I fell in love with Bill Harris’ 1957 Chevy Bel Air the first time I saw it at a car show. The beautiful blue accented by the Bel Air trim stopped me in my tracks. I also loved the way he used modern colors on the interior while staying close to the original look. I took several pictures of it to use as a reference for my Bel Air. The quality of craftsmanship put into this car is something I could only dream of for my car at the time.
Bill Harris is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I’m not sure which he enjoys more, working on his Chevys, or sharing them with others. He isn’t one of those “Don’t Touch The Car” guys at the car shows. He’s the guy that opens the doors and invites you inside. I found out that Bill actually rebuilt his Bel Air all by himself, except for doing the upholstery on the seats. (He bought matching material to finish the door panels and rest of the interior on his own. ) I asked him if had worked as a mechanic, or had his own shop. Bill replied, “No. I just started building model cars when I was little and went from there.” He has obviously honed his car restoration skills to the point of true craftmanship. Bill’s quality of work is validated by what appears to be hundreds of car show trophies on a shelf across a wall in his garage.
It took Bill four years to build the blue beauty that carries the name of “One Summer Night” on the trunk. (I need to ask him why he named it that someday.) The color is actually a 2005 PT Cruiser Electric Blue. Bill only had to replace one of the many exterior trim pieces on the Bel Air, which I find amazing. He put a 350 V8 engine and manual transmission in it. And as you can see from the picture, he dressed it up with lots of chrome accessories. When he fires it up, it sounds as good as it looks.
This four door hardtop isn’t the only treasure Bill has in his garage. He also has a Corvette that we never got around to taking about. (Although, I’m sure some of those trophies on the wall belong to it.) Bill’s current project is a 1956 Chevy he has already dubbed “Sugar & Spice.” He is going to put a big block engine and automatic transmission in it. He said that he has always wanted a car with a big block in it, so he’s doing that for himself. The automatic transmission is so that his wife, Teresa, can enjoy driving it too. (I’m looking forward to seeing it when he is finished.)
If you happen to see a great looking blue 57′ Bel Air named “One Summer Night” during car show season, make sure you introduce yourself to Bill Harris. By the time you walk away, you will have a new friend that shares the same love of cool cars that you do!
Enjoy more pictures of Bill’s Bel Air below!
