Many enthusiasts consider a long-term ownership history a critical factor when searching for a classic to park in their garage. This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Hardtop comfortably ticks that box, having been part of the same family since Day One. It presents nicely, although there is scope for the buyer to perform work that would lift this survivor to a higher level. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Bel Air listed here on eBay in Glendale, Arizona. Spirited action has pushed the price to $15,100, which is below the reserve.
If we were to compile a list of vehicles that have been long-term staples of the classic world, the ’57 Bel Air would easily score a spot. Chevrolet hit a sweet spot with the styling, producing what I believe to be one of the most stylish vehicles from the 1950s. This 4-Door Hardtop is an excellent example of the breed, having been part of the same family since the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The seller states that it underwent a light cosmetic refresh in its original combination of Harbor Blue and India Ivory years ago. It is unclear how long ago it received the TLC, but its presentation is still comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle. They say that a close inspection will reveal some paint flaws, but the car still presents nicely enough to turn heads. One question mark hanging over this classic is the presence of rust. The seller indicates that there are areas requiring attention, but not their location or severity. The floor pans would seem an obvious choice, but fixing such issues shouldn’t be too difficult. The glass is clear, and the distinctive trim is in good order.
It is disappointing that the seller doesn’t supply any engine bay images, but there is enough information to paint a positive picture. Powering this classic is a 283ci V8, teamed with a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The listing suggests that the 283 is the “Super Turbo-Fire” variant, placing 220hp at the driver’s disposal. Potential buyers can consider the Bel Air a turnkey proposition that exhales through a new exhaust. The seller states that it features some minor fluid leaks that develop with age, but none are bad enough to prevent this gem from providing immediate enjoyment.
The interior is where the new owner could really make this Bel Air shine. The seller indicates that the slipcovers hide original trim that shows its age, courtesy of splits and general deterioration. Replacement seatcovers are easy to find and aren’t expensive. That is all it seems to need, with the remaining upholstered surfaces in good condition, and no issues with the dash, wheel, or bright trim. A retro-style stereo provides in-car entertainment, although the original unit is included for those seeking authenticity.
Some readers will study the supplied photos of this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and immediately decide that it has too many doors. That is a fair call to a certain extent because there is no denying that the Sport Coupe is the most popular variant in the classic market. However, that doesn’t mean that we should discount this Chevy out of hand, because it does bring practicality to the table. The fact that it has attracted seventeen bids suggests that people like what they see, and with an enormous view tally, I won’t be surprised if the price climbs considerably before the hammer falls. Is this Bel Air a classic that you would consider pursuing further?
Normally not a big fan of ’57 Chevys, but this one really pops. Apparently, a whopping 137,000 folks thought so, and at about $2400 new, it was the 3rd most popular ’57 Chevy. Options added up quick, 6 was standard, but many spent the extra 2 bits on the V8. Powerglide was biggie, $187, deluxe heater $77, radio( not this one) $84, P/S, PB, another $100, 2 tone paint $32, and trim, so it added up quick. This car was over $3grand, but you got the classiest car available, and even so, I believe the restyled ’57 Ford sold more. An indication to GM, people were tired of the Tri-Fives, and shot back with the all new ’58. Like it or not, this car sure ended the Tri-Five era with a bang.
My Dad was in the Navy. Bought a new 57 210 4dr hardtop with a 6 cyl and AC in December 56. Traded a 56 (Dealerships wife’s demo) with every bell and whistle available, including powerpak 265. He’d gotten orders to Guantanamo Bay, and the orders had a note in it that said “Your are welcome to bring your car, but don’t bring one that requires high test gas cause we ain’t got any!” We drove to Key West, took the ferry to Havana and drove the length of Cuba to Gitmo. Next year was when Castro took over.
It’s a `57. It doesn’t matter what’s wrong with it, virtually any part is reproduced today, including much needed correct seat covers. From floor pans to dome light lenses, it’s available.
Yuck!!
Couldn’t even begin to imagine what’s gross about an example like this.
Perhaps you could elaborate….
I like it, I don’t care that its a 4 door I would still enjoy cruising around with it
I love it- had one in my ILL-spent youth but wreck it- it sported a 327 cid/ 365 hp w/ 4 sp & was loaded even a/c- loved my 4- door
Lovely example and Harbor Blue is a nice look. I traded away a turquoise Bel-Air 4 door hard top fifty years ago for a bug eyed sprite, what was I thinking??!
When my wife and I bought our one and only house here in Fords, New Jersey in October of 1997, I took a ride around our new neighborhood and I spotted two ”vintage cars” about two blocks away from each other. One was a yellow with a black top, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door hardtop sitting in a used car lot and the other was a white, 1964 Buick Skylark convertible sitting behind a local auto repair/speed shop. Well the 57 Chevy finally disappeared about a year ago and the Buick Skylark back in January. I was just amazed that both cars had sat outside, “uncovered” all those years. I have photos of both which I’ve sent to Collectable Automobile Magazine’s ”CAR SPOTTER” column and they did publish the photo of the Skylark a few months ago, but not the 57 Chevy. I wish I could post those two photos here, but I don’t know how to do that.
4 doors in a hardtop doesn’t detract from it at all. Barely noticeable to my eye. People will be breaking their necks in traffic trying to get a better view. Or at least I will, LOL!
If the LORD made anything better than the Tri-Fives, HE ,kept it for HIMSELF!
My second grade teacher had one like this. Her husband sold Chevys at the local small town dealer and he bought it for her as a Christmas present. Fond memories of Mrs. Roby.
I have a kind of fetish for 1957 Chevies because I learned to drive in 1965 at 14 in my dad’s ’57 210 basic 4-door sedan golden sierra & indian ivory, 6-cyl, 3-speed.
Curiously, at the time my best buddy at high school’s dad drove a 1957 Bel Air exactly as this one in the photos, except for 2 details: it was seawater green & indian ivory, with 3-speed manual transmission.
We used to have long chats about our dads’ cars but I always lost any argument, except for lower gas consumption in the 6 cyl.