Blank canvas project cars will always attract their share of attention, especially when they are as desirable as this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible. This would help to explain the spirited bidding that this classic has attracted since it was placed on the market. It is going to require some work to see the project through to fruition, but the end result promises to be a pretty stunning car. It is located in Trenton, New Jersey, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made it to $20,100, and the reserve has been met.

One problem that the next owner of this Bel Air is not going to have to face is a battle with rust. The original frame has been fully restored, and the body that sits on it is a fresh item from Prototype Research. These bodies are made from reinforced fiberglass, and with an asking price of $13,000, they also represent a substantial investment. The most obvious benefit is that the main body structure will not suffer from rust in the future. The doors are original Chevrolet components, as are the front fenders, the hood, and the trunk lid. The owner states that the fenders aren’t perfect, but they do appear to be rust-free. The vast majority of the chrome and trim is present, and it is in generally good condition. The rear bumpers are the exception because these will require a trip to the platers. Otherwise, the grille and many of the badges are brand new. There are also a couple of spare hoods, a frame for the convertible top, and a set of original fender skirts. The windshield is new, and while the remaining glass is present, one door glass is cracked. As a starting point to build the Bel Air of your dreams, it doesn’t look to be too bad.

There is no engine or transmission included with the Convertible, but this may not be a problem. The buyer might have their own thoughts on this, but the seller does offer an attractive option. He has a fully rebuilt engine from a ’65 Corvette. If the buyer is interested, then this can be purchased separately for $1,300. That should provide the Bel Air with some reasonable levels of performance. There is also the possibility of slotting something more modern and powerful under the hood, but that will be a matter of personal taste. There is a significant collection of new and used parts included in the sale, including a new fuel tank and stainless steel straps. There are also a couple of radiators (one new), along with numerous other items.

The interior of the Bel Air includes an original dash and a Convertible front seat, but there is going to be a long shopping list of parts that will be required to whip it into shape. There is no rear seat, so a replacement will need to be sourced. The majority of the remaining trim and the carpet will also need to be replaced. How this is tackled will depend on the look that the buyer is seeking to achieve. An interior trim kit would return the interior to a stock appearance, although the option is also available to go for a custom look. Included with the car is an original Wonderbar radio that was working when it was removed. There are also some spare steering columns and a new glovebox.

The thought of a classic car like this ’57 Bel Air Convertible being fitted with a reproduction fiberglass body is not going to be something that appeals to many of the purists amongst our Barn Finds readers. However, for the person who wants a car with the classic looks and with minimal potential for future rust, then this Convertible could be an attractive proposition. The owner intended to tackle this as a restomod project, but circumstances have forced him to part with it. Interestingly, Prototype Research offers a complete, turn-key ’57 Bel Air Convertible restomod for around $72,000. This vehicle should be able to be completed for substantially less than that figure. That is a point to ponder and would help to explain why there has been so much bidding interest so far. Would this be a project that you would be willing to take on?