Mike Burger’s 1957 Bel Air was part Chevrolet’s Tri-Five, a nickname for the millions of Chevies sold in 1955, 1956 and 1957. For a graying generation of car enthusiasts, the beloved Tri-Fives represent the decade of the 1950s with their boxy profile.
Jim Krumel | For The Lima News
ST. MARYS – Keep your mind open when you set out to buy a car. And if you don’t see something you like, walk away.
That’s how Mike Burger, 73, of St. Marys, ended up with his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
He went to a car show in Cincinnati with every intention of buying a vintage Chrysler product – a Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram, or Jeep vehicle. Preferably, it would have some muscle under the hood.
“I looked for a Mopar, but didn’t see one that I liked,” he said.
Fate was on his side as he drove home to St. Marys. He came across a candy apple red 1957 Bel Air.
“It needed some work, but the price was right. So I thought ‘why not?’” said Burger.
He re-did the interior and installed a 383 stroker motor. He also added fuel injection and improved the car’s suspension.
He had the Bel Air at the Happy Daz Cool Car Cruise-In in September.
Any regrets about not getting a Mopar?
“Not at all,” he said. “I’m happy with this.”
GET YOUR CAR FEATURED
The Lima News publishes photographs of vintage cars, 20 years or older, free of charge in Real Wheels. It is easy to get your car featured:
• Mail: Real Wheels, Newsroom, The Lima News; 205 W. Market St., Suite #100A; Lima, OH 45801.
• Email: [email protected]
• Include: Photograph of your car; year of car, make and model; how many years you have owned the vehicle; car’s history; best memory of car; your name, address and telephone number (the phone number will not be published).
If you have further questions, contact The Lima News newsroom at 419-222-6397 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
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Check out cars we’ve featured and discuss your memories on the Real Wheels page at LimaOhio.com/tag/realwheels.
