The “Tri-Five” Chevrolets are so prevalent today because so many of them were built back in the day. Between 1955 and 1957, more than 4.5 million Chevies hit the road, whether it was a bare bones 150 sedan or a fancy Bel Air convertible. The seller has a ’57 “Bel Air/150” but the level of restored trim points to it being a 150 with a 327 cubic inch V8 and more newer touches. Looking like a turnkey restomod, this ’57 Bow-Tie is in Castlegar, British Columbia, and is available here on craigslist for $35,000 (USD?).
If you were on a budget in 1957 but wanted a new car, the Chevy 150 was the answer. Not a lot of frills for not a lot of money. Many of the 71,000 2-door sedans had an inline-6 with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. This example may have once had the optional 265 or 283 V8, given the large “V” emblem on the hood. And it’s been changed to a floor shifter. The transplanted 327 V8 is no older than 1962, when Chevrolet first introduced it and the tranny is a 4-speed manual.
Clearly, this car has been restored and upgraded, though the timeline isn’t mentioned. The bright red paint looks great, and the interior is beautiful, though simple. This may have been a radio-delete car when new, given the metal plate where an AM radio could have lived. The odometer is said to have rolled over, so the total mileage vs. restored miles isn’t known. New parts include the front end, brakes, leaf springs, fuel tank, aftermarket wheels, and wide tires.
If the 327 has been modified for more performance, we’re not told. But the car runs and looks great. This 1957 Bow-Tie seems to want for nothing, yet the seller doesn’t indicate the reason for selling. Too many toys, perhaps? Anyway, bring cash because trades aren’t an option. Thanks for the tip, “Curvette”.
If a car is advertised on Canadian Craigslist then the price is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. This cars asking price in US dollars is then $24,632 as of the time of this post. It looks like a pretty nice machine at that price although I’d change to 15 inch wheels if it were mine.