For decades, Chevrolet’s 1957 Bel Air has been a staple of the classic car scene. It is a trend that probably won’t change, and good examples still command impressive prices. Our feature car is not what I would classify as good. The only word I can think of that does it justice is extraordinary. It is an unmolested survivor that wears its original paint and has 40,000 documented miles on the clock. It isn’t perfect, but its presentation is all that you might expect from a car of this age that has been treated with dignity and respect. This classic needs a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Bel Air is located in Templeton, Massachusetts, and although bidding has reached $60,100, that figure remains short of the reserve.
Chevrolet’s Tri-Five vehicles have always been highly-sought, but the ’57 models tend to garner the most attention. It is easy to see why because the styling was crisp, the exterior wasn’t overburdened with bright trim, and the fins were visible without being outrageous. Our feature car wears Harbor Blue paint, and apart from a few small chip repairs and a repaint on the trunk, it is claimed to be original. It holds an amazing shine for its age and contains plenty of signs demonstrating that its owners have not spared the effort with the polish cloth. They have rubbed through the paint in a few places, but there’s no evidence that rust is developing in these areas. I’m in two minds about this because while I admire this car’s originality, I would hate to see those areas develop corrosion that could deteriorate into penetrating rust. If I were to buy this classic, I would apply a treatment to stop things in their tracks. I would only consider a potential repaint if the situation reached the point where developing rust compromised the car’s wellbeing. The panels look straight for a vehicle of this vintage, but the best news is this classic’s rust-free status. The panels look remarkably clean, and the underside shots reveal little more than the occasional spot of surface corrosion. The seller recently invested in a new White power top and elected professional installation rather than pursuing the DIY route. The fit is as tight as a drum, making me doubt that leaks will ever be a problem. The trim looks impressive for a survivor-grade car, as does the original glass. Rounding out the exterior is a new set of Coker whitewall tires.
This Bel Air’s original owner wanted a car that was a cut above the ordinary but was also pleasant to use as a daily driver. When it came to drivetrain choice, he selected the 283ci V8 with the optional Power Pack that delivers 220hp. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed Powerglide transmission, and this combination should allow the ’57 to cruise through the ¼ mile in 18.1 seconds. Given the original owner’s apparent love of an effortless driving experience, I am surprised that they didn’t tick the box next to power steering on the Order Form. That owner was meticulous with his recordkeeping, making the odometer reading of 40,000 genuine miles easy to confirm. He retained a logbook where he recorded every drop of fuel that went into the tank, calculations for consumption rates, etc. Also included are many of the original documents from the dealership, including Order Forms, the original title, Owner’s Manual, Sales Contract, Dealer Invoice, and a letter from General Motors acknowledging the contract completion. The seller has recently fitted new tires to the Bel Air, a new exhaust, and a fuel tank. He treated the front end to a rebuild, but the rear contains its original shocks. The car runs and drives perfectly, and you have to think life on the road would be pleasant once the new owner drops that new power top.
Before being overly critical about this Bel Air’s interior condition, it is worth reflecting upon the fact that everything is original and that we’re talking about a 65-year-old car that served as a daily driver. Therefore, expecting the trim to be in showroom condition is leaning towards being unrealistic. I have seen classics where that is the case, but they are rare. The original owner ordered the Chevrolet with the interior trimmed in Code 679 two-tone Blue vinyl. He also ticked the boxes beside the optional heater, AM radio, tissue dispenser, driver’s side exterior spotlight, padded dash, and the dashboard traffic light viewer. These features remain intact, with no aftermarket additions. The seat upholstery shows some wear and cracking, as does the dash pad. Addressing the pad may prove an issue, as I was unsuccessful in locating a replacement in a brief online search. If retaining this classic’s originality is of paramount importance, a set of aftermarket slipcovers may provide a solution. Otherwise, the interior has no other significant issues or needs.
Some readers will look at this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible and view it as a prime candidate for restoration. This view is easy to understand when considering how straightforward such a process would be. Others will argue that it should remain untouched as an original survivor. They will claim it stands as a testament to an ownership history where the car has been afforded total respect, and retaining it as-is would be the most appropriate course of action. I subscribe to the latter view, but that is a personal opinion. Yours may differ from mine, and if so, I respect that entirely. Whether this car’s future involves restoration or preservation, the next owner will be slipping behind the wheel of one of the most desirable classics in today’s market. Do I envy them? You’d better believe it!
A daily driver, 65 years old, with 40,000 original miles. Gee.
“Served” (past tense) as a daily driver. Maybe he retired in, oh, early 1958? (shrugs shoulders)
600 miles a year in and out of the garage
If I was alone on the Earth, with nobody else to see and comment on my car, I’d probably buy a VW.
You could probably get it for free.
I had a 1957 Chevrolet Convertible in 1965. I paid $70 and it ran. It was vastly more clapped out 57 years ago. But, it had blue dot taillights.
Do I like this one? Yes. I would convert to power front discs, and blue dots, and motor on.
Some of the comments have been about the milage. We are storing a 1959 Ford for a family that has owned it since new, (grandfather bought new, when he passed his son got car and now the grandson owns the car) and it only has 22,000 miles on the speedo. These cars are out there.
I’ve owned and sold some low mileage cars. Cars that I bought new and didn’t use much. One was a 10-year-old Dodge Ram with under 6,000 miles. I now have a 7-year old Ford Transit with 12,000 miles. I’ve found that almost nobody will believe it. It’s almost a curse, because if a buyer assumes you are wrong about the mileage, then they won’t believe anything you say.
Although its not perfect, the documentation is impeccable. This seller also has another 57 for sell that looks like its in better condition. https://www.ebay.com/itm/393989857832?hash=item5bbba02228:g:mekAAOSwnyJiNekC
What, no rubber titties on the front bumper?
I have a 04 mercury Monterey with 314000 runs excellent , people call offering warranty, when they hear the mileage they hang up , but they would be ahead cuz it just doesn’t break ,
The original owner had to pay extra for an optional heater in 1957? Maybe this was because the car is a convertible. But still, heaters were standard equipment for a long time before 1957 rolled around.
I wonder how many miles are on that heater?