Some owners hold onto a classic for decades, only selling when it has deteriorated beyond the point of no return. The seller bought this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible in 1989, and the build stalled before it even started. However, it spent those decades in a dry garage, which protected it from major rust problems. Admitting defeat, the seller has listed the Bel Air here on eBay in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $4,258 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford caught Chevrolet napping when it released a new model range in 1957. The company’s latest offering was lower and sleeker than Chevrolet’s Tri-Five lineup, letting Ford take the lead in the showroom race. The 1957 Ford remains desirable today, but the ’57 Bel Air Convertible is iconic. The seller bought this Convertible in 1989, planning a project build that never eventuated. It spent the intervening years in this dry garage, which is good news for potential buyers. The underside shots reveal dry surface corrosion, although the only visible penetrating rust is in the lower passenger-side front fender. Even so, if I were the winning bidder, I’d err on the side of caution and take a frame-off approach to achieve the high-end result this classic deserves. The top frame is intact, and most of the exterior bright trim appears to be included. The Cowl Tag confirms the first owner ordered the car in Code 793 Onyx Black, and while it has gone through several obvious color changes, it would look dazzling if returned to its factory form.
Decoding the VIN confirms this Bel Air left the line with a V8, but it is unclear which of the seven available motors the first owner selected. Power outputs ranged from 162hp for the entry-level 265ci powerplant to 283hp for the range-topping 283ci “Fuelie.” The clutch pedal in the interior images suggests they paired whichever motor they selected with a manual transmission. Sadly, the original V8 and transmission are long gone, leaving the car a mechanical blank canvas for the new owner. Sourcing period-correct components would be easy for a faithful approach, or the winning bidder could choose something more modern or potent. The limiting factors will be their imagination and budget.
The interior raises further questions that the listing images and text can’t answer. The back seat is intact, but the door trims are missing, and many dash components and the front seat are absent. Finding replacements for most of these items won’t be difficult, because there is a thriving industry supplying high-quality reproduction components. The Cowl Tag indicates a Code 683 trim code, meaning this Bel Air would have looked stunning with its Onyx Black exterior and Silver and Red vinyl upholstery. The winning bidder could follow the faithful path, but as with the drivetrain, the world is their oyster if they want to create something genuinely unique.
The current high bid on this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is modest and will likely climb substantially before the hammer falls. It has already attracted 27 bids, and at the time of writing, Listing View and Watch List tallies of 654 and 73, respectively, show the Bel Air has generated intense interest. The winning bidder faces a long road before the Convertible returns to active service, but the lack of significant penetrating rust is a bonus that can’t be ignored. The biggest decision facing potential bidders is whether to follow a faithful path or treat the Bel Air as a custom build. Which option would you choose?
Looks like it was kustomed out before this guy bought it. Unless Chevy delivered them with diamond tuck and roll upholstery.
Looks like a fun project to build.
I would go old school with a small block and put a T5 manual.
Black paint and factory interior.
I would consider chrome reverses or Cragars. I wouldn’t be upset with steelies and dog dishes either.
I thought someone cut the top off in the thumbnail. A 3 pedal convertible could be fun.