This 1957 Chevrolet was cast aside about 15 years ago. That’s when it was last running, and we don’t know if it went into retirement due to mechanical issues or just a lack of interest. But its last owner was no doubt interested in looking good and going fast due to its aftermarket wheels and 4-speed transmission. It will need a total restoration, presenting the opportunity to go back to the way it once was or try something different. Located in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, this Tri-Five Chevy is available here on craigslist for $9,500. Thanks for the tip, Gunter Kramer!
Chevrolet built more than 1.5 million of their 1957 models, which explains their popularity when new and the number that survived after 65 years. The seller doesn’t mention which model this car is, but it’s likely the mid-range 210 given that the side trim looks painted rather than brushed aluminum and there is no Bel Air script seen anywhere on the outside of the car. Nearly 163,000 210 2-door post sedans left the assembly line that year, making that model and body style the fourth biggest seller from the Bow Tie Brigade.
We’re told the automobile here has been sitting indoors for several years, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t exposed to the elements. There is a lot of surface rust on the sheet metal, and the seller admits it will take “some patches” that might turn out to go deeper than that. The yellow paint is not original given some overspray found in a couple of places, nor does it look like a factory color. Some of the trim is missing or rusted as is the rear bumper. The body shop is going to stay busy on this one for a while.
The interior is in no better shape than the exterior and the front and rear seats don’t match. A new fuel tank has been installed, perhaps in a more recent attempt to get the Chevy running again, but to no avail. The small-block engine could be either a 265 or 283 (which was new in 1957), but there is no indication of its originality or when the car gained the 4-speed manual. The seller is pretty adamant on the price and will deliver it for a fee, but we assume there is a limit to the mileage he/she would be willing to go.
Tri-Five or not, way to much money for what’s left of this thing.
This is a butchered-up rust bucket worth about $1000 at best.
If you notice radiator location on this one you will see core support center cut out my Dad a old drag racer said very common back then make engine swap super easy.
Rad would have been to the front of core support on a 6 or to the back on an 8. Not unusual to cut the core support but it’s the first time I’ve seen a radiator in the middle with no visible mounting spots. The missing / cut out tie bar across the top IS structural – still going to function, but the mounting ‘style’ here is indicative of build quality / or skill as in lacking. :-)
Nice project.
Definitely has the Bel Air side panels – you can see the tabs, just no B/A emblems. This car has either been sitting outside for years or that indoor storage has no roof. I rescued a factory black ‘57 just before Covid hit from 37 years of leaky and damp garage storage here in Oregon and it fared far better than this car.
This one must have been a ‘quick and dirty’ build on a pretty rough car. There’s a LOT of work, time, money and issues here to deal with – tho somewhat appealing at the $ – one would be far better off to step up and buy a nice solid non rotted car to start. Best of luck to whoever buys it!
There is BelAir script on the interior
Short spears on top of rear 1/4’s – 150/210.
If you look at the listing you’ll see a cool shifter, but the rest of it is . . .
Mr Dave back in the day when you went to Salvage yard or found a old wreaked 4 door Bel-Air you nabbed all the shiny stuff
No oil fill tube at the front of the intake manifold tells me that it’s a 1968 up small block. Not that it really matters in this case.
E-gads, what a bucket!