Some classics are a genuine surprise packet, and such is the case with this 1957 Chevrolet 150 2-Door Sedan. This seemingly mild-mannered family Sedan is a tidy vehicle that wears most of its original paint. However, closer scrutiny reveals subtle badges confirming that there is more to this classic than meets the eye. Its engine bay houses the range-topping 283ci “Fuelie” V8 that makes it a genuine sleeper. The seller has listed the 150 here on eBay in Raymond, Mississippi. A solitary bid of $25,000 has pushed the car beyond the reserve, meaning that a new home beckons for this turnkey classic.

Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range has been a staple of the classic scene for decades, although the initial focus was on the ’57 Bel Air. However, enthusiasts have diversified, warmly embracing the rest of the vehicles within the range. This 1957 150 2-Door Sedan is a prime example, and it appears to carry the hallmarks of a survivor. The first owner ordered the car in a combination of Surf Green and India Ivory, with the seller claiming that most of the existing paint is original. They don’t indicate what areas may have received touch-ups or repairs, but it undoubtedly makes a positive first impression. The exterior shines nicely, with no visible significant flaws, defects, or evidence of fading. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with the seller confirming that this is a “no-hits” body that has never been dismantled. They don’t mention rust, and I can’t spot any emerging problems. The glass is clear, and the chrome trim is new. However, the subtle badges on the rear quarter panels confirm that there is more to this classic than meets the eye.

Buyers ordering a new 150 in 1957 received the company’s venerable 235ci Blue Flame six as standard equipment. Generating 140hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque, it provided performance that satisfied many buyers seeking affordable and practical family transport. However, the company catered to those seeking more, and it appears that the first owner pushed out the boat with this classic. The engine bay houses a 283ci “Fuelie” V8, with the engine block suffix confirming that it is the range-topping variant that churns out 283hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. Feeding the power to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission produced a car that could storm the ¼-mile in 15.6 seconds. Keeping the pedal to the metal would see the needle hit 122mph, making this a genuinely fast vehicle. The only question mark hanging over this classic concerns originality. The seller doesn’t specifically say that this is a genuine Fuelie, nor do they indicate that it is a mechanically upgraded vehicle. That has a bearing on its potential value and is something that I would clarify before submitting a bid. The seller states that the engine and fuel injection system both recently received rebuilds by specialists, leaving the car in excellent mechanical health. The fuel tank is new, as are the brakes. It has no further needs and is a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

The 150 was the entry-level model within the Tri-Five range, which is reflected by this classic’s interior. The car doesn’t feature carpet, a radio, or a clock. However, it presents beautifully following a recent retrim in Black and White Cobblestone cloth and vinyl. The process included a new rear parcel tray and rubber floor mats, but the headliner and windlace are original. The wheel and painted surfaces are in excellent condition for their age, guaranteeing that this Chevy should receive positive comments wherever it goes.

This 1957 Chevrolet 150 2-Door Sedan is a classic that hides its light under a bushel. The exterior provides few clues about its performance potential, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a sleeper to park in their garage. The auction action has, to be polite, been subdued. However, the listing’s viewing and Watch List figures suggest that it could intensify as the end draws near. That begs the question of a potential price when the hammer falls. Recent successful sales suggest that a figure above $40,000 is achievable if this is a genuine factory Fuelie. A higher figure is possible, although the waters become muddy if the existing engine is a later addition. The seller seems approachable and might be willing to answer questions to provide clarity. If you received a positive reply to that query, would you be tempted to drop a bid on this classic?