It doesn’t get much simpler than this: a cast-iron powerglide transmission, small-block 350 cubic-inch engine, and Rochester two-barrel carburetor. No headers, no air conditioning, and no frills, just a good driving old car. The car belongs to your author, it was purchased during the summer of 2012 when I was 17 and still in high school. Always wanting a vintage car, owning a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was a dream come true.

It came with a bad motor and a few missing parts, but it was 90% complete and needed a full mechanical overhaul.  Another motor out of a wrecking-yard car was purchased for $200 and father and son installed it in the ’57. It just runs so smooth it’s hard to believe.

The engine is really the only thing under the hood that has been changed. It isn’t shiny and dressed up in the engine bay, but there is something to be said about the look of a motor with a little grease and oil on it.

The entire car has been built as simple as possible, maintaining the “old car” look.” It’s kept most of the original paint, trim, and chrome, and has very few aftermarket parts on it. The biggest update on the car to date: a complete Ciadella interior kit.

Over this last winter, a complete overhaul on the interior of the car was done, with all new carpet, seat covers, headliner, and door panels. The car came with door panels, but they were in the trunk and unusable, so it went without until the new ones from Ciadella were added. Shoulder harness seatbelts and a Bluetooth radio were also installed at the time.

About the Author: Kyler Lacey has been writing many of our Street Features for the past year, and has put a lot of effort into his writing, interviewing vehicle owners, and finding out what’s special about their cars or trucks. When he asked if he could share his own car, we said “write it up!” There’s nothing better than walking the walk when you’re writing about cool classic cars, and Kyler has a couple of classics himself to show that he’s definitely Street Feature worthy.