Motoring

Get inside an iconic car that’s impossible to resist

Mar 19, 2017

Gordy Schleissing with his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hard Top.

Gordy Schleissing ‘blames’ his brother for his interest in vintage cars.

The Starts at 60 reader from north-east Florida said his brother had always owned antique cars when he was growing up and he learned to love them too.

Schleissing, 69, tells us all about his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop.

When did you get it?

I bought it about 39 years ago because I always was interested in classic cars and it was being sold under value. The car and model is iconic so I couldn’t resist.

Schleissing’s granddaughter Eva sitting in his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop.

What have you done to it since?

It has had a series of restorations with the primary one done 35 years ago with body work and new paint. It was in pretty good shape when I bought it. I’ve replaced a few engine parts, the exhaust system, steering wheel and interior items. The engine was rebuilt.

How much work goes into its upkeep?

Basically, it amounts to keeping her running well, clean and covered.

Behind the wheel of the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop.

What unique or special features does it have?

It’s mostly original with a 283 V8 engine. It also retains its original three-speed column- shift transmission. It has an original traffic light viewer inside, since the windshield is not slanted much. The device assists in being able to see the traffic light while stopped. Special star-wire wheels have been added with modern tires. This body style has no middle post for the windows.

What was your first car?

A 1958 Renault 4-CV.

What’s your favourite car?

A 1967 Corvette Big Block roadster (I owned a 65 Corvette some years ago).

The Florida plate on Schleissing’s classic car.

Why are you interested in cars?

I think it stems from my brother’s love of antique cars. He always had one as I grew up.

If you do your own restoration work, what are the challenges and highlights?

Most of my major restoration was done by professionals. I oversaw the work and directed the process. The challenge is to pick good professionals who take pride in their work.

The Bel Air gleaming, complete with fluffy dice on the rearview mirror.

Do you have any early memories of cars or driving?

When I was in college I used to drive cars owned by my friends. One was a 59 MGA – that may have been the most fun car I’ve ever driven. The other an ugly old Rambler that had the advantage on dates since the seats would fold down. Enough said!