Most 1950s automobiles are in short supply these days, though that may not be the case with the “Tri-Five” Chevies of 1955-57. With more than 4.5 million of them built, the population was plentiful. That would make you wonder if this 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe is a viable restoration candidate. It was rolled, so the roof is damaged, and the glass busted out, plus, it has parted company with its powertrain. Located in Great Falls, Montana, this project or donor is available here on eBay where a handful of bids have reached $2,550 without cracking the reserve.
In 1957, the Bel Air Sport Coupe was the third best-selling model/body style at 168,293 copies. That makes it a prime candidate for restorations, second (or third) to a Bel Air Nomad or convertible. We don’t know about the history of this particular Chevy. The VIN indicates it was built with a V8 engine, which could have been either 265 or 283 cubic inches (the latter was a new option in 1957). But that motor has been liberated along with its transmission and some random items like its seats. It’s spent the last three decades in dry storage.
We’re told the car was rolled over onto its top and a replacement piece comes with the Chevy. But we can’t tell what damage the rest of the structure may have suffered besides losing most of its glass. The seller provides a lengthy list of parts that supposedly will be needed to remove and replace the roof. Rust is not a problem, with just a few small visible holes in one of the floor panels.
With red paint visible in the interior and trunk, a color change to green was made some time ago. Some of the photos provided show a lot of parts, especially trim pieces, but we don’t know what else will be needed to bring some semblance of order to this project. If your goal is to fix up this Tri-Five, you’ll likely need another parts car to provide some of what this one is lacking. But instead of going to all of that trouble, maybe a car in better condition would be a better place to start. Thoughts?
I’d find a better one.This is a parts car imo and I’d definitely would look at it first to see if the parts that seem to look good really are.
Barley even a parts car for that price.
Zzzzzzzzzz……..
Not too far gone IMO. Danchuck has everything for these cars. Looks like floor patches needed, not a complete pan. Looks like all the trim is included. It’s not smashed or hopelessly rotted. If you always wanted a ’57, and you’re not lazy (that’s what certain whiners here harp on), this might be a way to get one. Lots of guys are not daunted by the first impression seen here, we can see past the ugly. These first bids are very low, if it stays that way I’d be surprised.
Danchuk is out of retail business and can’t find decent vendors selling Danchuk parts. I wouldn’t bank on them unfortunately.
In Arizona, some of the world famous wrecking yards (Desert Valley Auto) and many others that have awesome selection of classic car parts, Won’t sell you a complete car. Here and there you might find a complete one but mostly just parts. That’s where the money is. This 1957 Chevy is right in the middle of whole vs parted, but totally available. I’m not saying it’s worth much more than about 2k but at least it’s “close” to complete. That says something. Well anyway, good luck to all involved.
If I were a multimillionaire with a lot of time on my hands, I’d be thinking frame – off resto with performance cockpit, leadsled interior, beefed crate 454 and TH400 with a heavy left foot
We’ve all seen a lot worse here on BF. Yet on this one Mr. Dixon suggests “But instead of going to all of that trouble, maybe a car in better condition would be a better place to start.” At a reasonable price a good body man can make it work. This is my thought.
This would be a perfect candidate for a vintage stock car build
I might be wrong but if this is a bel air the “V” under the word “chevrolet” on the hood and trunk would be gold this is a 210 model.
This is a Belair. The chrome strips on top of the rear fenders extend almost to the rear window. On a 210 or a 150 that piece of trim is a lot shorter.
It’s a hard top. I believe all the 2 door 210s were post coups, no? I don’t think this is a 210.
You are 100% correct sir. I try not to respond certain comments. But when a guy is correct I will. With so little replies others must agree.
This car is a BelAir but Chevy did produce 210s in a 2 dr hardtop, although most were 2 dr post/sedans. I’ve owned a 210 2 dr hardtop and have seen others.
I’d be more concerned about the frame being twisted ; its obvious this car had more damage than just the roof when it rolled over as many body panels have been changed and we dont now exactly what happened .Maybe the repairs were started decades ago, then they found out it was bent, and they pulled the drivetrain for another project ?
Maybe $250. At least you could get your money back at the scrap yard
Ship this to Havana! They can get it on the road again.
The idea that this is worth anything is well…….crazy…..admittedly just my opinion, but holy cow. I mean I guess the panels are worth something. But as my late sainted father and others have stated, there’s a backside for every seat……….even if its missing :)
Any time you roll a car on the roof you run into a lot of hidden damage, door frames, also body can be bent enough that it can’t be repaired. Seller should take the $2500 and run like crazy to the bank before the buyer changes their mind. I would offer $50.00 at the most as it would cost a fortune to rebuild this one plus it would not be an all original ever again.