It’s hard to find a two-door 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, or any two-door ’57 Chevy in any trim level in decent condition for a reasonable amount of money. At least in 2021 dollars, not what we used to be able to find them for all day long in the 1980s. This example can be found here on eBay in Pearisburg, Virginia, the current bid price is $7,657, and the seller has a buy-it-now price of $15,000 listed. Thanks to Larry D. for sending in this tip!
This is certainly one of the most iconic cars of a generation of folks, and that’s one instance when I’m not kidding about using the word iconic. By 1953, the Bel Air was a high-end trim level and while they may not be as desirable to folks in younger generations, the 1957 Chevrolet was arguable the high point of the tri-five Chevrolet family. Some of us prefer the simpler 1955s but it’s impossible to argue with the success of the ’57s.
Hagerty lists almost a 100% premium for a two-door 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air over a four-door sedan model. 1957 wasn’t exactly perfect with the US and USSR launching test missiles, the cold car in full swing, and kids hiding under desks for bomb drills. But, for those who grew up in that era, just as with those growing up today, childhood memories tend to sway towards positive things and if you were interested in cars as a kid in the 50s, you were probably a fan of these cars.
One thing that isn’t positive about this car would be the missing floors in portions of it. Thankfully, you can sit on your easy chair, sort of like you’ve been doing for the last year anyway, and order just about every single part needed to restore this car back to being in like-new condition again. The seller provides pretty good photos showing most of the car, including the trunk, some rust spots, and an underside photo. It looks like it was originally an automatic transmission car with a column shifter but it has a floor shifter now. I think I see a clutch pedal there.
Three engines were available in 1957, a straight-six and two V8s, a 265 and 283 cubic-inch. The seller doesn’t mention which one this is and there’s no VIN to decode, unfortunately. One of you will know whether it’s a 265 or 283 by looking at the details. Whatever it is, it isn’t running and there’s no word on if it turns over but hopefully, it does. With a #3 good condition value approaching $30,000, can this one be brought back to life again without breaking the bank?
this need much work
$15 large seems like a ton of cash for this rusty pile of poop. Restoring this would have to be a labor of love because after buying for 15k that leaves you only another 15k to restore it before you’re into it more than it’s worth. And $15k may not even cover the paint and bodywork.
Would love to see restored but it’s gonna be tough.
I agree, 15k for a car that will need 60 to 100,000.00, Is crazy,
But this is were we are at. Finding a clean 55, 56, or 57 is near impossible. I own a 1957 BELAIR Convertible. 95 percent original with extremely Low mileage. I purchased it from the original owners Wife after he passed away. It was garaged it’s whole life. I have won event and show I drive it to. At one show about a month ago. I was offered over $100,000.00 I turned it down. He came back and upped it $25K, I passed, He returned one more time, Last offer $175,000.00 Since then I have receive more offers in the same range, I direct them to Woody’d Hot Rods to have one built.
100% premium for two doors instead of four? Nope. I’d spend my money on something with more holes put in its’ body by the factory and fewer by 60 years of road salt.
Wow, I could be the guy in the story above except mine was a 4 door HT. Price paid was the same, price sold was the same, engine the same, and it was the late 70’s. Mine was that beautiful copper color.
55 vs 57? No, I Iike the 56. They had a cleaner look, not so busy.
Me too.The ’56 is my favorite.
A entire floor with trunk $2,200
https://realdealsteel.com/i-20145113-1955-57-chevy-2-door-hardtop-fully-welded-floor-with-braces-and-trunk-floor.html
Both Rockers $200
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1957/chevrolet/belair/parts/rd572203.html
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1957/chevrolet/belair/parts/rd572204.html
Both Quarters $1,460
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1957/chevrolet/belair/parts/tf401567.html
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1957/chevrolet/belair/parts/tf400568.html
Sheet metal total cost $4k plus lots of welding…
I dont think even Fred Flinstone would spend the dough. Not just welding but you can t even get there without putting this thing on a rotisserie and stripping it. Probably not much holding it together. A little acid dip and it might dissolve.
i’ll be polite and and just say it is well ventilated.
Back in 67 I worked at a place called Pasquire panel products in Sumner, Washington. I lived in Tacoma which is probably 20-25 miles away so I switched rides with a coworker who drove a really nice 57 Chevy Bel Aire 2 door hardtop. It was dark green custom paint job with matching interior. The engine was a 283 bored .060″ to 301 with two 4 bbl carbs and a 4 speed manual trans. He kept those green tree air fresheners inside all the time. For some odd reason he preferred riding in my 65 Ford custom 500 4 door sedan because it had a/c.
Personal choices sure do differ.
God bless America
The Bel Air has some sixty-five small pieces that need to be cleared of rust and paint down to bare metal to be primered and painted. And then there are two doors, two fenders and then a hood and trunk lid to be prepped for paint.
Yes, good restoration with take 2,000 man-hours and ZEP is good for removing the rust, followed by high pressure spray and then Comet cleaning.
Paying for a restoration would be pricey for the kind of work required. Don’t get started without understanding what kind of real work is involved – the body work and paint is some of the last work to be done.
All the work to do is from the inside out, down to bare metal for a good, lasting renovation. No short cuts.
Good to see the compliments about the ’56. My first quality ride was a ’56 convertible. All possible options, purchased new by my father for my twin sister. Who sold it to me for $500 three years later! Nothing but happy memories about and with that car. Wish I still had it.
Restore to original. Can’t be improved on. Timeless classic!
Success of the 57s ? Ford outsold them that year . As for their later popularity , nobody can deny that