Of all the cars of the 1950s that are still in demand, the Chevrolet “Tri-Fives” of 1955-57 have to top the list. With sales of early five million copies when new, the universe of survivors in 2025 isn’t small, but many of them are rusty projects hoping to be saved – like this one. This Bel Air convertible from 1957 needs everything and can be found in a place called Grygla, Minnesota, and is available here on eBay for $18,500.
The Bel Air continued as the top Chevy model in 1957, and the drop-top was the rarest body style except for the various wagons. That being said, more than 48,000 of them left the assembly line, and this one once wore Harbor Blue paint, though it’s a mishmash now. Some of the sheet metal has been replaced, and more of it needs attention, starting with the floorboards, which resemble Swiss Cheese in places.
After reviving a V8 in Chevrolets in 1955 after 37 years, Chevy added another one in ‘57. A 283 cubic incher was now on the menu along with the 265. The one in the seller’s car is period-correct, though whether its numbers-matching is up for debate. The Bel Air came with a manual transmission (3-speed?), but that piece of hardware is long gone, as is the interior except for the crusty metal dashboard.
The engine turns in this machine, but is missing some parts like the rest of the vehicle. What you see is what you get, so you’ll have to build a parts bank. The seller has some pieces to get the ball rolling, including a pair of inner fenders and a new set of fresh air ducts. A prior owner had the frame sandblasted and painted some time ago, but some updates are needed now. If you don’t mind digging into a major-league project, this Chev might be the one for you. Or you could start with another convertible in better shape.
$18,500 for that? Seller needs counseling.
Harvey, it’s the buyer who needs counseling!
People with narrow minds and no vision would say that.
You don’t need a parts bank for this one, you need a bank. It gets the second “you’ve got to be kidding” award of the month.
Well.. by the time the next owner gets through replacing the entire floor, lower doors, the quarter panel, and God knows what else. How much of the original car will be left?. At this price (and the additional money that will have to be spent), id rather use it towards a better one. Sure, new and used parts are plentiful and it could be fixed up. But how much time and money are you willing to spend?. Look up Real Steel where you can get a brand new convertible body for around 13k.
I was thinking the same thing. This car literally needs everything so just start over with new steel
Another parts car with some newer tires and rims on it! Way too much money!
Another parts car with some newer tires and rims on it! Way too much money! And there is no transmission!
Long lost Simon & Simon car found at last!
Well, Mama always told me, if I can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. So……..
Oh dang! No radio!!
The ultimate project! It needs everything, the cost and the time would be more than it could ever be worth. So I am sure someone will buy it.
“Rough Ragtop?” Very generous! The car is beyond rough, best tow it to the nearest junkyard or sell what parts are salvageable.
Asking price of $18K is a stretch….but I guess fools and their money soon part…
It wouldn’t even be a good summer chicken coop! Hens would need tetanus shot and hard to harvest eggs cause they would fall thru the floor!
It is quite challenging to overlook the rust on the inside, and there may be more that you can’t see. It states that the frame has been blasted and painted, but still requires further work. RealDealSteel could get you a floor and trunk for around $10,000. Prices go up to $23,000 if you get more metal. That would at least give you a place to start. As far as the interior is concerned, you would be replacing everything anyway, even with a better car. An original front seat would be the hardest part to find. Otherwise, all new carpet, seat covers, glass, door panels, convertible top, small pieces, etc, would be parts that any build would need. Grille, front bumper, and miscellaneous parts can be purchased as reproduction parts. A good body man could do a lot with the body once the floor, rockers, and trunk were done. Amazingly, it does have a title, but $17,500 is a lot to pay for a title and a data plate. Duffy’s Classic Cars has a 57 Convertible for sale at $129,000 (that’s the only decent one I could find. I am sure there are less expensive cars out there). Seems like you might have some room if the price were lower and in line with the condition, maybe $7500 or less? Adding the $10,000 for the floor, rockers, and trunk would give you $17,500. $129,000-$17,500 gives you $111,500 to work with, if you did the work and had a lot of time. Not for the faint of heart! And it could end up for sale down the road as somebody’s stalled project!
Probably the least amount of fun you could have for $18,500