Original Paint: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

One of the joys of writing for Barn Finds is having the honor to review some genuinely amazing classic cars. Whether they are desirable muscle cars unearthed after decades in a dusty barn or original and magnificently preserved survivors, every one of them has a story to tell. That is the case with this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It has a documented ownership history, and not only does it have a genuine 49,700 miles showing on its odometer, but it features its original paint and interior trim. It has led a sheltered existence, but the time has come for it to find a new home. Located in Templeton, Massachusetts, you will find the Bel Air listed for sale here on eBay. Healthy bidding has pushed the price to $55,700, although this remains short of the reserve.

The ownership history of this Bel Air is well documented, with the seller being this classic’s fifth owner. It has spent its life stored in climate or temperature-controlled garages, often under a cover to protect its beautiful Onyx Black paint. The paint is original, with the seller stating that the car has never been the recipient of any restoration work. It shines magnificently, with hardly a mark or defect after sixty-five years. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. There is no evidence of exterior rust, and the underside shots reveal the factory Red Oxide primer and no corrosion worthy of mention. The trim and chrome shine beautifully against the Black paint, with no bubbling or oxidization. The first owner ordered the Bel Air with tinted glass, which remains original and spotless. This is a classy package, and the wide whitewall tires add a perfect finishing touch. Its recent owners have frequently entered the Chevy in shows where it has accumulated a good selection of silverware in original and unrestored categories. The Bel Air has made the journey to these events inside a covered trailer to preserve its overall condition. If you want to talk about classics that have lived a sheltered existence, this one has to be up there with the best of them.

The originality of this Bel Air extends to its numbers-matching drivetrain. Chevrolet offered buyers a wide selection of engines in the 1957 range, and the first owner ordered this car with one of the best. He selected the 283ci V8 equipped with the optional Power Pack. This upgrade boosted the 283’s output from 185hp to 220hp. Getting those ponies to the pavement is imperative, and this is achieved via the rear wheels by a manual transmission with optional overdrive. In a 1957 context, this Bel Air would have been a spritely performer. With the ability to cover the ¼ mile in 16.2 seconds, it commanded plenty of respect from lesser mortals. As with its paint and panels, this Chevy remains mechanically unrestored. The seller has treated the carburetor to a rebuild while also installing new plugs, points, and plug wires. The original shocks had seen better days, but he managed to locate a genuine set of 1957-vintage NOS units that have found their way under this classic. Peering behind the grille reveals a factory bug screen complete with its Chevrolet part number. He states that the car has a genuine 49,700 miles showing on the odometer, and this is no idle boast. He holds all of the documentation verifying its ownership history, the original Build Sheet that he found squirreled away above the glove compartment, sales receipts, and titles. He says the car runs and drives as well today as it would have the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

While the seller continues discussing this classic’s originality when he turns to the subject of its interior, there is one aspect that raises a question in my mind. While I have little doubt that this Bel Air is all that is claimed, I’m not convinced that the carpet is original. I can’t provide a concrete reason for this, it is one of those feelings that I class as instinctive. I could be wrong on that point and am happy to be corrected if that’s the case. The first owner ordered the vehicle with the interior trimmed in Code 670 Black and Silver. Given this car’s history and odometer reading, it’s no surprise that it appears to be perfect. There is no evidence of wear, physical damage, or other issues. The dash is spotless, and the plated and bright trim pieces shine beautifully. There have also been no aftermarket additions to compromise this classic’s originality. The car rolled off the showroom floor equipped with electric windshield wipers, a deluxe heater, a passenger-side mirror, and a Wonderbar radio with the rare rear speaker option. These features remain intact and work as they should.

When you consider the overall condition, originality, and history of this 1957 Bel Air, it is easy to see why the current bid remains short of the reserve. The ’57 Bel Air has been a staple of the classic scene for decades, and even rough examples can command some surprising values. This car is in no way rough but presents superbly as an original survivor. I’m not sure if it is the best unrestored example in existence today, but it has to be close to the mark. It should suit the most discriminating buyer, and while it has already attracted twenty-seven bids, I suspect that figure will grow significantly before the auction draws to a close. What do you think the final sale price will be?