I have been involved in the classic car scene for more decades than I care to admit, and one of the most consistently desirable vehicles during that period is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It is easy to see why because Chevrolet hit a home run with its styling and drivetrain options. This Bel Air is stunning, having undergone a meticulous refurbishment. The conservative mechanical upgrades prevent me from classing it as restored, but even I, with a leaning toward Blue Oval products, would happily welcome it to my garage. If you feel the same, it might be time to act. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Peoria, Arizona. They set a BIN of $65,000, so it is worth looking closely to see if the figure is justified.
I’ve sometimes wondered whether the term “drop-dead gorgeous” was coined to describe the ’57 Bel Air. I rate it as one of the best designs to emerge from an American production line during the 1950s. Choosing a single characteristic that helps it achieve that status is virtually impossible, meaning this is a case where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The seller treated this Bel Air to a refurbishment five years ago, and this wasn’t a half-hearted approach. They chose a frame-off rotisserie process in their quest for perfection. I’m not sure if they achieved their goal, but if they didn’t, it must have been a near miss! The panels are straighter than they would have been when the car was new, making them the perfect base to apply stunning Matador Red paint. This reflects like glass, and the lack of flaws and chips is understandable when we learn the car has only clocked 997 miles since the work ended. There is no evidence of rust or other problems, and the dry climate will have done its best to protect the steel from the ravages of tin worm. The trim looks spotless, as does the glass. The Bel Air rolls on its original steel wheels with the correct hubcaps and whitewalls. These add the ideal finishing touch to an exterior that is positively dripping with class.
The risk with pursuing a mild custom path with any classic refurbishment is the danger of undermining the vehicle’s inherent character. This seller has avoided that problem with this Bel Air. Its interior is trimmed in the correct combination of Black and Red, which shows no signs of wear or issues. A set of floor mats wisely protects the matching carpet, while the painted surfaces are as immaculate as the exterior. The bright trim sparkles, the wheel is in as-new condition, and the dash houses the original “Wonderbar” radio. This requires a new antenna to function correctly, but that’s a minor inconvenience. The only additions are a vintage air conditioning system that blows ice-cold and a Hurst shifter for the upgraded transmission. These modifications are subtle, and don’t detract unduly from the rest of the interior’s originality.
Lifting the hood reveals the most profound changes to this Bel Air and why potential buyers could consider it a sleeper. It rolled off the line powered by a V8, but whether it was the 265 or 283ci V8 is unclear. However, that is made irrelevant by the seller’s decision to bolt in a 327ci unit. This gem has enough upgrades to send 300hp to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. Further improvements include power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 327 features headers and a Flowmaster exhaust, with the seller describing it as producing a nice bass rumble. An aluminum radiator and electric fan keep things cool, and the engine wears a vast array of cosmetic upgrades, meaning you almost need shades if you pop the hood in broad daylight! The power output figure deserves close consideration as we reflect on what it means for potential performance. The most potent version of the 283 offered to ’57 Bel Air buyers was the Fuelie, producing 283hp. This engine delivers slightly more, meaning it should comfortably match the 16.4-second ¼-mile ET that the Fuelie-equipped Bel Air achieved when new. With this car’s exterior retaining its stock appearance, it can be considered a genuine sleeper. The lack of mileage since the build has left this classic in excellent mechanical health. It appears the new owner could fly in and drive this beauty home.
I posed the initial question of whether this 1957 Bel Air’s condition and specifications justified the BIN figure, and we must return to that subject. The photos and listing suggest the build was completed to a high standard, while the modifications are relatively modest, carefully considered, and beautifully executed. The dilemma with modified cars is that determining their potential value is challenging because they are typically only worth what someone is willing to pay. If you have the available funds but are undecided, there is one factor worth considering. The seller states that if it doesn’t sell via this listing, they intend to place it across the blocks at a Mecum Auction in March 2024. History demonstrates that cars generally sell for higher prices via that method. There are no guarantees on that, but it is a consistent trend. That might be enough to convince some to pursue it further now. Do you agree?
I AGREE! This car was well done plus adding updated specs so it can be driven daily around town in nice weather. Think the price is VERY fair since doing this yourself would cost much more. This classic is now ready for the next 50 years and next generation to enjoy….after my enjoyment! ( Baby boomer here in my late 60’s)
Never an opponent of engine upgrades I think this car is great. The purists can go somewhere else on this one.
I agree on several points. This is a very good value, you definitely could not take a clean $30K stock one and build it up for this price. Tastefully done, with only a smaller diameter steering wheel to alert you. I would opt to paint the top India Ivory, but that is just me. There are a lot of two tones out there already. 327/4 speed, what great combination. Prices are softening, but this one will hold 60K for years to come.
Also “I rate it as one of the best designs to emerge from an American production line during the 1950s. Choosing a single characteristic that helps it achieve that status is virtually impossible, meaning this is a case where the whole is greater than the sum of its part.” is a perfect summation for the enduring popularity of the 57 Chevy.
Love this car.
What is the price?
Its almost perfect and a very good value. I say almost perfect as the only thing I would have done differently was to use the FI from a 63-65 Corvette along with its valve covers what I consider the best looking small block ever made.
Joe
The only V8 available in 1957 was the 283. 265 was last used in 1956 and 348 wouldn’t be available until 1958
I once thought the 283 was used in all the 57s. But according to a Hemmings Classic Car article there were some with 265s. Chevy wanted to use up all the left over 265s from the 1956. Those 265 blocks were painted yellow and the early 57s got them.
The 265 was available in 1957, you could always tell a 265 from a 283 by the color of the Vee on the hood and trunk. If it was chrome it designated 265 if it was gold it was the 283 power pack.
Bob P, I hate to disagree but colour of the V had nothing to do with engine size. All V8s except BelAirs had chrome Vs but BelAirs had gold Vs, and all BelAirs in 57 had a gold grille, and gold dummy louvres on the front fenders.
Thanks much, for the Info..Just goes to prove, even to a ‘baby boomer’, your never to old to learn…then again, maybe it just reminded of a bit of Chevy info, that slipped my mind…Hmmm
Nice job on this article. I enjoy a review where the reviewer loves the car but can still be objective. This car is fabulous. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Beautiful car but it never ceases to amaze me that a seller won’t spring for something as simple as an antenna to make the car whole while asking premium money for it. smh.
A couple of maybes for the lack of antenna: 1 – maybe it was a radio delete and the wonder-bar radio was added during restoration; 2 – maybe the restorer could not decide between one conventional front fender antenna, one rear fender antenna, or dual rear fender antennas. I see no gaping or open holes. Someone may wish to update the innards with blue-tooth, FM, satellite-streaming, MP# for better tunes.
Speaking from experience, it is VERY hard to drill a fresh hole is virgin sheet metal!. I couldn’t even do it for to small holes for an passenger side mirror.
I would probably elect to try to install one of the windshield antennas and see if that would work.
Done properly you put holes in sheet metal with hole cutters.
Or fixing the A-C systems when they’re bad!
There were 265 in 57. Left overseas painted yellow
Ooh! A beauty! They didn’t befoul it with ugly-ass mag wheels.
Seller says they are planning to send it to the auction if it doesn’t sell explains the overpriced auction ask. Nice car I would love to have it.
IT’S PERFECT. What else could you want in a 57 Chevy 2 door hardtop? I think the price is fair for this car. If you want quality you got to dig deep. I had a 57 2 door hardtop back in the late 60’s when they were just old used cars, 283 automatic. Sad story about that but I left it at a brothers house when it refused to start and he sold it without title for $50. Oh well life goes on for most of us.
God Bless America
Certain colors just look amazing on certain cars. And this shade of red on a 57 2 door hartop is absolutely one of them. Personally im a huge fan of turquoise on a tri five Chevy, but this shade of red juat has a huge WOW factor to it. Love the 327 4 speed upgrade too. Hope this goes to a good home and actually get driven and enjoyed as it should be.
in 1968 i built a 57 2 dr htp i lucked out new 275 hp 327 it had 11 inch clutch fully sycronized 3 speed tranny it was very fast i did this in sask canada sold it then it was in world of wheels it ended up in the usa
Gosh its perfect. Even after owning 3 a clean one like this is hard to beat
Shoulda been a ‘55…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ-UHY6HXdU
I have said many times in the past that I would give my left nut for a car ’57 like this. Now, at my age, I think I would give both of em!!
I agree that this is one fine Tri5 and I’ve seen my share of them. I did note one thing though, though I see a radio in the dash, but I don’t see the expected external radio mast. I assume there’s some form of internal antenna, just looks strange to me.
From the Author of post: The bright trim sparkles, the wheel is in as-new condition, and the dash houses the original “Wonderbar” radio. This requires a new antenna to function correctly, but that’s a minor inconvenience.