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This 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 door with a V8 was sitting in a barn in Dixon, California for 30 years. There aren’t many detailed pictures, but it’s here in Sacramento so I can have a look if someone is really interested. This is a very warm dry area so it probably only has surface rust, well at least that’s the hope. Does $8,500 seem too expensive? It isn’t a fully restored car, but perhaps it won’t take much to get it to top condition. Four door cars aren’t worth nearly as much as 2 doors, but that makes this one affordable and 4 doors seem to be rising in value. It’s listed here on craigslist. So would you be satisfied with this 4 door Bel Air?
The aftermarket A/C is interesting, if this doesn’t have much rust (meaning needing body panels, a floor, frame, window seals, etc…) then I’d say it’s a good candidate for restoration at minimal cost. I’d restomod it with vintage air, power bench, door locks, windows, antenna, steering, brakes. That price… may be a bit high for this sort of restoration project though.
I’m inclined to think they know something about this motor that isn’t good. You have this fairly nice looking old 57 belair inside this very nice auto shop and you haven’t tried to start the motor? I don’t believe it. If I was going to sell it and wanted $8500.00, I would have got the motor running. The buyer should approach this one as having a bad motor and hope for the best.
Times two. I think you nailed it Texas Tea. I was thinking the same thing.