The term “icon” is probably one of the more overused in the classic world, with some cars unworthy of that accolade. However, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air deserves its place on the list. It has remained a staple of the classic scene for decades, with desirability growing with each passing year. This ’57 Convertible is stunning, and little about its condition deserves criticism. However, the Dual-Quad V8 hiding under its hood means it possesses the performance to match its stunning good looks. The seller has listed the Bel Air here on eBay in Austin, Texas. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $65,000 at the time of writing.
Some classics are so stunning and beautifully presented that it is virtually impossible to know where to start. Such is the case with this Bel Air. The listing suggests it may have only clocked 6,000 miles since undergoing a total restoration, although the seller doesn’t expressly state this. The exterior wears sparkling Harbor Blue paint that is free from visible chips and marks. It cloaks laser-straight panels and is contrasted by the White soft-top that fits as tight as a drum. Delving below the surface reveals floors finished in their correct Red, with the frame finished in Black. The lack of marks on the car’s underside supports the restoration theory, and the presentation suggests the builder adopted a frame-off approach. The chrome and bright trim is in as-new condition, and the glass is crystal clear. The wheels wear their correct hubcaps, with the whitewalls adding the perfect finishing touch to a classic that oozes class.
This Bel Air’s “wow” factor continues when we examine its interior. The two-tone Blue upholstered surfaces look perfect, with no wear, stretching, or dirty marks. The carpet is spotless, the interior painted surfaces are as impressive as the exterior’s, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. One appealing feature of cars from this era is the use of bright interior trim. This Bel Air features it on the dash and door trims, and its condition appears faultless. The builder added a retro-style stereo for tunes on the move, but reinstating a factory radio would be easy as they haven’t cut the dash.
The 1957 Bel Air was an evolution of the previous year’s range offerings, although the most profound change was the capacity increase for its V8 from 265 to 283ci. The update improved performance, although this Convertible takes that to a higher level. Its V8 sports a factory Dual-Quad induction system, allowing the 283 to produce 245hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission, with the power-assisted front disc brakes a sensible upgrade. Most potential buyers viewed the Bel Air as luxurious family transport, but this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds demonstrates it can get up and moving if poked with a sharp stick. The seller states they recently replaced the battery and shocks but supply no information regarding the Convertible’s mechanical health. However, with spotless presentation and no evidence of fluid leaks, it is fair to expect the news to be positive.
I acknowledge that this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air isn’t a genuine barn find, but it is an example of the results available if an owner focuses on fine details in their build. The modifications performed are minor, and reversing them would be straightforward if the buyer sought originality. However, the winning bidder probably won’t touch a thing, and I can hardly blame them. The winning bidder. There will be one because the price has climbed beyond the reserve. That means a new home is only days away. Are you tempted to make it yours?
This is my ultimate dream car! Just wish that I could afford it.
Breathtaking car. Perfectly presented. Far beyond my means.
I’ve seen several nice cars on eBay with the vendio sales in the description and if you watch the sale they disappear before the auction is over because they are fake. I caught on to this when I bid on a really nice Corvair and eBay sent me a message and then the car disappeared.
Certainly a big Wow! factor. I wouldn’t change a thing either.
The perfect combo of my two favorite Chevy models. My dad’s ’56, and his brother’s ’57. I learned to drive in one of these, and would have purchased my dad’s when he went to sell it in 1977 ha I known it. Both cars and men are gone now. This is be my perfect dream car. Just stop the bidding. I’ll take it today!!!
Seller bought something on ebay more than a year ago. No selling feedback at all. Those palm trees are not in Texas. Buyer beware.
Hi JohnD. I live in Wichita, Ks and our neighbor has 2 palm trees in their yard.
Oh, I forgot, they are metal! Tacky.
Have a great day.
I hate to admit it, but I have a couple of metal ones in Texas, too!!!! And some others. But none like this. I would say someone in CA has a nice car . . ..
It’s wearing Texas plates. Palm-trees won’t grow in Texas?
what palm trees
What palm trees?
There are none no better. This car is gorgeous. I wouldn’t let a palm tree stop me from buying it.
Gorgeous color and the underside looks clean enough to eat off of. And kudos to the seller for not using “original” in his description (because of the disc brake conversion). If you can’t get a fuelie, the dual-quad is the next best thing and this one will go for the right money, it’ll be just out of my reach though :(
We have this same exact car but in Tropical Turquoise in our collection. It’s my wife’s favorite car to take the grand kids out for a cruise around town. Makes me smile every time they leave the driveway. It doesn’t get any better.
Great color for a convertible. Unfortunately collectors have ruined these cars for the rest of us driving bloated prices up into the ozone. With those dual quads, be prepared to pass anything but a gas station.
Who cares if you have to stop at every gas station, you don’t have to keep your foot in at all times. Palm trees don’t grow in Texas?
Who cares if you have to stop at every gas station, you don’t have to keep your foot in at all times. Palm trees don’t grow in Texas?
Not those palm trees.
Has Texas plates on it.
OMG! What a beautiful car, or so I thought. I have been in this car culture for way over 60 plus years and I had never heard of the Palm Tree Factor until today. I checked on my cars and my Palm Trees and everything seems OK, but how do you know. This brings a whole new aspect to a part of my life, that I loved and thought I understood. Now I realize there is so much I didn’t know and didn’t understand. Damn I wanted this car. I almost bought not knowing about the Palm Trees. God there is a sucker born every minute and this time its me.
It is more the fraud factor. Before you send the money, you have to look at the clues. . .
I’m in love!
wow!
Never quite quite understood the big deal about 55, 56, and 57 Chevys, but this looks like it would be at home in Bel Air. Always found a striking resemblance between this 57 Bel Air and 57 Chrysler fins. Believe Bel Air should have remained as the TOP of Chevy line. Much more panache than Impala. Not until Caprice and Monte Carlo would Chevy names have such CLASS!
there are tons of palm trees in texas. not north texas, but south and east texas.
Give it a break, those aren’t palm trees they’re what is commonly called a palmetto bush and yes they have them in Texas.
A press and go transmission in a well thought out optioned car always makes me wonder “what were you thinking!”.
My concern is that this car (same VIN and all) was sold on Bring a Trailer in 2020. This listing is EXACTLY the same pictures right down to the license plate. I smell fraud.
A very low reserve and pictures from 4 years ago on BaT suggest a fraudulent listing !!!