Detail Info for: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 Bruce Springsteen Chevy Bel Air Convertible

Transaction Info

Sold On:
12/19/2016
Price:
$ 350000.00
Condition:
Mileage:
2600
Location:
Fair Lawn, New Jersey, 07410
Seller Type:
Private Seller

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210
Submodel Body Type:
Engine:
GM 350
Transmission:
Manual
VIN:
VC57B204492
Vehicle Title:
Clear
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

This is your chance to own a huge piece of Rock n' Roll History. The car in which the boss actually crafted his signature song, "Born To Run". Rumors as to the vehicle's whereabouts have perplexed Bruce's fans for the past 7 years. Articles have been written that the car seemed to vanish from the public eye. However, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible has now surfaced once again. It is now being offered for sale, undoubtedly the most significant if not the only Bruce Springsteen car to be owned privately.This is now your opportunity to join a legacy of owners of this vehicle, number 4 since Bruce sold the car in the Spring of 1976. 1. Bruce’s first set of wheels, purchased May 21, 1975 for $2,000. 2. The artist’s signature songs “Born To Run”, “Thunder Road” and “Backstreets” were written in this car. 3. Featured in Bruce’s autobiography titled, “Songs” he writes:“In ‘70’s New Jersey, the car was still a powerful image. That summer I bought my first set of wheels for two thousand dollars. It was a ‘57 Chevy with dual, four-barrel carbs, a Hurst on the floor and orange flames spread across the hood.” 4. The lyrics for the song “Racing In the Street” came from this ’57 Chevy:“I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a 396 Fuelie heads and a Hurst on the floor” 5. Featured in the book titled, “Backstreets” by Charles R. Cross, noted Rock n’ Roll historian names this vehicle “The Ultimate Springsteen Collectible”. 6. After the release of Bruce’s record “Born To Run” , the car was featured in the October issues of both Time and Newsweek Magazines, ironically both on page 57. 7. The car was featured in the March 1976 issue of Playboy Magazine and appeared on various promotional items including a poster and t-shirt. This 1957 Chevy Convertible became virtuously synonymous with Bruce Springsteen. 8. From October 2008 until January 2010, the Chevy was featured in the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame Annex in New York City. Mayor Michael Bloomberg posed in the vehicle for pictures. This car was the most popular artifact at the museum. 9. In January 2010, the Chevy was moved to the main Rock Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, OH where it became part of the largest Bruce Springsteen exhibit ever. 10. Bruce was forced to sell the car in the Spring of 1976 due to his new found fame, it stood out too much, so he purchased a more subtle 1960 Corvette in black, which he still drives to this very day. No other Bruce Springsteen car has been offered for sale. 11. The ORIGINAL vehicle registration, temporary insurance card and Allstate insurance card in Bruce’s name and address are included with the car. 12. The Time, Newsweek and Playboy magazines featuring the car are included. 13. An extremely detailed color book encompassing 80 pages has been compiled by noted Bruce Springsteen historian, Michael E. Crane including all documentation and known history of the vehicle. A copy is included in the sale. 14. The mechanical and electrical systems of the car have been entirely overhauled, the body and frame are untouched just the way Bruce owned it. 15. Mechanical: The motor was replaced with a custom built GM 350, a single barrel chrome plated carburetor by Edelbrock was installed. Chrome plated custom valve covers with Chevy logo, chrome plated PVC valve and air intake as well. All belt pulleys are chrome. Power brakes were installed with new rotors. Muncie 4 speed manual transmission was rebuilt, replacing gears 2 and 4, original Hurst shifter with wooden knob remains. The radiator is rebuilt, steering rods replaced, heating coil and fan replaced with OEM parts. Gas tank was dropped, cleaned and re-installed. The entire engine compartment was stripped, power washed and repainted black. The manufacturing tag is present and highly visible. The exhaust system is a pair of aluminum coated magnaflow mufflers with chrome plated tips on the pipes. The car rumbles like a Harley!! 16. Electrical: The wiring harness was replaced with new. A chrome, extra large alternator was installed to power the electrical system. The $5,000 stereo system features Audison amplifier, Hertz component speakers custom built into kick panels at the front of the car. Bass speakers are built into the floor panel in rear of car. The stereo is unbelievably loud and clear at high speeds with the top down. The motor for the convertible roof was replaced in addition to the hydraulic pistons. The clock was replaced with an OEM part. New voltage, oil pressure and engine temperature gauges are featured under the dash and a new tach mounted on the steering column."I looked out across my hood and saw the highway buckle neath the wheels of a gold Chevy 6..." Original lyrics to "Born To Run" (copy attached in photos at top). The Chevy was appraised and insured for $850,000 while on display at the Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame. "Blindedbythelight.com"1180 Avenue Of The Americas8th FloorNew York, New York 10036theboss@blindedbythelight.com On Dec-18-16 at 20:01:06 PST, seller added the following information: REVISION DECEMBER 18, 2016: Bruce's car will be featured on Good Day New York tomorrow morning, Monday December 19 at approximately 9:00am. Anyone interested in taking a live peak at this legendary Rock n' Roll icon should tune in tomorrow for the most up to date information. It is exactly one year ago that Janis Joplin's Porsche sold for $1.76million. The paint job on that car was NOT original, actually replaced in the 90's. Bruce's exterior and interior are absolutely authentic and ORIGINAL. http://autoweek.com/article/auctions/janis-joplins-porsche-356-brings-16-million-auction "Born To Run", a Rock n' Roll anthem spanning across 4 generations was unquestionably written behind the wheel of this car. How do we know? The "golden chevy" is penned in Bruce's own handwriting, a copy of this "Born To Run" lyric (sold in auction exactly 3 years ago December 2013) is placed above in the picture description of the car. Bruce cruised the Jersey Shore up and down "Highway Route 9", he would also travel from Asbury Park to his home at West End Ct. in Long Branch, NJ. As of now, the reserve has been met and this car will definitely go to a lucky ebayer at just $351,000, less than half of its 2008 appraisal of $850,000. Unless, someone else recognizes the significance and value of this Legendary Vehicle, the current bidder is truly making a deal of a lifetime. It's still not too late to stake your claim on the boss's hotrod, his inspiration for the title track of a record that thrust Bruce Springsteen into superstardom back in 1975. The auction is over tomorrow night, December 19 at approximately 11 pm EST. Don't lose this incredible opportunity to take a shot at the top, bid now. Good Luck to all you tramps out there! We want this car to go to a fan, someone who will enjoy driving it as much as us for the last 11 years. Jump in "roll down the window and let the "wind blow back your hair." We have refused to accept private offers on this vehicle and will absolutely not end the auction early. Please stop sending these requests.

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