It’s been 70 years since the so-called Chevrolet “Tri-Fives” were launched. From 1955 to 1957, nearly five million copies were produced, and were the first Chevies since 1918 to have an optional V8 engine. The seller is unsure whether his/her car is a 1957 Bel Air or 210 Sport Coupe, but I’m going with the latter due to it having less exterior brightwork. It’s hardly stock, with a 327 cubic inch V8 (not offered until 1962) and a 4-speed manual transmission. Located in Winchester, Maryland, this project is available here on craigslist for $18,000. Mitchell G. is the supplier here of yet another Bow-Tie tip!
In 1957, you could buy one of two versions of a new Chevy 2-door hardtop, referred to as the Sport Coupe. There was the popular Bel Air of which 168,293 copies were built. It had the top trim available at the time including the side spears with an aluminum insert. But the GM division also produced a 210 in the same body style but without the insert. It was seen less often as only 23,092 units were assembled. Since we see no insert on the seller’s car and no reference is given to a VIN to look up, we assume it’s a 210 and — thus – is rarer today.
We’re told this Chevy is a one-owner machine, but the seller’s lack of knowledge (or an apparent title to refer to) points to it being from an estate. The odometer reads 10,000 miles, but 110,000 (or more) is likely. The paint color is not from the factory, nor is at least some of the interior. Most of the photos provided are close-ups, which don’t help in assessing the vehicle’s overall condition.
The seller says this Chevy runs and is garage-kept. Some of the pieces are off of the car and in the trunk. The front grille looks to be custom and we’re not sure if rust has become a problem in recent years. An air scoop has been added to the hood, but we don’t know if it’s functional. When new, it either had a 235 CI I-6, 265 V8, or a 283 V8. The 327 there now may have been modified, but that’s just a guess given some of the bling on the engine. If you don’t mind it not being numbers matching, perhaps this will be a good project.
This guy flunked car sales 101.
No, he never showed up for the class!
The hood would have been better than stock without the scoop. And by the pictures, we know the car has a wiper motor, a blower fan, some black interior, and yes the car is green. And the seller doesn’t even know what he/she has! A lousy way to advertise a car that you’re trying to sell for $18k.
This is probably a Bel Air minus the anodized trim panel. The Two Ten had only the lower section of the Bel Air’s bodyside trim.
Incorrect CC
https://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet/1957_Chevrolet_Brochure_2/1957%20Chevrolet%20Brochure-a05.html
The best way I’ve found to spot tye difference between a Bel Air and a 210 is the chrome on top of the tail fin. On a Bel Air it goes almost to the rear window. On a 210 it is much shorter. Look at the pics. This is a 210. The grille is from a Buick, 1957 L believe.
The car also does not have Bel-Air dash trim ,I have owned several Tri 5s,they made the 150..
grille appears to be 57 buick?
I believe that the car is located in Virginia not Maryland. The photos in the ad are definitely unique in the subject matter department.
The keys are hanging in the trunk lock. What is the address, :).
I had a 210 / Bel Air clone. I should have not got married. Along came kids in a baby carriage.
Ok its a 57 Chevy one of my dream cars to own before I die but that’s a lot of money for this bondo buggy.
If it doesn’t need panel (rust) replacement, and frame solid, keep it as is. May have to see this one up close. Scope may have to go (hood should be save-able), am radio should go back in and put all the trim back on. I think the grill looks pretty good, old school hot rod look. Oh and one other thing, ditch the Holley and manifold, put dual quad AFB’s with small air cleaners…..and GO…
This is such a terrible ad that I find it hard to believe that he or she really wants to sell it. The lack of information and decent pictures is amazing.
If the seller can’t find his keys, I know where they are!
The car is a hardtop,not a sedan
The Buick grille is righteous. The person that glued on the hood scoop, not so much.
The beauty of this ’57 is you have license to do pretty much whatever you want with it. There’s not a lot here to mess up. Looks like an early 70’s attempt at a custom. And that poor hood… Also noticed what appear to be hood pins. Gasser anyone?