In checking to be sure we hadn’t covered this car before, I wasn’t surprised at how many 1957 Chevrolets we’ve seen over the years. After all, Chevy produced 1.5 million of them, including hundreds of thousands of Bel Airs. And they’re some of the most sought-after vintage cars in collector circles, even after nearly 70 years. The seller’s Sport Coupe hasn’t been on the road in 40-45 years and went through a series of changes in the decade prior. The Chevy will need a complete restoration, including replacing the replacement drivetrain. Located in a garage in Rochester, Washington, this project can be yours for $10,000 here on craigslist.
When this vehicle rolled off the assembly line in ’57, it wore black paint and had a 283 cubic inch V8 with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic. Fast forward 15-20 years, and the paint changed to red, the engine to a 327 (1962 or later), and the tranny to a Muncie 4-speed. The interior was redone to match the outside with red (and some black). As you can see, the red paint has run its course, and there is rust in the sheet metal in many places.
The 327 is seized and partly disassembled, so you should plan to toss it. And go back to a Chevy small-block or venture down the LS route. This poor car saw a lot of action between the 1950s and 1980s, as the odometer has turned over at least once and sits at 50,000 miles (more like 150,000). The Bel Air sits on dollies, so the only distance it has covered of late is running around the garage.
When they built this one, they produced another 168,000 more. So, it begs the question that if you’re looking for a project, how rough do you want it to be, as there should be plenty of fish in the sea? We’ve seen them better than this one, and – more often – worse than this one. But the seller has some extra parts to go with the deal to help you get started. Thanks, “Curvette,” for another Bow-Tie tip.
I’m going to buy it, pull that 327, park it on my front lawn, no hoa, and plant a tree in the engine bay. Being that they made over a million of these things this one will make a nice planter
Seems fairly typical. People let their car go to pot, then try to sell it for a king’s ransom.
This was the car guys dreamed of as high schoolers in the 50’s- that AM radio blasting Chuck Berry or the doo-wop groups. That generation and their hopes of recapturing youthfull dreams are pretty much gone now, the next generation that lusted for the Mustang are fading as well. The torch has been passed to the guys who knew the Chargers, Chevelles and Torinos and the days before the oil embargo and tree huggers snuffed out performance.
this sure is a crusty cookie for 10k then spend another 60k. easier to buy 1 done. looks good sitting there but looks are deceiving
Sure dont enjoy those “Site for Screwing” ads accompanying your posts. Maybe that’s all good in Boise but I guess Im old fashioned
I clicked into this one expecting find a frothy ask, and sure enough!
Another seller who knows what he has. It’s a 1957 Chevy, after all. No price is too much.
Yes it’s rusty and crusty, but I’d take this over something in the same shape from late 60s to early 70s. They were built better back then.
I turned 16 in 1966, lived in a town of approximately 50 thousand, and I would bet there at least 30 ’57s roaming the streets.
Warmed up 283s, 327s, and the occasional 396, most with 4 speeds.
During the ensuing 5 or 6 years l had a ’55 210 w/a glass front end and a straight axel, a ’55 Bel Aire hardtop, a ’56 Bel Aire convertible, and a ‘ 57 sedan delivery, all 327 4 speeds except the 210 which was a L-78 396.
My point is that it seemed like nearly everyone that had a street fighter, at one time or another had a tri- five. I think that it is probably mostly old guys like me that have an affinity for something like this ’57, and when we are gone, I’m not sure that there will be much of a market for these old rockers.
If I’m correct, it will be big loss, because those were the days my friend.
I remember being a kid riding in my cousin’s 55 Chevy. No remembrance of drivetrain, except he was one of the.cooler guys among other hot rodders. And my cool points went up for riding in it.
Fast forward, I’m mid 60s now. Still have a hot rod, Mustang. Just a thought. I truly hope these tri fives continue to be a mainstay among gearheads. I mean really, even a Ford guy like me appreciates cool Chevys like these.
As for this one, way too much ask for too little left. It’s doable, but Dang!
Looks like Rat wiz has blistered all the insides. Not for me . Too high !
One look at the engine turns on my blinking red light which matches the rust that’s probably all over this one.