How to improve on an icon like '57 Chevy Bel Air
If there was ever a “sweet, smooth and sassy” symbol of American motoring, as Chevrolet claimed in its advertisements back in 1957, it was the Bel Air. So improving upon an icon such as the '57 Chevy is no small task.
Naperville resident Tom Clementz had some ideas on how to make this rolling beaut even better, but these ideas didn't occur to him recently. This was back when this now-classic vehicle hit dealer showrooms new.
At the time, Clementz longed to purchase a '57 Bel Air from a local dealer. Unfortunately, he was strapped for cash. One of his pals, on the other hand, was not and had the dough. He bought a brand-spanking new, black two-door coupe from Fanning Chevrolet in Aurora.
“I saw it for the first time and thought it had the perfect color,” Clementz said. The new car smell hadn't even worn off before Clementz' wheels were turning, dreaming of ways he would make the fine lines even cooler.
“Immediately I visualized how to customize it. Not too much, just adjust some areas,” this longtime gearhead said.
After formulating those mods in his head, Clementz finally had the chance to make them for real in 1960. His buddy, Paul Medgyesi of Yorkville, offered to sell his ride. Clementz scooped it up and immediately started tweaking and modifying the machine.
“I set out to do what GM should have done in the factory,” Clementz said. His tweaks were subtle and started with removing much of the chrome trim.
The “V” came off the front of the hood, as well as the decorative hood bullets, crossed flags badging and rear badging. All of the holes left behind were filled and then the whole car was stripped and coated in ten coats of lacquer. The stock wheels were swapped for a set of Mickey Thompson's.
Clementz also found the original bench seat too wide and replaced it with a pair of 1957 Karman Ghia bucket seats.
Styling wasn't his only priority; equally important was going fast. The enthusiast installed a set of Corvette 327 cylinder heads on the Bel Air's stock 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine, producing “a big increase in horsepower.”
Next came a four-speed, close-ratio transmission, which made a perfect combo for racing. On the streets, Clementz was one cool cat, blowing away anything that pulling up next to him at stoplights. What he couldn't outrun was the law. The lead-foot enthusiast lost his license in 1962 for speeding, and for six months rode his bicycle to work.
All that time pedaling gave him much to think about. His conclusion was to stop showing off in his hopped-up Chevy — and just show it instead. He did just that for a couple years at area car shows until 1965 when he opened his own business, and then time got tight.
The vehicle sat in the back of his garage until 1990. Clementz pulled it back out, buffed the paint, rebuilt the injection unit and changed the oil. His classic Chevy was road-worthy once again.
Over the years, Clementz has had plenty of other cars and even other similar Chevys, but this one has always been the keeper.
“I can't let it go,” Clementz said. “For some reason, I loved this one more.”
• To share your car's story with Matt, email auto@dailyherald.com.