This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2011
This gorgeous ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible was Bruce Springsteen’s first owned car, purchased on May 21, 1975. Springsteen’s signature songs, “Born To Run”, “Thunder Road” and “Backstreets” were all written in this car. In his autobiography “Songs” Springsteen 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.” The lyrics for his song “Racing In The Street” came from this car: ““I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a 396 Fuelie heads and a Hurst on the floor.” 10. After the release of “Born To Run” , the car was featured in the October issues of both Time and Newsweek Magazines, both on page 57. The ORIGINAL vehicle registration, temporary insurance card and Allstate insurance card in Bruce’s name and address are included with the car. Currently on view at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Springsteen had 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. The current owner has invested over $35,000 in overhauling the mechanical and electrical systems of the car, the body and frame are untouched just the way Springsteen owned it. The motor was replaced with a custom built gm 350, a single barrel chrome plated carburetor by Edelbrock was installed. The Time, Newsweek and Playboy Magazines featuring the car are included as well as an extremely detailed color book has been compiled by the owner and noted Bruce Springsteen historian, Michael Crane including all documentation and known history of the vehicle. A limited edition hard cover copy is included in the sale and may be personally inscribed at purchaser’s request. For further details please contact Gotta Have Rock and Roll at: info@gotttahaveit.com or via telephone at 800-950-1202 or 212-750-7900.