With the cost of primo tri-fives likely to remain high, buying a roller at an affordable price is a good option for those with a vision and the skills needed to turn it into their dream car. This 1957 Chevrolet hardtop here on eBay needs attention just about everywhere, but it’s a top-of-the-line Bel Air model and might be a decent starting point for a restoration or a custom build of some sort. Best of all, the asking price of $5,600 is within reach of many enthusiasts, plus the seller is also considering offers. This ’57 Chevy project is in Morganville, New Jersey, if you want to go check it out and see if this one’s the blank canvas you’ve been waiting for.
Other than the seller mentioning that he or someone began sanding the body, we don’t get a lot of other specific information here, so the photos will have to play a pivotal role in deciding whether this one’s a good fit for your needs. Unfortunately, I’m not spotting many panels that won’t require some degree of work or possible replacement. There’s a dent in the driver’s quarter and areas of rust throughout, but maybe an experienced bodyman can make the repairs and get the exterior smooth enough to justify a new coat of paint. On a positive note, the trim and a few other parts are said to be present and included in the sale.
This interior photo is a bit blurry, but it’s clear enough to show that quite a few items are missing in here. However, it also appears that work may have already been performed on the floors, but there’s no info regarding the condition of the rails or anything about the platform. I’m not sure where that steering wheel came from, but it probably needs to disappear in favor of a correct component, or something cooler if it’s a Restomod you’re going for.
Neither an engine nor a transmission is present, so the possibilities are wide open for consideration about what to install under the hood. The bay is sort of a mess, and the springs are not attached, so add this compartment to your list of things to work on before dropping in the powerplant of your choice. Lots of time, effort, and plenty of cash will be required to get this Chevy going and beautiful again, but with a low initial investment, this one might be an ideal project for someone with excellent DIY know-how. Is this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air worth all the effort needed to bring it back to life?
Rustomod for sure and not worth anything I’d pay for it.
Sold on 9/22/2025 for full asking price.
No matter the lack of effort by the seller or how the pictures don’t give a way to accurately way to judge the car, if the price isn’t abhorrently high and its close by it’s worth going to look at. You can’t always tell a cars true condition unless you see it up close and in person. There is a reason a few people keep finding good deals while others, often with an empty garage constantly complained about the lack of reasonably priced projects. The difference is, some people show up and put in the effort while most don’t.
Steve R
That’s one motivated buyer, maybe needed parts and a title.
I would certainly pass on this car, I don’t have the skills or the money for this POS.
Totally Agree, Joe! WAAAAY Beyond a basket case!
Once again, they aren’t making them anymore & even though you can pretty much buy a new body from a catalogue, it’s not the same as having the real deal. I agree the ask is a lot, but someone ponied up for it.
Got a headache just thinking about all the work, and time, needed to bring this back to life.
Personally I would not have purchased it off of evilbay just because of what state it resides in I would want to see it in person and get under it so I have a better idea of what I’m getting myself into i have delt with Copart enough to know you can take pictures in a way that doesn’t show some damage or rust. The 57 Chevy is probably my favorite car ever made and I’ve never owned one
1957 Chevy Rust air
“Neither an engine nor a transmission is present, so the possibilities are wide open”…. I just had to smile when I read that!
Troy, I surely wouldn’t make this one my First one!
WHY was my comment Not posted or deleted? There was No profanity or personal attacks??? Richard
Great junk yard material.