Some classics tick many of the right boxes that draw the attention of potential buyers. Such is the case with this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Sedan. It is an original and unmolested survivor. It has a genuine 76,000 miles on the clock, and its engine bay houses a freshly rebuilt V8. It would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but preserving its survivor status is a valid option. The Bel Air is listed here on Craigslist in Toledo, Ohio. It could be yours for $13,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this fabulous classic.
I acknowledge that while this Bel Air will prove almost irresistible to some readers, others will claim it has too many doors. I understand this sentiment because the Sport Coupe, Convertible, and Nomad are undoubtedly the strongest performers in the classic market. That is probably a major contributor to this car’s relatively modest asking price. However, with 254,331 sales, the 4-Door Sedan was comfortably the volume seller of the ’57 Bel Air range. It also makes it a practical alternative for enthusiasts with a young family because anyone who has ever tried to maneuver small children into the back seat of a Hardtop knows what a blessing a pair of extra doors is. This Bel Air is an unmolested classic that the original owner ordered in Onyx Black. It isn’t perfect, with the panels and paint sporting a selection of marks, imperfections, and small areas of repairable rust in the lower extremities. The latter is an irritant, but there are no issues severe enough to justify wholesale panel replacement. A fresh coat of paint would make an enormous difference to the presentation, although the lack of significant penetrating rust makes spot repairs and preservation a viable option. The underside wears a coat of dry surface corrosion, but this Chevy is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass is in good order.
The 283ci V8 occupying this Bel Air’s engine bay looks shiny and new, which is understandable considering it has only clocked 250 miles since receiving a complete rebuild. The seller left no stone unturned during the process. The engine block received a 0.040″ overbore, with new pistons, rings, lifters, and a camshaft finding their way into the V8. The crankshaft was machined, and the cylinder heads were rebuilt with hardened valve seats. Other new parts include the fuel tank, sender unit, filler neck, exhaust, and master cylinder. A carburetor rebuild rounds out the list, meaning this 283 should comfortably deliver the 185hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque the original owner would have had at their disposal when it drove off the lot. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed Powerglide, and the seller holds evidence confirming that the odometer reading of 76,000 miles is genuine. This Bel Air runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
I’m impressed with the overall consistency of this Bel Air because the interior condition is on par with the exterior. It is serviceable in its current form, with no gaping holes in the upholstered surfaces that would warrant a retrim. It would undoubtedly benefit from new seatcovers, but fitting a set of slipcovers would hide the worst of the flaws from prying eyes. The door trims look pretty good, there are no major dash problems, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The new owner might decide to refresh the painted surfaces, but as with the exterior, preservation is a viable choice.
There is a lot to like about this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Sedan, particularly for enthusiasts who prioritize practicality. It falls into the affordable category, and its flaws and imperfections could be addressed during the remaining winter months. That approach would leave it sparkling when it emerges into the light of day when warm weather blesses us once again. It has only been on the market a short time, and I doubt it will take long to find a new home. I hope it is with one of our readers because we will be sure it will continue to be treated respectfully. Are you tempted?
Did a light restoration on a white over dust pearl metallic ’57 4 door. After we got done and stood looking at it we decided 4 door or not, the ’57s were great looking cars. “Miss Scofield” was picked up and driven to California by a couple full of smiles that lasted many, many years.
This is a grandpap 57 Chevy !
Yup it shore is, sonny. Surprised he opted for a BelAire and not a 150 but he stayed on theme by going radio delete. Looks like he did allow for the heater option though, probably because he thought defrosters were a good thing.
The one we did came from a 92 year old grandma in Kansas who said she was selling it because her garage door was getting too narrow. Did have to do a small repair on the right rear.
Perfect replacement to give my daily 87 Caprice some time off. Again if your commute is short and relatively traffic free, keep the Hyundais and Toyotas and roll this. Even if you wreck it. It is still easier and cheaper to fix. Mustang, Chevelle, tri fives all are parts off the shelf units now without all the electronic garbage. My newest daily car right now is 37 years old. Great copy here.
Nice one, a different set of wheels to give it a 60’s vibe and it’s ready to roll.
The listing picks reveal it has been licked by the rust monkey (right rear bumper) but nothing that suggests it was actually bitten, chewed, and swallowed. Could be a reliable driver for a lot of extra miles.
There is absolutely NOTHING here to nitpick. At least on the surface w/o an on-site inspection. $13,500 for a 57 tri five? Seriously? C’mon!
IMO the nicest looking 57s (except nomad), was the 4 door pillarless hardtop.
I totally agree! The sport sedan hardtop is probably the best looking 4 door ever made. The post gives it the “grandpap” vibe, but 13.5K, is a affordable starting point to enjoy the tri-five era.
Yes, it is a 4 door, but the Tri-Fives aren’t getting more plentiful, and this one is nice. It doesn’t need a lot, and the rebuilt 283 is a plus.
It was made the year I was born, and it looks a lot better than I do.
I remember the old man selling one for $2500, but it was a 2 door…pretty sweet car. The movie was “Used Cars” and man when the dude tore it up and rolled it I was so…pissed, but enjoyed the movie. Lol….strippers dancing on the hoods..😆
Nothing from Ohio is rust-free.
Nice car, nice price. Rarity of unaltered ’57s in general makes this a real gem.
man if this was closer to where I live I would be jumping to have it in my garage.love the 57 but I prefer the ragtop.but like they say beggers can’t be choosers
When I was in 6th grade in late 1956 my Dad (in the Navy) bought a 1956 BelAir demonstrator from Curtis Person Chevrolet in Millington TN. It was the owner’s wife’s demonstrator, and had every available option. 2 weeks later he got orders to be the executive officer at the navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In the order package was a note that said “You are authorized to bring your personal vehicle, but don’t bring one that requires premium gas ’cause we don’t have any!” He took the ’56 that had the “Power Pac” 265 that required premium back to the dealer and swapped it for a 57 4 door with 6 cyl…got $200 to boot! We drove to Key West, took the ferry to Havana and drove to Guantanamo. Castro took over the next year. When I got old enough to drive they gave it to me. Memories!!!! If I were shed of this 23rd Series Packard I’d be all over this Chevy!
Why would the 283 need a rebuild with only 76000 miles on it? These motors always went 3 to 500,000 miles??
A good buddy got in 1968 a 57 4dr, 6cyl 3 on the tree,copper/ivory for $650.00. Needed a lot of tlc. He worked on it all summer after graduating HS. We had a blast with it until I left for college and him to Vietnam. His brother wrecked it in March of 69 and he was killed in action 3/17/69 miss you but I still have those memories love you bro
Dad had a red/white Belair 57’. This one here I would get new mats and drive the sucker. Looks cool to me
I actually think it’s a pretty good car. A good one to be a project car, then just make it nicer as you can.
It’s a heck of a lot better than most.
I like the fact that you can see what it really is.
Before the Bondo God’s and Earl Scheib guys paint it with some budget paint?? Then, you have no idea what’s underneath the fake shine?
Here, you know. I believe it’s not bad, and well worth the money.
Just my oponion!