Our feature car demonstrates how the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has remained a staple of the classic scene for decades. A previous owner transformed it from a humble family sedan into a cool custom in the 1980s. However, it has spent over twenty-five years languishing in this shed. It needs a new owner to return it to its former glory, although there are numerous paths they could follow on that journey. The Bel Air is listed here on eBay in Jefferson, Iowa. Bidding sits below the reserve at $2,607, but there is a BIN option of $16,500.
It is hard to know where to start with this Bel Air. The Blue paint gracing its flanks isn’t original. The Trim Tag confirms the first owner ordered it resplendent in the Code 812 combination of Surf Green and Highland Green. The existing paint might respond positively to intense polishing, but I believe a complete cosmetic refresh is in this car’s near future. Adopting a frame-off approach could be a wise move with the Chevy dismantled to this point. It has no apparent rust issues requiring attention, but following that path would produce the high-end result a classic of this caliber deserves. That also allows for an effortless color change, and I have my own ideas to expand upon shortly. The trim is either restorable or acceptable for use following a polish, and there are no visible glass issues.
The seller confirms this Bel Air entered storage around twenty-five years ago as a previous owner commenced its restoration. They pulled the engine and transmission, but both are now long gone. That makes this classic a blank canvas, opening a world of possibilities for the winning bidder. The most straightforward and cost-effective approach would be to bolt in the ubiquitous 350ci small-block V8, and the parts for that conversion are readily available off the shelf. Pursuing a restomod path is another possibility, but I have one sitting in the back of my mind for a buyer with a healthy project budget. It would be tempting to return the Bel Air’s interior and exterior to its original form and source a 283ci powerplant to bolt under the hood. That doesn’t sound particularly radical, but topping it with an original Rochester fuel injection system would transform this gem into a Fuelie tribute. The process won’t be cheap or for the fainthearted because a secondhand system will cost around $6,500, while a fully reconditioned unit will lighten the buyer’s wallet by at least $10,500. It’s an eye-watering figure, but the response from enthusiasts when the hood is lifted could almost justify the expense. As a tribute, it will never command the same potential value as the genuine article. However, it would still achieve a significant price premium compared to if the engine bay housed the entry-level 283. It won’t appeal to everyone, but I’m simply throwing the concept out there as one worth considering.
The “blank canvas” theme continues inside this Bel Air because the interior appears to be missing much of its original hardware. However, that need not be an obstacle. Secondhand seats are easy to find, while several companies produce trim kits in the correct colors and materials. This car’s original owner selected Code 653 Green and Gray vinyl, which would have complemented the exterior paint combination perfectly. A kit to regain its former glory will cost around $2,500, but if treated respectfully, the longevity of these components means it could be viewed as a one-off expense that will enhance the car’s future value.
I have floated the concept of transforming this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air into a Fuelie tribute, but doing so will require genuine commitment and a healthy budget. There are cheaper alternatives, and the odds are that the new owner will select one of those. Whatever path they choose, it appears they will commence the process with a solid foundation. Would you be tempted to take this classic home and begin personalizing it? I hope someone does because spending twenty-five years in storage is about twenty-six years too long! This Bel Air deserves better, and I hope that happens soon.
If you don’t restore this car to it’s original status you’ve wasted a really good example of the ’57s. OK with drivetrain upgrade as a 350 or similar engine would be fun. Sure it’s going to require everything but at least it isn’t a bucket of rust like a lot of the stuff that’s shown up on BF recently.
From the looks of the trim on car it looks like a 210 not a Belair. The short crown molding on quarter panels and no stainless on belt line on upper door is a give away.
Scott, that’s what I thought also?
That isn’t true Belair chrome.
Obviously someone just trying another scam, as usual.
Just my oponion!
If this car has truly sat for 25 years, then it must be pretty much rust free?
It’s just so hard for me to believe these sellers ad’s on Craigslist etc anymore?
Some of the ad’s that I see are so blantly false, you are sometimes left to just figure it out yourself.
This vehicle looks solid though.
I agree with a previous comment, put it back to the original green color with a matching 283 engine and the correct transmission.
Why on earth would someone get rid of the engine and transmission….
Even if you wanted something different at the time. Keep the original!
Just my oponion!
Custom steering wheel
Oh,if only I had about an extra 12 to 15 grand right now.I have almost that much saved now but if I could double that I would buy it.I know that apples to a lot of us.But it would make a great project.
Vise-grip steering wheel…huh…thought those were only made for window cranks. Well at least on my buddies 76 TA with a blue printed 454 and 1150 double pumper sitting on top bout 30 years ago..lol
That car was a lot of fun.
You apparently missed my story of taking a pretty girl to a drive in movie in my ’32 5 window and parking my steering wheel outside on the door handle. Some frog stole it and left me taking my date 21 miles home with a pair of vise grips on the shaft.
Quit bragging about your shaft, mister
And my own story, of driving my Pinto wagon late one night, pulling the shifter into second gear and the shifter kept going. Actually, it broke off leaving around half an inch of shaft left. Just enough to get my vice grips on, and drive it home. Back in the days when I kept my box of tools in the car.
Isn’t this a re-run?
Two door sedan. Chevrolet never called them posts.
Put a motor and transmission in it ,start driving tweaking out things as you go, there are plenty of boring restored tri 5s out there..
Put a crate engine in with a three speed automatic, wash it and wax it next, address the interior problems, put the steering wheel back,, do a brake job and make it road worthy, put a new set of mags and radial tires and drive it. In the meantime start sourcing OEM parts and saving money for a complete restoration. It is to nice to let it languish any longer in another shed waiting for a rebuild
This car is NOT. NOT! A Belair. This car is a 210 2-door Sedan. Belair-ized many years ago like thousands were by envious 210 owners.
So many make this mistake believing ALL 1955-1957 Chevies are Belairs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Chevrolet produced THREE body styles during the trifive years.
150.
210.
Belair.
Many times I’ve corrected those who did mot know.
My brother had the same car in that color and also minus the grille .6 cylinder,3 speed moved from the column to the floor.He paid $ 300.00 for it in 1967.
The beginning of the ad called it a 210 and the end called it a Belair. Maybe it’s really just a 150? In it’s current condition, it is not worth the BIN price. I grew up in a small city in Georgia where everyone drove a 55 ,56 , or 57 2dr ,4dr , wagon , or pickup truck !!!
Don’t wreck a classic..if you want a ‘hot rod’ find something No one cares about. This gem deserves restoration..even though #s won’t match. NO 350s..they’re a dime a dozen..283/327..or smoke the deck with a tri power 348.
So your saying hot rod it