The seller says this 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe has no engine, transmission, rear axle, radiator, grille, front bumper, or any seats. So, what’s not to love? A car like this is the definition of the term “project” in the auto world. On the plus side, what’s left is fairly solid after sitting outside for what might be decades. As a donor, this would be an expensive way to get some used sheet metal, so the next owner should have the vision of a restoration in his/her mind. Located in Chico, California, this once proud Chevy is available here on eBay where only a single bid has been placed at $7,000.
One of the best sellers of the 1955-57 Chevrolet “Tri-Fives” was the Bel Air Sport Coupe. You could get the same body style in the mid-range 210, but they weren’t quite as snappy. Chevy built 168,293 of the Bel Air Sport Coupes in 1957 compared to just 23,092 of the 210, so buyers were clearly interested in the extra bling (like the large, anodized spear running through to the back, which seems to be gone from this Bel Air). We’re told the Chevy once had a V8 under the hood, either a 265 or 283 cubic-inch motor, but that took flight long ago with a bunch of other stuff.
We surmise the car was once white in color given the flaking of the bronze paint in several places. It doesn’t appear to have been very well applied and they skipped the underneath of the trunk lid yet painted the door jams (“I’m Earl Scheib, and I’ll paint any car, any color for $29.95. No ups, no extras”). We don’t see any dents in the sheet metal and then we’re told that rust is at a minimum with one small area on the lower passenger side front fender and the edge of the trunk lid. What we can see of the undercarriage looks a bit crusty.
There is no title coming with this car. It fell out of the California DMV system years ago, so a bill of sale will be all you’ll have to take to your tag agency. Considering what’s missing, this could be the start of a restomod as you won’t have to jettison much to create your modern version of the famous ’57 Chevy!
Now I know what inflation is ,this is what you get for 7Ks.
Granted QUITE a bit of work investment needed here. However viewing the pictures it appears that there is a good foundation (near zero rust) from which to work. Maybe 15 years ago I might have entertained such a venture. Someone might have a rust bucket so this would make a more suitable project making the other a donor.
Not a Bel-Air , just because it’s a Five seven doesn’t make it a Bel-Air why do you think it is??
Anybody notice the custom front fenders?!?
This is actually a relatively rare 210 sport coupe (hardtop).
Actually looks like it’s just missing the quarter trim. My bad.
Friend had a ‘57 bel air hardtop with an unusual transmission. It was a power glide with a GR, (grrr) gear. Took him a while to realize it was “grade- reduction”. Anyone else come across one like that?
If it had a GR on the selector it was not a power glide instead it was a turbo gulide.
Perfect candidate for a period gasser tribute!!
Roll cage single seat solid front axle big block 5 speed tremec
DONE!
It wouldn’t be period with tremec 5 speed
That’s one hell of a mouse nest in the engine bay
I would charge the guy $7500 to haul it off…. $7000 to pay him back and I would keep the $500 for hauling it off.
Anyone need some sheet metal?
No you are correct rw tremec would not be period correct a Muncie m22 would be but with 4:11 rear and a big block tremec would be a lot easier on the ears driving to and from shows or drags
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On Nov 9, 2022, at 7:25 PM, Barn Finds wrote:
There’s a new comment on Clean Slate Project: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Rw said –
It wouldn’t be period with tremec 5 speed
You are correct rw it would look period and still be drivable a Muncie m22 would be more period correct
Looking at the pictures i can see a wheelhousing and a floor board with the swiss cheese option ! It is a nice base but a lot $$$
Awful lot of money for a short amount of car.