In 1957, the Bel Air would be in its third year of production as part of the generation of Chevies that became known as the Tri-Fives. At 168,000 copies, the Bel Air Sport Coupe would be the third best-selling model/body style in the vast lineup. This example is in rough condition and differs greatly from when it was built – not only has the engine been swapped, but the exterior and interior colors have changed. This rusty project can be found in Everest, Kansas, and is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $6,100 with an unmet reserve. But if you just have the car, you can “Buy It Now” for $14,400. Thanks for digging this tip up for us, Larry D!
Originally Onyx Black in color with a red and black interior, this Chevy had a transformation some years ago. Well-faded burgundy paint is present now on the sheet metal, and the interior is all black wearing seats that appear to be from the early 1970s (notice the headrests). The seller has identified an ample amount of rust in places you can and cannot easily see. Even the roof has a hole over the driver’s side of the dashboard, so you’ll have to study the photos provided to see if you agree with the seller about the machine having “good bones.” Also, the driver’s door looks a little bowed-in to me, so was this car hit in the side at one time?
Possibly this Chevy left the assembly line with either a 265 or 283 cubic inch V8 paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. What resides there now is a non-running 400 small block that may have come out of the same Chevy that donated the seats. Perhaps the Powerglide is still there or a Turbo-Hydramatic is lurking under there now. This car literally defines the word “project” so be ready to spend a bundle in both time and cash restoring it. But don’t get your heart set on the aftermarket plastic wheel covers it currently wears; they don’t go with the car.
Dang, it had me at the plastic wheel covers. Deal-breaker now!
And it’s wearing vintage Missouri plates.
Might need rockers and a lot more after the bondo is removed…The hole in the roof is just sad.
Yeah those wheel covers are selling it. Won’t take too much to return it the roads other than most everything. It’s a start the ad says, I say I suppose it is but at a bit of a handicap.
The open engine cavities would run me off. Don’t see much that doesn’t fixing on this one.
…. add “need” to second sentence. No edit on this one.
First year BELAIR was 1950…also first year 2 door hardtop for Chevrolet.
It needs a lot but, hey, a Chevy in a Chevy might be enough for some.
Those “plastic” wheel covers are in fact genuine Chevrolet parts, known as the N-96 option. They were standard equipment on the first big-block Chevelle, the 1965 Z-16. They were optional on numerous Chevrolets, including the Camaro up to 1969. There was a 13″ version that was optional on the Corvair as well. They are actually collectible and sought after for correct restorations.
too much for too little
I have always wanted one of these since I was a little kid never got around to getting one, now if I’m in a position to get one I think I would look for a nice restored one rather then one that needs restoration.
THE ‘55, kinda boxy. The ‘57, kinda finny. The ‘56, just right!
I also like the 56 the best, how can you not LOVE the gas filler! Although if we are talking Nomads, I’ll take them in order 55 first (love the rear wheel wells), then a 56, then a 57.
LOL 8 banger took the words right out of my mouth. $40 wheel covers don’t go with it too funny !! What would it take like 5 minutes to take them off?
Are the wheelcovers SS Chevelle’s?
The ’57 Chevy was by far my favorite Bowtie and in Nomad form it is still on my bucket list. This listed car will need way too much work and is one that belongs to a new owner with more money than brains. On the Bel Air models by name they started in 1950 and went thru 1975.
$14,400 buy it now?
Well, it’s good to want.
Are you sure those are plastic aftermarket wheel covers? Looking more closely at them they look like original 66-69 14inch mag style wheel covers if they are then that’s probably why they don’t go with the car they’re probably worth as much as the car itself
I think those “cheap aftermarket plastic wheel covers” are from a 65 GTO or Chevelle SS. IMO, might be worth more than the rest of the car. It does seem to be complete and straight but that’s about the only thing I can say about it. Would not be an easy restoration.
For little more than the BIN price, you could buy a brand new all steel body and still need all the things that are missing from the current offering. No thanks. I’m out.
Those hub caps are worth 3 to 5 hundred in good shape,quit whining about them.