Don’t be fooled by its weathered appearance, because there is much to like about this 1957 Chevrolet 150. Below the surface is a rock-solid project candidate that has hibernated for fifty years. It is a genuine blank canvas, allowing its new owner to create the Tri-Five Chevy of their dreams. All it requires is a little imagination and a degree of dedication. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty listed here on eBay in Orange, Texas. The seller set their BIN at $8,500 with the option to make an offer.

Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range has been a staple of the classic world for years, which is easy to understand. The company hit a sweet spot with styling, particularly in 1957. This 150 rolled off the line that year, with the images suggesting that the first owner ordered it in Tropical Turquoise. It appears to have been customized during its life, but reversing any changes as part of a faithful refurbishment would be straightforward. Looking beyond the surface corrosion reveals virtually no penetrating rust, although dismantling the vehicle and adopting a rotisserie approach would eliminate any problems, prolonging this classic’s life enormously. Many trim pieces require replacement or restoration, opening a fascinating possibility. Every piece of trim needed to transform this 150 into a Bel Air tribute is readily available, and while it may add around $2,000 to the project cost, it would allow this beauty to stand out.

It appears that every aspect of this Chevy is a blank canvas, including the interior. It features later bucket seats and some dash hardware, but a complete refresh is on the cards. Sourcing genuine seats and a trim kit for a faithful build would be easy, or the new owner could adopt a custom approach as they personalize their ride. The same is true below the surface. This car’s “nose-up” attitude suggests that the engine bay is empty, providing another opportunity for the buyer to create the classic of their dreams. Period-correct mechanical components are readily available, but many speed shops can supply off-the-shelf parts to slot a small-block under the hood. That would improve performance, ensuring a long-term ready supply of maintenance parts and virtually bulletproof reliability. Add Holley fuel injection into the mix, and this could be an extremely user-friendly vehicle.

I’m sure that most Barn Finds readers have a clear picture of the path they would follow if they found this 1957 Chevrolet 150 parked in their workshop. Shall I tell you mine? I would perform a rotisserie build, eliminating every spot of corrosion to achieve a high-end result. I would reinstate the original paint shade and splash the extra cash required to add a complete set of exterior Bel Air brightwork. I would follow a faithful path with the interior, adding vintage air conditioning for a more comfortable motoring experience. The drivetrain would include a small-block V8, a four-speed transmission, power steering, upgraded power disc brakes, and a complete suspension rebuild with better bushings for a tight, confident feel. That’s my vision, but the great attraction of the classic world is diversity. You may agree with my approach, or a different path may prove irresistible. The seller’s BIN figure looks competitive, but their willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. Therefore, that might be the motivation to make your dream a reality.