What were the factory colors for the 1957 Chevy?
The 1957 Chevrolet lineup offered a broad palette of exterior colors, with both solid finishes and two-tone combinations. The exact color names and pairings varied by model and body style, and paint codes were published in dealer literature and build sheets. This article provides a concise overview of what collectors and historians often reference when discussing the factory colors of that year.
How Chevrolet organized color options in 1957
Chevrolet presented two main approaches to exterior color in 1957: solid colors applied to the entire body, and two-tone schemes that paired a base body color with a contrasting roof or beltline color. The available options differed by model (for example, Bel Air, 210, and 150) and by body style, so the exact color names and combinations could vary from one car to another. Paint codes on the body tag and build sheet are the authoritative way to identify the exact factory color for a specific vehicle.
Representative solid exterior color families
The official palette included a range of solid finishes across common color families. The following list summarizes the broad categories collectors frequently encounter when cataloging 1957 Chevrolets. Each color is described by its general tone rather than a single, definitive name that may have appeared in all dealer literature.
- Red family: vivid crimson to deep cherry hues that dominated many sportier and Bel Air models.
- Blue family: from darker, navy-like blues to medium tones that read as classic Chevy blues.
- Green family: forest, emerald, and olive-toned greens that complemented chrome trim and two-tone options.
- Gold/Beige family: warm tans, golds, and sandy shades often pitched as “golden” or “beige” in catalogs.
- Yellow/Amber family: sunny yellows or amber-like shades used on several body styles.
- White/Off-white family: bright Alpine White and softer ivory-like whites were common across trims.
- Black/Gray family: black and charcoal or gray-tinish solid finishes were also offered.
These categories reflect the broad approach Chevrolet used in 1957 to deliver a wide range of looks, from conservative to flashy, across its passenger-car lineup.
Two-tone color pairings (body color with roof/trim contrast)
Two-tone paint schemes were a hallmark of the 1957 era, especially on the Bel Air. The following describes the general approach to two-tone finishes and how they were typically applied across model lines. Keep in mind that exact pairings depended on the model and year options chosen at the dealership.
- Body color paired with a contrasting white roof, which created the classic “white-roof” motif popular in late 1950s styling.
- Body color paired with another high-contrast roof or accent color (often a shade from the same family or a complementary tone) to emphasize lines and chrome detailing.
- Two-tone beltline and accent stripe combinations that added visual separation along the body, sometimes coordinating with interior trim colors.
For enthusiasts, two-tone combos are as much about the visual rhythm as about the exact color names, and many surviving examples show a wide variety of combinations across models and production windows.
How to verify the exact factory color for a specific 1957 Chevy
To confirm the precise exterior color of a particular vehicle, collectors should rely on specific documentation and hardware attached to the car itself. The steps below explain the process and the kinds of codes to look for.
- Check the body tag or door jamb tag for paint codes and trim codes, which encode the color family and roof/trim combinations.
- Review the vehicle’s build sheet or SPID (service parts identification) tag, which lists the original paint code along with trim and options.
- Consult the dealer brochure or Chevrolet’s 1957 color catalog for the official name corresponding to the paint code, noting that names could vary by model.
- Cross-reference the paint code with GM Heritage Center archives or reputable 1950s Chevrolet color catalogs and restoration guides to confirm the exact color match.
Because paint naming and availability varied by model and production run, the most reliable evidence is the combination of the paint code found on the car and the corresponding build sheet. When in doubt, seek a color match using the code rather than a name, and verify against multiple reference sources.
Notes for collectors and restorers
Restorers often contend with the fact that some 1957 color names were inconsistently applied across model lines and marketing materials. In practice, multiple solid colors and dozens of two-tone combinations were possible, and the exact choice for any given car should be verified with the codes on the car and corroborated by period literature. Modern restoration paints can approximate the look, but an authentic restoration depends on matching the original code and using era-correct formulations where possible.
In summary, the factory color options for the 1957 Chevrolet spanned broad color families for solid finishes and a wide array of two-tone combinations, with the exact palette varying by model and production run. The definitive way to identify a specific color on a given car is to read the paint and trim codes on the car itself and confirm against Chevrolet’s historical color catalogs and dealer literature.
Summary
Chevrolet’s 1957 color lineup offered a diverse range of solid colors and two-tone schemes across its full-size models. The colors varied by model, trim, and production period, and the reliable way to determine the exact factory color is to check the car’s paint code and build sheet, then verify against period Chevrolet catalogs or GM Heritage Center references. For collectors and restorers, this approach helps ensure an authentic representation of the original factory appearance.
What is the nickname for a 57 Chevy?
The 1957 Chevrolet was called by some a "Baby Cadillac", because of many styling cues similar to Cadillacs of the time. V8-optioned cars got a large "V" under the Chevrolet script on the hood and trunk lid; the "V: was gold for the Bel Air trim level, and silver-colored chrome for the 210 and 150 trim levels.
How much is a 1957 Chevy worth today?
A 1957 Chevy's value can range from around $2,500 to over $244,000, but most cars in good condition fall into the $25,000 to $100,000+ range. The final price depends on the model (Bel Air, 210, etc.), its specific condition, mileage, and any original features or desirable modifications.
Value by condition and model
- Bel Air: A good condition 1957 Bel Air typically sells for around $66,800. Top-tier examples can fetch over $100,000, while a low-end car needing extensive work may be valued at about $25,462 or even less.
- 210: A good condition 1957 Chevrolet 210 is typically valued at around $26,857.
- Other models: The value can vary significantly based on the model. For instance, a 1957 GMC Series 100 1/2 Ton in good condition is valued at about $22,950, with some high-end examples selling for over $115,500.
- Factors that increase value:
- Excellent condition and low mileage.
- Original parts and desirable options, such as gold trim on a Bel Air.
- A detailed history of ownership.
- Factors that decrease value:
- Poor condition or a need for extensive repairs.
- Damage from accidents or title problems.
- Non-original modifications that detract from the car's classic appeal.
How to get an estimate
- Check online marketplaces: Websites like Classics on Autotrader, Cars.com, and Classic.com list cars for sale, giving you an idea of asking prices based on condition and model.
- Consult valuation guides: Resources like Hagerty and J.D. Power provide estimated values based on condition and model.
- Get a professional appraisal: For a precise valuation, consider getting a professional appraisal from a classic car expert.
What is the most sought after 57 Chevy?
1957 Chevy Bel Air Popularity
The '55 and '56 models had developed a reputation for reliability and, when needed, simple and cheap repair. This carried through into 1957. The abundance of 1957 Bel Airs also helps account for why the car continues to be popular.
What colors did the 1957 Chevy come in?
1957 Chevy Colors
| Paint Code | Paint Name |
|---|---|
| 812 | Surf Green / Highland Green |
| 813 | India Ivory / Surf Green |
| 814 | India Ivory / Coronado Yellow |
| 815 | Onyx Black / Colonial Cream |
