and 283 HP, depending on options.
Yat-Ming produces a very credible 1/18 scale diecast model of the ‘57 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible. Yat Ming models are priced at entry level prices and the Bel Air can usually be found in the low $20 range, very attractive for new or budget collectors or for dressing up a room. This blue version of the model is a dead-ringer for a full-sized ’57 that starred in the movie “Eddie and the Cruisers.”
This Yat-Ming model cannot be compared for fine details with more expensive models but it is quite a good value as is. The doors and hood fit nicely, the trunk does not open. The white-wall tires do not have letters, hardly noticeable at just over a foot away. The windshield looks a little wavy from the side but looks better at a ¾ view or straight on. I
liked the black bumperettes on the front end. The engine is pretty basic, with no hoses or wiring.
(07/27/2001)
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