The 57 Bel Air Motorcycle

Take a 2008 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob motorcycle, add vast amounts of ingenuity, imagination and innovation and blend with over 3,000 hours of labor and you might end up with this homage to the ever popular, instantly recognized 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.  This red beauty was recently seen at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show held in Las Vegas, Nevada .

The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is an iconic look from the ‘50s.  Any enthusiast will easily recognize the front chrome bumper, the bullets on the hood, the swoopy aluminum molding along the sides and the wild fins and rear taillights of the ’57. For the Tri-5 years, (1955-1957) Chevrolet altered the appearance and styling of their vehicle each year.  Try re-tooling a car line now like that every year!

The builder, LUPO Racing, was from France and brought over this interesting takeoff on the iconic '57 Bel Air.  The builder/owner used the styling cues from the Chevy "fins" for his rear end and actually utilized the rear taillight to accentuate the rear view.  But recognizing that neither taillight is exactly symmetrical, the builder took the time and effort to cut each taillight in half and then mold the halves together to get a perfect design and look.  Talk about attention to detail!

The exhaust exits through the rear end's light housing.  Originally Chevrolet had thought of using the same idea for their cars, but the exhaust left a residue on the chrome which stopped that concept from going to production.  He also used the "chrome Dagmar's"  from the Chevy's front bumper to help carry off the theme.  Add in some Chevy emblems and badging and mix up some great imagination, and you end up with one sweet look.  Famed motorcycle builder Arlen Ness handiwork was even used for the engine cover.

This motorcycle was parked in front of the SEMA Show, where anybody could walk by and admire the handiwork.  It was not part of any display booth; but just standing on the outside sidewalk for everybody to admire and appreciate.  To top it off, the builder/owner drove it out of the SEMA Show on the Friday Night Cruise.

You've got to admire the craftsmanship of the builder and the work to bring it over to the U.S. to be seen for one week here in Las Vegas!

By Mark Bach

www.route66pubco.com