I have been involved in the classic scene longer than I probably care to admit, and certain cars have remained a constant throughout those decades. One of the more obvious is the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Many enthusiasts believe the ’57 represents a high point in 1950s styling, especially in Convertible or Sport Coupe form. Our feature car is the latter, recently emerging from over four decades in storage. It is a surprisingly solid classic that a new owner could restore or enjoy in its current form. Why not take a look and see if you are up for the challenge?
The history of this Bel Air is unclear, although the seller admits its previous owner placed it in storage in a Berkeley, California, garage in the 1970s. The hibernation has done it no real harm. The seller supplies an excellent selection of photos, and rust appears limited to an area on one inner rocker. The floors and frame sport light surface corrosion but no evidence of steel penetration. The previous owner was its custodian since 1966, although it is unclear whether they performed the color change that sees this classic’s panels cloaked in semi-gloss Black. The Trim Tag confirms the first owner selected the striking Code 822 combination of Imperial Ivory and Dusk Pearl. The panels are straight and free from significant defects, meaning reinstating the factory shades should be straightforward. Most trim pieces might respond positively to old-fashioned work with a metal polish, but the bumpers are due for a trip to the platers. The Bel Air retains its original hubcaps, and the tinted glass looks crystal clear.
Someone added a sports wheel, and the factory radio and carpet are AWOL, but this Bel Air’s interior retains its original trim and upholstery. The Code 670 Black cloth and Silver vinyl have seen better days, and a retrim will be on the winning bidder’s to-do list. This shouldn’t pose any challenges, with kits in the correct colors and materials retailing for around $2,000. That sounds like a significant investment, but with trim capable of surviving for many decades if treated respectfully, the cost is justifiable. I learned from personal experience that few situations are more satisfying than stepping back to admire an interior that you have returned to its former glory.
Powering this Bel Air is the company’s 283ci V8 the first owner teamed with a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering. The driver should have around 185hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. The Powerglide will take the hard edge off outright performance, although the Bel Air should be a comfortable and relaxed tourer. The seller revived the V8, stating that it runs well. The Bel Air will undoubtedly require work before it can be considered roadworthy because it appears to be missing the master cylinder. However, returning the car to active service shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. The Bel Air’s overall solid nature means that is a realistic short-term goal as the buyer assembles everything required to make this classic sparkle once again.
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe has received twenty-four bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Pleasanton, California. However, it remains below the reserve at $15,600. There is a BIN option of $34,995 for those wishing to throw caution to the wind. Would you follow that path, or are you tempted to join the bidding party for this classic?
All this car needs is nicer bumpers, better wheels and a carpet set. You don’t need to restore this car to have fun with it.
It needs a master cylinder..
A power one if your going back stock….
Never understood the popularity of 55,56 and 57 Chevrolet. To me the 58 was one of the most beautiful Chevrolets ever. Also the 57 rear fenders looked like a scaled down 57 Chrysler. My final RANT is why Chevy launched Impala as top of the line in 58! Always amazes me how upscale aspirational names like Bel Air, Ambassador, Monte Carlo, Riviera, Patrician, Fifth Avenue, Imperial, et al have been replaced by combination of letters and numbers.👎. Once again I am on to VERSAILLES! 😉
To each their own. I find the 58 absolutely ruined Chevy’s styling. Got big and bulky looking. From 57 up to about 66 I have no interest in what Chevy put on the market. Again, to each their own.
Thankfully we are STILL able to have our own opinions! 🇺🇸 Not sure how much longer 😕. But what I liked about 58 GM cars was the bulky OTT excessive chromed almost menacing look. My former 72 Caprice Classic had a similar look, really resembled Cadillac at a lower price. Viva Le Difference!
GT/ glued together ,GT/ Ghetto trash etc..
Heard of a 57 that was in a auction recently in middle Tennessee that sold for over 100k. Shocking!!
Not to take away from the nice condition of this survivor but I’ll take a low and lean ’57 Ford over the big lumbering upright ’57 Chevy any day. The ’59-60 Chevy’s were better than the ’57 chevy as well.
Bought my first 57 at age 12 for 250 dollars. That was 1973. Since then I’ve had at least one of each body style including a Sedan Delivery and a convertible. I grew up on them and lived my dreams with them. When you say “Five Seven” it goes without saying that you’re talking Chevy, Not Ford.
You beat me to it! ’57 Fords much more attractive than Chevs IMO. Again, each his own. Best thing about this hobby is that there are so many “options” to choose from…..
like the guy ahead said to each his own and enjoy it while you can.all that money we are spending on them will soon come to an end when all governments will put a stop on gas powered engines and for us to only drive electric.we will be going in our garages and cry when we see those beautiful cars and can’t take them out for a drive.will be like having a museum in our own home.
I appreciate the ‘57 Belair as an icon. It and the early Mustang are probably the most recognized collector cars among “not car people”. ‘58 Impala was a horse of a different color, but a beautiful car in its own right. It would interesting to know how sales numbers would have compared, had there not been a severe economic downturn. I’m a Ford guy at heart, but I’ll drive anything that’ll run- and I appreciate a wide range of vehicles. It has always fascinated me that the beautiful (IMHO) ‘57 Fairlane receives very little notice, even though it has a larger, more powerful engine (312/283), a 3 speed automatic transmission instead of the 2 speed Powerglide- and Ford was number one in sales for 1957. Go figure.
I think what made the 55 – 57 Chevy popular over the years was the ease of putting in a larger engine. Pull that 265 or 283 and drop in a 327 or 350. Not the case with the Ford as the 312 was as big as the Y block would ever get. And in the days before synthetic oil the oil passages to the rocker arms on the 312 would get plugged. So the engine made the Chevy reputation
No gamble even at $35 grand if your looking for one…..
I’ve always liked the ’57 Chevy Bel Air and the ’57 Ford Fairlane — beautiful cars! The ’57 Chevrolet 210 retained most of the look of the Bel Air; however, the ’57 Ford Custom, with its reduced rear fenders, spoiled what made the Fairlane so striking. But I liked the ’58 Chevy also — the ’59, however, was ugly, to me. The ’58 Ford spoiled the beauty of the ’57, but the ’59 Ford was another beauty. The 1958 Edsel (which came out in ’57) was “different”, but not bad-looking. But trying to graft those uniquely Edsel styling cues onto the new 1959 body was a disaster. The 1960 Edsel, however, was a nice-looking car — especially in front: too bad they deep-sixed it so quickly.