A 50th anniversary story on the 1957 Chevrolet is so historically significant that we ought to set the stage. First, to say that the 1957 Chevrolet has been immensely popular for the last 18,250 days would be an understatement. Second, if space allowed, this entire issue could be photos and features of only 1957 Chevrolets. Third, because every 1957 factory styling cue has been countlessly written about over the last 50 years, we have excluded most from this story. Fourth, we deeply respect the car and all the sensational options that were offered. But most of all, we care most about the history the car has created via every owner for the last half-century so this is where much of our story is aimed. Fasten your seat belt.
Styling-wise, They Called It A Baby Cadillac
In taking part and parcel of the '57s overall styling stature, it is important to address its similar front-end appearance and rear tail fin styling to that of the 1957 Cadillac. Yes, it was planned that way. The public clamored for a drastic sheetmetal revamp and boy did they get it. It should be noted that much changed at Chevrolet with this breathtaking new model. It was indeed like nothing else ever created. Its wheelbase was a few inches longer, its design was wild and engineers finished it off with new 14-inch wheels and tires-said to give a "softer" ride. Everything else, including Chevrolet's own initial advertising, spelled "fire breather" and "take no prisoners."
The 1957 Chevrolet quickly proved to be a magnificent "one-year-wonder." It has gone on for 50 years as one of Chevrolet's top models ever. Further, some 25 or so '57s were later modified and re-sold with '57 Cadillac fins and front end-but that's another story.
One Horsepower Per Cubic Inch!
When the 1957 was introduced on October 17, 1956, it could be ordered with a six-cylinder engine as standard, or one of five optional V-8 engines: a two-barrel 265 V-8 engine early on until they ran out or the new larger 283 with 220 horsepower with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor. Also available was a twin Carter four-barrel carb option with either hydraulic camshaft (245 hp) or solid lifter camshaft (270 hp) at about $183.00 extra. Because these 380 cfm Carter WCFB (White Cast Four Barrel) carburetors had jets and metering rods that were on the money, performance of the optional 270 horsepower 283 was very, very good. This was the most popular Chevy V-8 engine of '50s and early '60s and it was the "engine to beat" on the street.
For $480.00, one could order Rochester Ramjet fuel injection for either 250 smooth-idle (hydraulic lifter cam) or 283 rumpty-rump idle (solid lifter) horsepower. Chevrolet's initial ads glorified the "One Horsepower Per Cubic Inch" attainment and everyone indeed took notice.