Always expect the unexpected. Isn't that what they always say? And to tell you the truth things couldn't be more correct. Because just when you began to think everything is up and running, the unexpected comes sure as the Chiefs are going to take it all this year. Okay, how about as sure as taxes are due come April 15. Just ask Tom Smith, he'll tell you all about the unexpected.
In 1979 Tom set out to buy a '57 Chevy Bel Air. As he was cruising over to guys house where a '57 was for sale he happened to notice a wrecked '57 off to the side of the road. It had a cracked windshield and had been hit down the right side, but other than that, she was a real beaut. He forked over 400 bucks for the Chevy and went to work. The car was rockin' a 283 with a three-speed, power steering, power brakes, and had black interior in it. Tom figured that would be okay for the time being, but the green paint had to go. He painted the car orange with a gold flake in it. The next 9 months were smooth sailing until the unexpected happened. The engine caught fire and that was the end of it. He dissembled the car to get a start at fixing it back up, but ultimately lost interest in it all together.
When Tom starting dating his wife, Theresa, she got him motivated to get back to work on the car. Of course this was after the car had already sat for nearly a decade. The original plan was to turn it into a weekend streeter, however as the process of rebuilding took place the car was turning out much nicer than expected. Tom decided to do a complete frame-off restoration. The '57 was sent to the body shop, which happens to be owned by Theresa and her family, where it was prepped and painted PPG Hugger orange. As for the motor, the 283 was long gone. A '77 454 came along which was bored out .60 which ended up giving the '57 a no slouch 570hp 468ci Rat. The same quality touch was given to the not so stock interior. With Firebird buckets, lots of billet, and cream and Ostrich leather the interior is top notch as well. Just for the record, the interior was Tom's birthday present from Theresa. Talk about unexpected!
TECH SPECS
Owner
Tom Smith
Vehicle
'57 Bel Air
Engine
'77 Chevrolet 468, Aluminum Bowtie heads, J&E pistons, Edelbrock Performer RPM camshaft, Edelbrock Performer RPM Airgap intake manifold, Holley 830 carburetor, K&N air cleaner, MSD ignition, Dynomax headers, Flowmaster mufflers, machined by Button Automotive in O'Fallon, MO, estimated 570 hp