With such a large number of Chevrolet Tri-Fives that were produced over a three-year period, there probably aren’t many modifications left that somebody hasn’t thought of already. We’ve seen lots of cool customs and Restomods over the years, and while I’m not implying that this ’57 Bel Air is the first one to have been turned into a shorty, removing half the doors and reducing the chassis length is certainly not one of the more common mods! This one might not appeal to everyone, but considering the unusual concept here, I’d have to say that this Chevy probably hit the mark. This abridged sedan is in Covington, Louisiana, and can be found here on Craigslist. A $15,000 asking price has been posted, and we’d like to thank reader Rocco B. for his interesting tip here!
We don’t get very much information regarding the build itself, such as what this Bel Air looked like before the chop or what kind of condition the body was in. This one’s undergone so many transformations that it probably doesn’t matter anymore, and for the most part, the workmanship seems reasonably good. There are still a few details that need to be ironed out, as the seller mentions that this one could use some TLC. A few paint chips can be spotted near the top of the driver’s quarter and on the passenger side door, and that could be some minor corrosion underneath these exposed areas. If you’re envisioning a top-notch showpiece, it might be time to address those issues. However, for just a fun cruiser, the exterior is probably OK the way it is.
Shortening the wheelbase to 84 inches eliminated the room for a back seat, so the interior only has a front bench. It looks like it’s time for some new upholstery, at least on the fabric areas, plus some of the door panel sections could also use refreshing. However, the dash seems pretty good, and the tilt steering column is a nice addition. Moisture of some sort has caused some surface rust to develop on the stalks and aftermarket steering wheel, so swapping these out would be time well spent inside.
A 283 was the largest V8 available from the factory here in ’57, but this one’s had a 327 installed at some point, connected to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The details we get are that the engine runs and the car drives, but nothing more. This one may not be perfect, but hopefully, no unexpected challenges await the next owner. Maybe after a little love, this rather odd 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air will be ready for some regular long-distance driving, and I’m sure heads will turn everywhere it goes. Any thoughts to share about this one?
This is one of those phenomenons I just can’t understand. There was an enormous amount of work done here, and “runs and drives” tells me, it’s dangerous as heck. While there are certainly no shortage of ’57 Chevys, I’d have to think there would be more appeal for a “regular” one, than this,,,rendition of one. Hey, it’s cool, America, freedom,,but I think they are on their own here.
That was the first thing I thought of. It has to be a wreck to drive, unstable, probably dog tracking. Yeah, no thanks.
I assume this car has something to do with a circus and a pile of clowns
Seller is asking solid 4-door sedan money for approximately 60% of one, the rest presumably having gone to scrap in the ’70s when these were a fad.
Maybe you could make it into a smart car!
I don’t think so. There’s no cure for stupid.
Goofy. Why?
As mentioned above, these were a fad in the 1970’s, just like installing passenger car bodies on 4wd chassis is today, most were likely hacked together. What are the odds the builder started with a pristine car? Considering the rust and worn interior on top of the asking price, there probably won’t be much interest. It may draw attention at a coffee and cars, but so will a lot of other, nicer cars for a fraction of the price that are probably safer.
Steve R
You couldn’t give this to me for free !
In the late 70’s there was a 57 wagon shorty that lived in Tracy MO, it was a small town on the north side of Platte City. We would see it when I went with my brothers hauling cars to Kansas City. They looked goofy then also.
I think these are interesting as a stock appearing shorty, but even then they don’t bring the money. This one s gadawful, and is at least 10k overpriced.
What a waste of time.
Someone put in a lot of work for not much reward. What’s with the neon green bumpers?
Yeah, the obnoxious shade of yellow doesn’t help, either. Makes it look like a spare for a school bus.
The bumpers add insult to injury.
Much cheaper than rechroming is my guess.
SORRY, but why would anyone do that to a fine Chevy??
In my 60 years of driving I have never owned a 4 door car. If someone gave me a four door 1957 Chevy I would look for someone that had build a similar conversion. No so sure how it would handle on a curvy road. Modify the suspension with sway bars,and lowering would probably help.
I would not take this car Road Racing, however it would be a neat Hot Rod.
Yes I have owned a nice 1957 Chevy Belair two door in my youth.
Wes in West Virginia.
Overcustomization is generally bad for resale, regardless of whether the customization is well done, but when the customization is hideous, the value hit is even more significant. The car itself looks fairly well put together for what it is and, as others have said, the “shorty” or “stubby” thing was a fad in the 70’s. The yellow paint is not bad looking in the pics, but why would anyone choose that gross shade of green for the bumpers? It is obvious the current owner either doesn’t have the money or the common sense to do some touch ups to make this more presentable for sale. A new cheap seatcover and chroming of the bumpers would go a long way. Heck, even painting the bumpers silver or black would be a huge improvement over snot green.
It’s just weird. I would feel like I was driving a clown car in that thing!
Why would you literally destroy one of the most iconic cars EVER MADE?
I’ll just walk away from this one shaking my head…
Probably done by the same guy that did Monte Carlo from yesterday.
Nightmare abomination!
Where’s the decimal point in that price? Is it $150.00, or $15.00 with one too many zeros?!
When you look up “Clown Car” in the dictionary…
It looks like something I would have built out of leftover model parts… back when I was 10.
Thanks, I’ll pass.
After building and restoring cars for over 50 years my recommendation for this car if you are going to drive on highway is full roll cage, race seat and 5 point belts. This car is built to roll over, short wheel base and high roll center, not safe for straight roads or turns. May have a few hundred as parts car. Some one did a lot of work to destroy a car. Proof one mans beauty is another mans junk
Abomination… pull the drive train, sell it, junk the rest… Call it a day and have a beer.
The car belongs to the person that owns it !
Someone must like it.
We don’t know the circumstances,as long as he likes the car, just let it go.
Who are we to tell him what to do with his car ?
Everyone has their opinions,if you can’t say something good,just leave it alone.
Make the world a better place!
Wes in West Virginia.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Why what a waste of time and money.
OMG! WHY? WHY? WHY? 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
It’ll be a big hit at the next Shrine Circus!
Why?