The “Tri-Five” Chevrolets from 1955 to 1957 were some of the most successful ever sold. Nearly five million copies left the assembly line in three years and the Bel Air Sport Coupe was one of the biggest sellers – 168,000 copies in 1957 alone. The seller has one from 1957 and it runs and drives but is tired cosmetically. If you desire to restore it, you’ll have to decide whether or not to stick with the six-banger under the hood.
With the Bel Air being the top-line series in the Chevy line-up, you’d think this one would have a 265 or 283 cubic-inch V8. Nope, the basic 235 inline-6 lives in this car (no photos under the hood), along with a 3-speed manual transmission. The original buyer didn’t specify many options except maybe the two-tone paint, which appears to be India Ivory over Coronado Yellow. Except for the front fenders which look to have been replaced.
We don’t know the history of this Chevrolet, but most of it looks like the way it was built. The odometer reads 30,000 miles, but surely it turned over after 67 years. The chassis seems fairly clean, but there may be rust in the rocker panels (and possibly elsewhere). The grey/black interior is certainly serviceable the way it is, but if you decided to restore this classic, you’d want to go there, too.
Some of the folks looking at the seller’s listing here on craigslist are probably thinking this would be a good foundation for a restomod project. Yet, on the other hand, they’re only original once and why not try to stick with the day it was built, as best you can? Located in Chicago, Illinois, this Tri-Five survivor is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Another yesteryear tip from Barn Finder “Zappenduster”.
For 12 k seems like good deal depending on what u want. Obviously room to upgrade for what you want. Interesting to see what someone wants. Good luck to buyers and seller!
Body and interior can wait for now. I’d replace the 6 with at least a smallblock, but why not go for a bigblock? They slot right in and no permanent mods are needed (to keep the purists off the ledge). Of course trans and differential upgrades as well. I think this is how snowballs start, lol.
And another one bites the dust.
I never knew the 1957 came with a one or two piece frame until I goggled it after reading the ad.
My opinion is to much shown rust on the body for that price . I think it’s only worth about $5-8k with the different color front fenders were they replaced because of rust or a crash that could cause other problems
In HS, a nerd friend had a white 6 cylinder ‘57. BelAir HT. He didn’t race, or show off like the V 8 guys!
May be over priced parts car. To put big block in you need to hammer some of the firewall on right side change front springs and front motor mounts should be replaced with saddle mount. I have 500 HP 400 sb and it is plenty The one piece frame had problems with rust around front spring brackets for the rear springs.
I rented a storage unit few years ago and parked in the complex is a 57 same color as this one . It has original plates and has been there a long time. Its sad since weather and the elements are killing it.Looks like it was taken off the road at a early point in its life. Asked about it as many have, there’s not much info ,the people in the office are probley tried of the action by so many. Me included. Its at affordable storage in mt. .vernon,wa.
Chevy, tri-fives are way over-rated to me … rather have a ’57 Ford Fairlane with a 312 E-or-F-code , Skyliner preferred … this is way over-priced as are most tri-fives …