The Tri Five Chevies consisted of three series: the entry-level 150, the mid-range 210, and the upscale Bel Air. And all three were offered as 2-door sedans, as well as other body styles, of course. The least popular in terms of sales was the Bel Air, probably because the hardtop versus looked so much sportier. For whatever reason, this car is a 210 dressed to look like a Bel Air, at least according to the VIN. This ’57 pillared Bel Air tribute is in Connell, Washington, and has been off the road for a year or so. With a 350 V8, it’s available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $20,000.
While more than 1.5 million Chevrolets were built in 1957, just under 63,000 were the Bel Air 2-door sedan, while 71,000 were 150s and another 163,000 of the 210s. At some point in the car’s life, someone decided to take a more plentiful 210 and dress it up to look like a Bel Air. This example was in running condition until recently, but the owner has developed health issues, so it’s been on the back burner. The gas tank and the rest of the fuel system will need a flush and a new battery is in order. With that, the seller (not the owner) believes the car would run again.
We don’t know what motor was in the car when it was built, and the fender badges say “327” but that engine wouldn’t appear for another five years. Instead, there’s a 350 under the hood now of unknown vintage, though it looks like it may have been tweaked. The transmission is a floor-shifted manual, but we don’t know if it has three or four forward gears.
The body looks good, and the red paint may shine up with a good wash and wax. The flag on the hood may be a problem for some folks and not for others. The interior has some custom touches, but the photos don’t give us a really good view from inside a poorly lit garage/shed. The odometer reflects 25,000 miles, but there is no knowledge of how close to accurate that might be. If originality isn’t a stickler, this car could be a good one to take to the next level.
That wing’s gonna’ be too much downforce.
Hilarious Scott Marquis. Now this is my idea of rear seat speakers, nothing cut up in the back. I’ll bet this ’57 is a blast to drive. I did not know eBay would allow anything with a Rebel flag now.
That Rebel Flag gives this car a lot more class and attitude than just a plain hood. It’s a great looking old car that would be a great car to drive and fix up from the git go.
Looks like the price is spot on, especially as there doesn’t seem to be any mention of rust. This would be a really fun car to just thrash. Not too fancy, not restored, just a daily beater to have fun with. Anything more than that and you are going to spend yourself upside down. It is hard to find 57’s at this mid level price point.
Needs the full length chrome on the top of the fender to pull off the Bel Air look.
Frame looks a little crusty on the ebay ad, I’d wanna inspect in person.
I really love the 150 and 210 trim more than the BelAir, to much chrome. I saw a yellow 150 two door hardtop years ago that made me drool. Nothing fancy, just nice and clean. I imagine it was factory as no one other than me would dechrome a BelAir or 210 into a 150.
Not bad. For $20k I’d be all over it with a magnet. The flag on the hood has to go. When the guy I sold my 210 to finished it, he wanted $20k and it was perfect. He put a 400 sbc and 350 trans in it and was a body guy so the bodywork was done right and I had quarters and rockers put on so I knew where to look. It had all new chrome. That was 5 plus years ago so who knows. Not a fan of this Red but that can be changed depending on what the original color was.