This rusty old Chevy listed on craigslist in Chino Valley, Arizona appears to have potential. It has 2 doors and just a few bolt-on custom touches from the 1960s. The 150 was a very basic model. Even the outside rearview mirror would have been an option. It’s a 6 cylinder 3-speed car with rusty floors “recused” after 48 years in a barn. The engine runs and the clutch works. It looks promising until you notice that the asking price is $18,000. According to Hagerty, a 150 2 door post “#2 excellent” condition car is worth $23,700 less a 20% deduction for the 6 cylinder engine, or $18,100. That means this one must be just $100 short of excellent condition, right? Perhaps there’s a premium for the patina?
The floor is rusty, but there’s no dirt or daylight showing through the rust. The steering wheel carries on the 1960s cool car theme. The upholstery will need a little attention. The original steering wheel and radio are in the trunk. Things like passenger side sun visor, armrests, and horn ring were options. There would have been a rubber mat instead of carpeting.
Here’s the “Blue Flame” 235 CID six good for about 140 horsepower. It even runs. The air cleaner is another 1960s touch.
For the right price, this could be a great project. It could be your ticket to join the throng of proud Tri-Five owners at your favorite cars shows. These 150s are not as popular as the upscale 210 and Bel Air but they are all the same basic car. Hopefully, the seller will come to their senses and lower the price to something more reasonable. What do you think it might be worth? If there’s not much rust, could it be worth as much as $5,000?
A great find, but the price seems to have come from a certain ‘picker’ show…
Someone could build yet another Black Widow tribute, but I’d be dumb enough (if the price wasn’t so outrageous) to restore it – Thriftmaster Six and all – just to be different.
50 years ago, a car like that could have been bought in SoCal for under $100; times have show’nuff changed.
‘sho nuff….
He’s dreaming with that asking price.
No way. Decimal point on price in wrong spot.
He’s dreaming at $18,000, but $5,000 would be an insultingly low offer. If the car is presented accurately it is a nice builder.
Harerty price guides can be wildly inaccurate, this is one of those cases where $18,100 for even a 6 cylinder in excellent condition is off the mark.
I wouldn’t be interested in restoring this car to stock, I would hot rod it using period late-60’s to early-70’s speed equipment. I personally like the sedan body style over that of hardtop.
Steve R
I think it would bring all the the money if he swapped the back wheels and tires for the ones on front. I kid, just my OCD kickin’ in.
The 150 has always been my favorite 1957 model because of the simpler body lines. Great find but I agree with with everyone about the overly optimistic asking price. I’ve seen nice drivers at that price.
All 1957 Chevrolet body lines are identical. Just the trim is different.
Not 100% sure but I believe the BelAir 2dr. HT had a slightly lower streamlined roof than the sedans and even the fairly rare 210 2dr. HT. I am certain the windshield and back window are different.
The basic body lines are the same, but Tort is correct the roof on the sedans and regular wagons are 2 inches higher than the hardtops and Nomads.
Couldn’t agree more!
If it were 10 grand cheaper you could afford to make it into a nice gasser.
$18K? At that price the seller will be sitting on it for another 48 years. I like the less showy, lower series 57 Chevy’s vs the Bel Air.
For around $10K, this would be a good buy. I would freshen it up a bit; sort out the mechanics, brakes, redo the interior. Make it a good driver.
If it’s a real 150 ,it should have fixed rear side windows,and a Black Widow was a very rare and special 150, A little high,but where’s the next one?
What is with people and old car selling prices. I have flipped a few but not at thoses crazy prices.??? I only asked $4,500 when I was don’t with this 56 Buick station wagon.Bruce.
Bruce your not alone, I paid $3500 for this 73 Bronco which only needed a transmission, it had a 351W and a 12K winch. Replaced it and drove it for 3 years then sold it for $5,500. Now they are asking 15K for ones that have rust or don’t run and the good ones are in the 25 to 30K range. Sadly I’ll never get to own another.
I too have had ’56 & ’57’s in the past , without spending a tremendous amount of money. Also sold them them for a decent price. Tried to find a basic ’55-’57 wagon about three years ago and was shocked to spend $18,000-$30,000 to get one that wasn’t a chicken coop! Got lucky to find a ’66 Imp S/W with a # matching big block drive train with 49,000 original miles for the low 20k! Now, it’s in the $30.000 range! No wonder the younger people don’t want to get into the hobby!!