The ad for this 1957 Chevy Bel Air states it is a genuine barn find that was rescued from a junkyard in the 1980’s. I’m not sure if it was pulled from a barn to be scrapped or if it was housed in a barn after it was rescued from the junkyard? Either way, this is a pretty neat car. Found here on eBay with an asking price of $3,500, the car is located in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania. Even though this is a four-door, they can still be pretty cool. At a third of the price of their two-door cousins, they are a bargain.
The car is said to have the original drivetrain and ran at one point. Unfortunately, it doesn’t currently run or drive. The only aftermarket part noted is the floor shifter. These straight sixes weren’t known for much power, but they will usually run forever. The nice thing is there are plenty of V8 options that will bolt right up if the new owner wants some more power.
The worst part of this car is the rust damage. Any potential buyers would be wise to thoroughly inspect the car. There are several spots of rust including the following: door jambs, rockers, trunk floor, and frame. Also, both of the passenger side doors are said not to open. This either indicates a mechanical issue or more likely, further rust issues. With a fairly nominal asking price, the car may be better off for parts to use on another project.
The interior doesn’t look too bad. The ad does say the rear seat, door panels and miscellaneous interior parts are missing. The original dash and gauges look okay. They could use a good cleaning to accurately assess the condition.
There are some people who think four-door cars can’t really be cool. I’ve seen some of these cars with “two many doors” that are very cool like this 1957 featured on Super Chevy.com. You can also shave the rear door handles and enhance the effect even more. What do you think? Can four-doors be cool or are two-doors the only way to go? Leave us a comment.
Not a bel air. Maybe a 150. Based on the side trim.
Andrew, you are right on. It’s got 150 side trim.
I don’t know why every ’57 Chevy gets called a Bel Air. Just like some people call every ’57 wagon a Nomad.
I hate to be a downer, but I don’t see $3,500 here. This one needs everything. It’s going to cost a lot of money to bring it back, and then you are left with a four door sedan that just isn’t as popular as other body styles. I personally prefer four doors, and I would like to see this saved – again. But the price will have to come down.
– John
Andrew the car in the pictures is a 1957 Chevrolet 150 four door sedan not a Bel Air.
Nice lookin car I gotta say. Personally I prefer 4 doors. Especially a hard top. My 63 Chevy II is a 4 door and it was my dd from age 16 through 22. During that time I had many occasions to get into it’s “2 door cousin” , and I was glad I had the 4 door. I used to take my friend’s a lot all over the place cuz we love driving in that car, and if I had to get out of my seat every time somebody had to get out of the car when I dropped off at home it would have just annoy the crap out of me. Plus the four-door doors are much lighter/ easier than swinging the 2-door .
So, say you could get this for $2k. That would still be totally overwhelmed by the cost to restore, which could easily run to $20k-$30k. The $1500 becomes insignificant.
Definitely not worth the price or effort of a full restoration but shouldn’t take much to do the minimum just to make her a daily driver and enjoy for a couple of years. Get her running, give her a good bath and a buff, new tires, check the brake system, and a monster stereo system for those classic Ramones jams…..
I love me a 4 door for cruisin’ for all the reasons Danny said. But it IS pretty easy to get upside down on these 4 doors. The FRAME being flagged as an area of concern scares me. If the frame is bad Im sure the floors and rockers are gone as well as the trunk and wheel wells and fenders. The parts are all easily available but the price can add up quickly. I think parts car at best.
I’m with you John, I’m legally blind and still can’t see paying $3K for
this car. 150’s don’t usually command high prices like this seller is
asking. I’d offer him $1K–take it or leave it. I can go to Altoona, Al.
and pick up a nicer looking 210 4-door sedan for a few dollars more,
have it serviced, AND DRIVE IT BACK to my home in Florida. Whoever
buys this car will really have their work cut out for them. It’s that rusty
frame that scares me. Aren’t many of those left anymore. In short
fellas, I’ll pass!
4 doors yes. Rusty frame no. Parts car at best.
So this optimistic seller says “ car ran at one time”. Didn’t they all.
It’s not realy worth restoring, not worth making a fast slipper, but could still be cool,find someone that is learning how to do body work ,were I live there a college that has technical training for body work and painting ,they are more than happy if people donate old cars ,if you pay for the paint ,and any parts you can have a car that looks a lot better then it did ,and your helping the young get into cars ,anyway put a split exhaust manifold on it with glasspacks, if had way to much coffee this morning 😁
Yes as previously said, this is a ‘150’ series. But Chevrolet did make a beautiful 4dr. hardtop in 56 and 57. Back 8n the 60’s they were popular. There were 2 guys in my little town that had them. My neighbor and good friend had a custom blue 57, 3 two’s,4sp.ran very good, tried the fuel injection but couldnt ever get it tuned right.The other guy had the 56,2 tone,dr.green/lt.green. 283 bored to 301,2 4’s,4sd, straight axle! Both were beautiful cars!!
The Belair steering wheel looks right, but the outside trim says otherwise.