Usually, when one finds a ’55-’57 Chevrolet it seems to be a high-dollar trailer queen, a rotted out beyond belief barnyard find or some sort of a Mad Max hot-rod project. This 1957 Bel Air Convertible, located in Tracy, California, and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $35,000 is a bit different. It’s an in-betweener, worn but usable, a car that is basically intact and ready for a redo.
The Tri-Five Chevys were known for their plethora of body styles, spread across three different trim levels with the Bel Air at the top, 210 in the middle and the 150 bringing up the rear. Convertible body styles, like our example, however, were reserved for the top-drawer Bel Air. And a Bel Air convertible, in the right condition, will bring top-drawer money.
Looking closer at this convertible, I am immediately confused about the power plant – and the fact that there is no image doesn’t help matters. You can see the underside of the engine, however, in this included image. The posting states in the “Item Specifics” that this Chevy has a 283 CI, dual carburetor, “batwing” engine. There were two versions offered in ’57, one at 245 HP and the other pushing out 270; a great, desirable feature to have on a Bel Air convertible. The body text, however, states that under the hood is a rebuilt 265 CI V8 with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The 265 CI motor was available at the beginning of the ’57 model year, right along with the 283, but was then discontinued at some point later in the model year. Furthermore, the 265 motor was not available with a Powerglide transmission. The 265 engine is clearly stated as being what powers this convertible but then I don’t get the earlier reference to the Hi-Po 283. And after all of this, no word on how or if, this car runs and drives. Put all of this in the unsolved mysteries department. Also, I’d lose the wooden transmission cross-member, they don’t work well.
The interior of this ’57 is pretty well trashed. The carpet is gone, which is good in that it reveals what appear to be, sound floors. The dash is beat-up, the door cards are badly disintegrated and the original upholstery adorning the front seat looks like a weasel got a hold of it. All of this is fixable but it will take time and money.
The seller states that there is a hole in the passenger convertible top area but is mum on integrity beyond that. The images included show floors and a frame that look to be in pretty good condition. The seller claims that this Chevy has been in storage for 25 years and that’s the reason that the floors are in “pristine” condition. I can spy what appears to be new bolts securing the body to the frame so some work has been undertaken.
The body on this ’57 looks to be in good nick, no obvious dents or rust but a lot of missing trim. The listing states that “all the hard to find convertible interior trim pieces are in great shape” but there are other trim parts like the hood ornaments, badging, grille emblems, windshield trim, etc. that appear to be missing; no word on those. The seller also informs us that some of the side glass is not present.
I’m on the fence on this ’57; I like the intactness but I’m walking away with more questions than I had at the start. And then there is the price. I know what a fully restored one of these can go for but how much of an investment is this one going to really need to make it a pristine and fun convertible? And then there is the entire engine matter. What do you think, worth investigating further?
What’s up with that cross member? That didn’t grow there did it?
I did a double take but its the right frame.
https://images.app.goo.gl/vYcZAzFhAQXCYL9F7
I would like to see the top up and windshield convertible too area.
Looks like a good deal no matter what engine resides
😎
So the large “X” structure is original to the car?
Roger, the case of the cast iron Powerglide is a stressed member. There is no cross member under the transmission. The case has (or should have) ears on both sides that attach to the frame. It looks to me like the driver’s side ear is missing, so the 4×4 is holding up the transmission. For $35 large I hope it comes with the car.
As Jim says in the article, there’s a lot to like here, but there’s a ton of unknowns. Almost every piece of that car is reproduced, but what’s missing and what’s the cost to replace what’s missing?
I’d like to hear the story behind the broken off piece of cast iron transmission case, if that’s what it is. Generally those things are considered to be unbreakable when hit by anything less than a freight train.
Shore looks purty with all that fresh primer; if you look at the L quarter trim you can see rust at the top of the stainless panel and possibly a booger on the hood. For all this coin there should be more info and a full inspection. Fresh primer scares me to death. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
The car, in primer, matches the house !!
In full primer, especially if fresh, yes scary……but better than fresh paint that would double to triple the price and could be popping and blistering a year from now.
I thought 35K was a lot but looks like these are in the market restored for 80-125K. Cult car for sure. It will take most of that with the “buy in” included to get the car to the condition to command that price. I like it for the reason you can “make it your own”. Not sure I’d pay 35K for this BUT someone will who has this as their #1 pick on their list.
Wants $35k but doesn’t mention if the rebuilt engine runs? Nice car but seller is holding back too much info imho.
I’ve always wanted one of these, had a 2 drht one time, but at this point in my life I can’t take on a car that needs this much work. Good luck to the new owner when finished it will be a thing of beauty with your finger print on it.
Happy New Years
To much money for a car that needs 15 to 20 grand to finish it.
Took another closer look at the 57 and i think ray charles did the body work, looks like pasenger door needs replaced who knows what else. I would pass on thi jalopy.
You are right on; the shadow at the bottom of the Passenger door looks like a slap-happy bondo job.
Yes the weird 4×4 underneath and the messed up lower passenger door means , “get out the magnet time”. My first car was a 210 so I know where to find the rust. The prices are just too high these days. Hopefully it goes to a good home.
Anytime I see a car in primer with all the trim back on the car it makes me wonder why not do a single stage paint job before you put all the chrome back on!! Nice car underneath but it would be nice to see in the trunk especially for the dollar amount!!!
Another 57 Chevy? Thought these things were all used up. I’m not a fan of any 57 Chevy.