Perfect Then and Perfect Now

Story By Ron Wolf

Sometimes a reclaimed old Chevy comes together in such a way that there’s just really nothing more that should be done to it. That’s the case with this ’57 owned by Wendell Price of Rogersville, Tennessee.

Wendell’s first car was a black 1957 Chevy convertible with red interior that he purchased new. He owned two ‘57s when he got married 45 years ago and then several more after that, including some that he raced for about ten years. So it’s safe to say that Wendell is a Chevy guy through and through.
 
Back to this car. Wendell said although he had gotten out of the hobby for a few years, he got the bug again to own a classic Chevy. This led to a four-year search in the late 90s until he found this ’57 2-door post car in Paris, TN. The car was in very good condition with original paint, seats, floor mats, etc. It also met the mandate given to Wendell by his wife, “No more rust bucket cars!”
 
With the latest ’57 acquisition in his garage, Wendell set to work building it out to a nice street cruiser. The build took a year or so to complete, but Wendell had the satisfaction of doing all the work himself. A built 350ci Ram Jet engine went in that was mated to a TH700R4 transmission with power transferred to an Auburn Positraction rear end. Power disc brakes were added for better stopping ability, power steering helped to improve handling and ride and Torque Thrust wheels upgraded the ride and appearance. Power windows and air conditioning added convenience and cool to the custom interior appointments, while a premium sound system pumps out 50s rock and roll music to be enjoyed by anyone lucky enough to be riding in the luxurious cabin.
 
The final touch Wendell added to the car was the beautiful Patriot Red paint job. Looking at the car as a complete package I think you’ll agree this is the kind of boulevard cruiser anyone would be proud to cruise in. And that’s exactly how the car is used today...on sunny Sunday afternoons only.
 
Oh, by the way, when I asked Wendell what improvements he has made since we photographed his car in 2005, he said, “Nothing has been done to the car since then – it was perfect at that time and still is.”
 
‘Nuff said.