Certain people, places, and objects immediately trigger us to think about particular eras of the past. For example, when you see an image of Marilyn Monroe, a drive-in, or a Wurlitzer jukebox, you automatically think of the 1950s. While there are a few cars you could add to that list, none are more iconic than the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. These cars, from the convertibles down to the four door sedans, are a rolling reminder of what many see as a great time in American history. Luckily, there are many of them still around, and there is a four door version just waiting for a lucky new owner in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. For sale here on craigslist, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air appears to be in very good condition, and the price seems quite right at $10,900.
Attentive readers will notice the Divco milk truck in the background and remember it from the Citroen 2CV story from a few weeks ago. Evidently, this car belongs to either a very eclectic collector, or someone buying and selling classics. At any rate, the Chevy seems to be in great shape, and the paint, at least in the pictures, looks to be quite presentable. The blue is either Tropical Turquoise or Larkspur Blue. It is hard to tell with the lack of lighting, but no matter which color it is, it contrasts the India Ivory top well.
Inside, we see that the interior is in good condition, and the wrinkles in the upholstery probably point to the upholstery being replaced previously. Believe it or not, there are a few cars of this vintage still rolling around with the original upholstery still in them. I have seen a few, and they all have those clear plastic covers that resemble the one on Paulie Walnuts’ couch on the Sopranos. At any rate, you can see that there is plenty of room here to stretch out and enjoy seeing the USA in your Chevrolet.
One look in the backseat tells you why these cars were drive in movie favorites. While the picture is a bit fuzzy, we can see that the seller seems to be providing a set of shop manuals for the car. Fifties and sixties GM shop manuals are quite informative, and are worth their weight in gold when spending some time under the hood. You can likely find dozens of other books about Tri-Five Chevys online, and there are a lot of bargains to be had if you look for used books on Amazon.
Under the hood is a tried and true Chevrolet 283 cubic inch small block V-8, which is cooled by an aftermarket aluminum radiator. The seller claims that this is the original engine, and it is backed up by a “three on the tree” manual transmission. The car is said to run and drive well, and would probably be easy to fix if it wasn’t. Remember, a manual is provided!
All and all, this looks to be a really nice car. It is not in perfect condition, but the price isn’t high either. This is the kind of car that I like to call an “ice cream car.” That is, a car you load the family into for an after dinner run to the ice cream shop. It is an easy car to own for those who don’t know a lot about cars in general, and it can be fixed most anywhere. You could do a lot worse for this price if you are looking for a good driver.
I hope to own a 57 chevy before I leave this earth. Had to be a 2 door for many years, but the 4 door have grown on me as well. Seems like a decent deal. GLWTS
Hi Jeff. At last! Somebody that appreciates 4 door cars, apart from me.
I have always preferred 4 door cars and wagons also !!
I like 4 doors as well. Perhaps it is because that is what the cars I grew up had, except for the VW Bus. Price is good!
Nice car….even for a 4 door. I will be the first to say it on this one…..Sorry but more doors is not more cool (except in rare exceptions like mid 60’s Lincolns with suicide doors etc). It also equals FAR less in value (in most cases). Doesn’t mean 4 door cars are not nice. Pick it up cheap, load up the fam and hit the local car nights. ok please spare the hate mail.
In the darkest depths of “more doors” I met a Bel Air so fair!
four doors are just as old, classic, and cool as two doors. just that the rich havent decided to make them into a rich mans game. hope they never do. most of us cant afford tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands for an older car that cost less than $3000 brand new. four doors are still somewhat affordable. least for now.
It looks like a beautiful driver. We still have a drive in theater here, so I’d use it for that and ice cream all summer long. Not to mention cruising with the crew.
Here’s the archived ad http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=1957Chevrolet
Thanks for doing this, Will.
Ad is still up right now, but I really would have wanted to see it if it wasn’t.
It’s amazing in this day and age that a seller can’t provide clear pictures. But I like it. V8 with 3-on-the-tree is cool.
I had a sporty two door once. Hated it. And I was young and single at the time. It was hard to get my knucklehead buddies in and out, couldn’t fit a bike in the back, and the long driver’s door always wanted to close on me when I was on the boat ramp launching my jet ski. After that it’s been four doors and wagons for me, whether a daily driver or vintage hobby car. I love convertibles, so I do have one two door. But I also have the best of both worlds: a Lincoln four door convertible. Two doors aren’t for me, but I don’t feel the need to disparage the cars or their owners. Why is it that people feel the need to insult four door cars?
Anyway, back to this ’57. These are icons, and people will talk about them at every gas stop. I had a ’57 wagon and really enjoyed it. This is a decent car and you could have a lot of fun with it as is. I like the color combo. Front end doesn’t seem to be a good paint match – watch for hidden damage. Might be original 283, but the generator has been swapped. Either has manual steering or a later steering pump has been added. I’d replace that stock single pot master cylinder and drive the wheels off it.
– John
Looks just like my Tropical Turquoise. The Larkspur Blue is a bit lighter and more pale.
So many better looking cars from the ’50s. I’ve never understood what’s so special about these things. Just another cookie cutter.