The ’57 Chevy is one of the most popular cars ever made. Its youthful styling was more attractive than the boxy predecessors from just a few years earlier. The four-door hardtop was a relatively new body style and the Chevy Bel Air wore it well, like the seller’s car. This one looks to be a project that started under the hood and stopped there. It’s available in St. Clairsville, Ohio (west of Wheeling, West Virginia) and here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,000 or best offer.
Chevy’s full-size cars were treated to a serious do-over in 1955 and they would roll on that platform for three years. We understand the higher-ups at General Motors wanted an entirely new car for 1957, but production delays necessitated that the 1955–56 design carry over for another year. It would be 1958 before the next totally new car would come out and it would be a one-hit wonder in that the cars were totally redone again just a year after that. But the reworked ’57 was sportier and sharper than its older cousins, picking up some tail fins in the process. Other changes included a new dashboard, sealed cowl, and air ducts in the headlight pods, which helped make the ’57 styling desirable in years to come. The four-door hardtop, like the seller’s car, was model #2413 and saw production of 142,500 units out of 720,000 Bel Air’s overall. Total Chevy production for 1957 was 1.5 million cars.
We don’t have a lot of information about the seller’s car, but it looks like a project that got stalled, either for him or the previous owner. We’re told there’s a 283 under the hood, which apparently is as far as the project got. It’s freshly painted as is most of the engine compartment, leading us to believe it has recently been rebuilt. But we don’t know if anything outside of an air cleaner is anything but stock. There seems to be an automatic in this Bel Air, so we assume that’s the tried-and-true 2-speed Powerglide, but we don’t know if it, too, got a refresh. From what we can see, the car’s ample chrome looks good, but not great. And the paint looks old and tired and not original.
There are only a couple of interior shots provided, one of them showing off what appears to be a new dashboard, and the other a torn seatback. So, we’re guessing the interior is ready for a complete makeover. The windshield is cracked and it will need replacing, as well. The mileage is not indicated except with a placeholder, so we don’t know how much of the USA someone saw in this Chevrolet (remember the Dinah Shore song?).
A really sharp Bel Air hardtop can go for $40,000 to infinity, but one in fair condition is under $20,000. The seller’s asking price might be about right if this car isn’t a rust bucket. I think I’ll start a class on teaching people how to take pictures of classic cars they want to sell.
Don’t see the sale price here especially with the water temp sender painted over and the rat’s lunch still sitting on the intake manifold. Indicates all is not well south of the border. For a decent price, yes. For this price, no.
Me thinks one too many zeros in the price tag. Soooo much work to be done.
Looks like the rat snacked on the seat too.
It might be worth considering at about 1/3rd the price. It’s a project that needs an unknown amount of work.
The seller needs to step up and create a better ad including more detailed pictures and a thorough description and lower the price.
Steve R
a low-effort sales attempt.
…again.
it’s a 4 door which makes it a little less desirable. Plus, too many unknowns. I’m surprised at how many people think “I have a car; someone will want it” and leave it at that. No information with pictures lacking. This is no where worth $12k.
Looks like the seller is hiding something,no pictures no clue what ur going to get
The transmission could be a Turboglide, which was a 3 speed automatic use by Chevy on V8 cars except Corvette. It was used from 1957 thru 1961.
It was also called a “Terribleglide” because of problems.
Turboglide was not a 3 speed automatic. It was a non shifting one speed automatic.
Russ, thank you, Bobhess, more wisdom from you. And Russ should start the class on teaching Sellers how to photograph their cars for sale and
someone should tell these folks to get into reality about what the car should sell for based on its condition, not market values, which are a guide, not the Grail.
Did anyone else notice this car has the rare factory Frigidaire Air Conditioning? Hopefully when the engine work was done, they didn’t throw the engine-mounted A/C parts, including the pulleys, compressor & brackets, those parts are rather expensive today.
Those parts are probably rare as hen’s teeth, too.
Of all four doors, I would be happy to have another hardtop Tri 5. But aside from the shiny rattle can Chevy orange on the block, and the rare Fridgidaire refrigerator in the trunk :), why is it worth 12 grand?
Once again we have a seller who wants to keep his car and not sell it. I’m thinking its a function of the amplifying nature of the interwebs. Everybodys stuff is worrth more than the next guys. Crazy. I just hope I can outlast everyone and buy them cheap on the downswing!
Mountainwoodie,
The A/C system is not located in the trunk, it’s mounted to the right inner front fender, making it almost impossible to reach the 2 spark plugs closest to the firewall. The blower motor almost contacts the factory air cleaner! Plus, the huge compressor, mounted to the right side of the engine & over the valve cover, makes it impossible to remove the valve cover unless the compressor is removed first.
I know because I have large hands, as well as having owned a 1957 Nomad from Aridzona, equipped with factory A/C. I also had a 1956 210 2-door with factory A/C, and that was even worse to get to the plugs.
I also forgot to mention that this factory A/C car does not have power steering or power brakes!
Looks like the guy needs to learn how to take good–clear pictures. Look at what kind of shape the car is really in. What it would cost to get his or her car in the $12,000 range. Then advertise it . The floors and trunk could be ate out–bad frame. Show and detail is real description of the vehicle. With what all I see–very little and very little information–I wouldn,t go over $3,000/ Plus all the time running down part .Getting parts re-chromed–replaced. Doing the interior–paint job-brake system–fuel system. It cost and takes alot just to get this car into $12,000. I,ll pass. Be fair and honest and not lazy about taking some really nice pictures. They help to sale what you have.
Personally, I prefer the 4 Dr hardtop in 1957 to the 2 Dr hardtop. Just like the proportions and the look of the C pillar. Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige would be my colors too. Missing back window, suspect that will be hard to find. I agree the ask on this one is way too high, plus not in the market for another project. Fun to look at and build in my mind though.