The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air remains one of the most recognized shapes in American automotive history, and this black hardtop offers a mix of finished and to-be-finished that could be perfect for the right buyer. The seller notes there’s no rust anywhere, solid trunk, floors, and frame, and the body wears excellent stainless trim with fresh glass. Under the hood sits a 402 big block V8 mated to a rebuilt Turbo 400 automatic transmission, providing more muscle than any factory ’57 could claim. The car features front power disc brakes with 2-inch dropped spindles, Cragar wheels, and good tires. Located with a private seller, it’s listed here on eBay with a clean title and 124,748 miles. The main missing piece? The interior, sold off in preparation for a custom leather fit-out, so the next owner will need to supply seating and trim before heading to the local cruise night.
Finished in black with gleaming stainless, the Bel Air’s bodywork presents well, with straight panels and no mention of filler or patchwork. The seller states the front bumper is “fair,” but notes a large stash of chrome parts for the motor is included.
The stance is helped by those 2-inch dropped spindles and the period-correct Cragar wheels, giving this Tri-Five a slightly more aggressive look. The tires are described as good, so it’s reportedly road-ready once the interior is addressed.
The 402 big block is backed by a rebuilt Turbo 400 automatic and said to run “excellent.” While a 0.5L engine size is mistakenly listed in the eBay data, the seller clearly states the car’s true big block heart, a significant performance boost over the original small-block options.
With the trunk solid and rust-free, this Chevy offers a sound foundation. The seller mentions driving it as recently as last month, suggesting it’s mechanically capable of short-term use—again, once an interior is installed.
This ’57 presents a tempting opportunity: a largely complete, rust-free Bel Air with upgraded running gear, fresh glass, solid body, and most brightwork intact. For someone comfortable sourcing or custom-building an interior, the heavy lifting appears done. Would you restore it to showroom glory, or embrace its hot rod potential and tailor it to your tastes?
SOLD!
$5000!?!?!??
It says ended with 0 bids, I’m not sure that is the same as sold?
There were two bids that were cancelled when the auction was ended. It may have been sold, but it wasn’t through eBay.
Steve R
Why would you sell the interior, even if you are going to do leather? You still need a foundation to start with, especially the back seat. Maybe change the front to buckets, ok, I get that, but the rest, including door panels? I don’t get it. I must be missing something.
This would be a really nice car if it were not for that. IMO the interior is the hardest part of any car to restore. I’ll take mechanical issues all day long, but interior problems, especially when completely missing are a real deal breaker.
I thought exactly the same thing re: the interior, doesn’t make a lick of sense to me. One thing that I can honestly say is that I have never seen before is that gear selection indicator with L1, L2, and D in what appears to be a factory dash. Maybe some guy or gal out there will be able to enlighten me.
eBay says listing was pulled due to an error. I’m guessing the $5000 was the error.
Maybe we’ll see it again with a larger number attached to it.
Damn cool car. Obviously needs an interior then lead in the Chevrolet script on the hood and remove the gun sights to be replaced with convex pieces to mold the front end of the ridges into the hood. Old school custom trick.
Be careful for 55-57 Chevy seat prices. A lot of them were trashed in the 1960 / 1970 era for bucket seats or aftermarket seats. Now the original seats are worth big money. I’ve seen a lot of money for them and then you have to get them shipped, that’s not cheap.
Install a lightweight bucket seat, remove the front bumper, go racin’!
There you go!!! Now why didn’t I think of that.
Back in High School my friend was left one when his gramps died. As good as new. He and his other friends built a “fantasy” engine in Shop class with a great cam, (Called a 3/4 cam back then) and tricked it out with a bunch of performance parts and a supercharger. Looked just like this one.
The thump of that engine was impressive as it gets.
We graduated, a bunch of us went off to the military, and he was one that didn’t come back. Helicopter pilot and worked in Intelligence. He was shot down on his 5th tour.
Every time I see a Black ’57 I think of him. He was a great kid taken too soon.