It is amazing to think that 60+ years ago, these cars were just your average daily drivers. Who knew how iconic they would become? The cool part is that this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is ready to be driven as it sits with a claimed 23,077 original miles. The current bid price is up to $11,200. The car has spent its whole existence in New Mexico and currently resides in Albuquerque. You can find it here on eBay.
A lot of work was performed to get this car roadworthy. It was parked in 1971, revived in 1991 when the 283 cubic inch V8 engine was rebuilt. Hardened valves, fuely heads, a mild camshaft, along with a new radiator were installed. Three test drives were made and then it was parked and all fluids drained so it could be stored for another 20 years. After this slumber, all fuel lines, belts, brakes, shocks, fuel pump, and gas tank were replaced.
Other things mechanically replaced included a new HEI distributor, intake, and a 1406 Edlebrock carburetor, and new tires. It runs and drives using pump gas. The car was originally painted black, but was repainted before the initial purchase of the car. According to the listing, the floors are rust free and the car is incredibly clean. The listing also notes that all the lights and turn signals work.
This has been owned by the same family since being purchased on August 22, 1968. The listing does not mention any information about the car for the ten years prior to being owned by this family. If there is one thing for certain, it is that these cars certainly have a draw to them, that those who really liked them, held onto them and can share stories like this. Then again, any car can have that effect, and we are all glad it does.
drool
Back to Black!
Not a bad looking `57………….for 223K miles and 62 years.
The seller doesn’t exactly claim the original mileage is 23,000. They never mention mileage in the description, the only place it’s referenced is the section where the seller fills out details about the car. Mileage is stated as 23,077, but it’s seems more like an answer to the question, “what does the odometer read” than an actual claim.
I wish the write ups would leave dubious mileage claims out of the header, especially if the seller isn’t pushing the number. If it’s necessary to include them, please don’t make it so prominent and be more skeptical.
Steve R
Looks like all that’s left is to paint it I too would go back to black. It’s a 2 door hardtop what’s not to like.
I am in love with a metal object 👍👀
This is iconic and perfect for my taste …
The only change I’d make is convert it to a 5 speed stick and a 373 geared posi rear-end if it doesn’t have one already. I even love the wheels
Just right. Clean up and paint and hit the road.
Like the Pep Boys Futura brand of tires.
How can all the turn signals work if they’re not even mounted on the car? While I agree the rust issues on this one may be low, it needs everything to make it the beauty it once was.
I agree that putting the mileage in the headline that cannot be verified (especially when the seller doesn’t claim that it is the total mileage), is misleading and make for an inaccurate write up. At $15,100 right now, and this is a freaking bargain. I suspect it will go for 10G more before it is done. New suspension parts will be a must, but the handling will be wonderful when its done. Glass, headliner, carpet, add another 10G at least. Love the 283/3speed OD combo. If I had the coin, this one might replace the one I have. Nah, too many smiles in mine already and its paid for and doesn’t mind the dirt road driveway.
Beware those miles! Years ago before digital odometers, you could get a Speedo shop to roll back to any miles you want. Like resetting a clock, for $10!
I owned one back in 68. Mine was white with red interior. I paid $200 for it. 283 auto. It died while sitting on I 5 for construction delays just south of Seattle and never got it started again. Parked it at my brothers place and he sold it for $50 just to get it out of his yard.
God bless America
Paint (Black), interior, usual inspection of front end parts / pieces and drive this bargain.
I truly believe these ’55-57 Chevy’s were already iconic amongst gear heads maybe ten years after they were new. Everybody, and I mean everyone, here’s the noun ’57 Chevy and knows what they are, with visions of some hot rod cruising down the local strip, looking tough. Many, if not most cars will never be held in that same limelight.
Still highly popular to this day, I’ll have to count how many there are at a good car show this Sunday.
Cool these are always showing up……do we buy it now….or…..wait ?
Get in it and drive!! Motor looks great and with the cam and fuelie heads would be a blast to drive!! It would look good in my garage!!!
Thought I was feeling tempted there for a bit. Had a 57 210 hardtop back in the early 80’s with a 235, black, original paint sold it for like 500 bucks in 1983 when our landlords wanted to move back into their house. Nice memories though!!
Take a look at the steering wheel column looks like it was originally column shifted 3 on the tree.
Mileage claim bogus?
Some young guys hot rod many moons ago.
Full resto on top of purchase price will be unreal dollars. No thanks.
It went for $16,100.00, a very good price it it is what was claimed!