As popular as the Tri-Five Chevies (1955-57) were then and now, most folks don’t know that Ford outsold Chevrolet during 1957. It was the first time in 22 years that Chevy didn’t hold the top spot. But how many Fairlane’s do you see at car shows these days compared to Bel Airs, so maybe Chevy had the last laugh. You might see this ’57 Bel Air, which has a new engine and paint. This classic Chevy is available in Tyler, Texas, and here on Facebook Marketplace for $34,950.
Chevrolet built 1.55 million cars in 1957 and nearly 200,000 were pillarless Sport Coupes in either 210 or Bel Air trim. Although the seller doesn’t identify which model this is, the subtle badging says Bel Air when you look closely. Which means it left the factory with a higher level of trim and conveniences. This car is wearing new black paint, which we assume is the original color, and that the body was properly prepped before it was applied. No mention is made of any repairs to the body that had to be made. The chrome pieces, like the bumpers, aren’t quite as shiny as the rest.
The interior, which is also black (with white accents), may have been redone in the past and could need another do-over, especially if OEM is what you’re looking for. The car would present better had the seller cleaned out the interior before taking photos. We’re told this is a two-owner car, so it hasn’t changed hands over and over like vintage autos often do. This car isn’t protected from the weather, sharing the outside portion of a carport with a Hummer.
We’re told the 283 cubic-inch V8 under the hood is new, but could it just be rebuilt. Things don’t look stock, so has the engine been tweaked for the car to go faster? It has a 4-speed manual transmission, which is not likely period correct. The aftermarket wheels come with new tires, so little may be needed to add this car to the weekend Cars & Coffee itinerary. According to Hagerty, a ’57 Bel Air in Excellent Condition is a $37,000 car? Is this one in that league?
That’s a cool ’57, but wow, prices on these sure have dropped as Excellent condition being 37K is a shocker to me. I’ve seen a lot of these ’57s with 4-speeds, but never one with a shifter that far forward away from the seat.
Simply supply & demand. While the ’57 Chevy is well liked by most all car guys, the prime demographic now, guys who grew up with the muscle cars are spending their money on cars built from 1965-1972. The people fond enough of the ’57 to plop down 50K on one either have one or their Social Security income won’t allow it. As more of these come available because the owners downsize, there aren’t as many buyers interested. This should be a word to the wise for Mustang, Cuda & Camaro owners, your bubble will burst & Honda Civics will be the flavor of the day(Lord, help us).
Nice car. One thing I remember about being told by my 6 foot 3 friend years ago who owned a mirror image of this car, was the floor shifter with the straight stick was hard for him to use with his long arms. Don’t remember the brand but he installed a lever similar to the one on this car. His car was a three speed and the floor shift conversion was pretty common. One thing I do remember is the ’57 Ford was one of the best looking cars of the era. A ’57 2 door was the last Ford we ever owned until we bought our Ford based motor home in 2007, which I regret to this day.
Nice car,way out of my price range.Lots of go power,puny master cylinder needs upgrade:-)
I get the shifter thing. I’m 6′ 4″ and my arms, when stretched out wing fashion, are longer than I am tall.
“According to Hagerty, a ’57 Bel Air in Excellent Condition is a $37,000 car?” Not that I have seen, something seems a off with that figure, but it it probably a bit high for this one. With these, you really need to look at then car in person, there are so many value items in play. 283 with a 4 speed, great combination.
That’s because HAGERTY is not at all used by the insurance, dealer or banks. Try NADA
I will always appreciate the 1957 Chevy 2 door hardtop..its attractive however somewhat common,, I see many of these around,, in all kinds of condition,,10’s of thousands were made,,However other GM as well as Ford models of this year are much more desirable and fewer,, for example the 1957 Buick, or, 1957 Pontiac are better built and much costlier , more difficult to find these days,,these are the big ticket cars,, especially convertibles,,
So I go to the FB Marketplace ad and it doesn’t say anything about being a 2 owner or new engine. Wonder if seller changed the ad. Engine doesn’t look very new with all the grease buildup. Not buying the new paint either because if you look closely at the FB pictures, it appears to be missing paint or primer spots just about drivers door and in front of rear wheel. If new paint, you’d think they would have at least shot some black on the rusty underside of hood… may have been new paint and engine many, many years back.
My bad, I see ad says 2 owner and new engine now. Still not sure about new paint.
Never liked the looks of 1957 Chevrolets.
Wow!! That’s a first.
Prices on everything Automotive, especially special interest cars are constantly fluctuating, for a variety of reasons, and Tri-Five Chevrolet’s are certainly one of these. I don’t know, but very knowledgeable friends of mine, say that there has been a drop in 2-door hard tops, in favor of 2-door post cars ,wagons and convertibles.