When tackling a build involving an American icon, it is hard to go wrong. This is especially true if the classic is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that is rock-solid and features a healthy V8 under the hood. That is what awaits this car’s new owner, and it comes with extra parts to help the buyer along their chosen pathway. The Bel Air is listed here on eBay in Janesville, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,433, with time remaining for those wishing to stake their claim.
The history of this Bel Air is unclear, although it is apparent that it didn’t start life wearing its current shade of White. Chips in various locations reveal traces of what appears to be Tropical Turquoise. With so many available options, it is unlikely the original owner ordered this car with a single paint shade. Buyers could team Tropical Turquoise with India Ivory, although the new owner should consult the Tag to determine the truth. The Bel Air requires a complete cosmetic refresh, and there are a few panel bumps, bruises, and evidence of small areas of Bondo requiring attention before that happens. The seller supplies a collection of parts to help the process, including a complete front clip, a replacement for the driver’s rocker, a one-piece front bumper, and a grille. The best news for potential buyers is this car’s complete lack of rust. The seller supplies photos of the floors and trunk pan, with these looking as solid as the day it drove off the line. The side glass is cracked, but the windshield and back window are fine. Someone added Rally wheels, but whether they stay or go will depend on personal preference.
This Bel Air’s interior needs plenty of TLC, but things aren’t as bad as first impressions suggest. The vintage front bucket seats aren’t original, but the correct front and back seats come with the car. It requires a total retrim, and the painted surfaces need similar attention. However, key components, like the gauges, radio, and clock, are intact. A trim kit would seem the most obvious solution if the buyer plans a faithful refurbishment, with around $2,000 securing a kit in the correct colors and materials. If the buyer isn’t concerned about authenticity, all bets are off. They could choose the custom path, with cloth or leather as possibilities worth considering. The bright trim pieces show promise, with no physical damage. Some plain old hard work with a high-quality polish should produce positive results.
Lifting the hood reveals the potential motivation to pursue a custom path with this build. We don’t know what originally occupied the engine bay, but the space now contains a four-bolt 350ci V8. This is probably the most common upgrade we see in Bel Airs of this vintage, with this one sending its power to the back wheels via a four-speed Muncie manual transmission. We could speculate on the specifications of that small-block, but assuming a figure of around 300hp would probably be safe. The most potent engine buyers could order in 1957 was the 283hp version of the 283ci “Fuelie” V8. It allowed the Bel Air to cover the ¼-mile in 16.4 seconds, but this drivetrain could potentially better that with little effort. Although the car doesn’t appear to be roadworthy, the small-block starts with a new battery and fresh fuel. The seller indicates it runs and drives fine. That raises the tantalizing possibility that the new owner could return this Chevy to a roadworthy state as a short-term goal, undertaking the cosmetic work as time and circumstances allow.
I initially said it was hard to go wrong with a build involving a car like this 1957 Bel Air, but I hasten to add that it isn’t impossible. Much will depend on the new owner’s approach and how much work they can complete themselves. The lack of significant rust means they won’t face countless hours of cutting and welding, nor will they need to spend money on employing a professional to undertake such tasks. The other determining factor could be the final sale price of the auction versus the new owner’s vision. It has already attracted thirteen bids, and history suggests that figure could grow substantially as the end draws near. Refurbished to a high standard, it should command a value of around $45,000 any day of the week. From there, the figure can climb significantly, depending on the builder’s eye for detail. I won’t be surprised if the bidding tops $20,000 before the hammer falls, leaving a similar amount in the kitty for the work before financial viability becomes a factor. Would that be enough to convince you to pursue this icon further?
Sadly, I had to sell my ’57 Tropical Turqoise 2dr. HT with original 283 and powerglide. I bought it from an 85 year old senior who had it for over 20 yrs. It had 79,000 miles on it. I had it worked on for over a year by restoration shops but, because of Covid and being in Canada, I had much trouble getting parts for it. A senior myself, I was stressed out and realized I was not having fun and sold it. I did, however, get all my money back. Possibly, in the US, this may not be an issue… just a ‘heads-up’.
Yawn…….another one? SMH
But better than another rusty,overpriced Bronco.
https://barnfinds.com/solid-project-1957-chevrolet-bel-air-2/
Repeat too.
Adam also wrote the description for it last summer. One hell of a brain fart unless he’s checking to see if we were paying attention. :)
Yeah, yawn…..another one
I was 1 year old in 1957.
I was born in ’57.
My parents were still enjoying having no kids in ’57
Me too, the same year Ford kicked Chivies a*s. Lol
I was -8 in ’57. ;)
I agree, this one has good bones and potential!
Seen this one before.
Two HS pals had 57’s. White Belair. 2DHT, six cylinder stick. Other rich kid , had Black, Fuel Injected stick. Lucky guys!
My first car was a ’57 Chevy 2 door Sport Coupe that I bought in 1971 for $50.00. Yep, $50. It had a 265 ci 3 speed. My father, brother, and I worked on that thing ALOT. Learned alot about rebuilding engines, changing transmissions, and other worthwhile life lessons. Sold it when I got married in 1977 for $1,500.00. Always liked the ’57s. Currently own a Nomad and a convertible.
This is a tri-five that even I as someone without a ton of skills but with the proper motivation could bring back to a roadworthy state. It helps a lot when it already has a good engine and transmission installed, and re-installing the interior is a relatively straightforward process. I’d be proud to put this bad boy back together and take it to local car shows in the summer.
A friend of my brother had a 57 convertible he was selling for 350.00 in 1974. It was a nice original car other than shifter being put on floor, I drove it and wanted to buy it but it was burning oil and smoking so I bought a 69 road runner instead, I still have it.
My brother was in college in 1968. 1 of the guys in his dorm had a 57 ragtop he had to sell to get money for book the next semester. It was a mild custom, spears on hood were capped, nosed and decked, 57 Buick grill with the turn signals behind it. skirts, and a full width continental kit across the back. 283 Power Pack, duals with cherry bomb mufflers, Silver w/ white top and red/silver interior. I gave him $125.00 for it, and drove it 200 miles back home. That powerglide slipped and slided all the way. I added so kind of no slip chemical to the transmission along with 1 and 1/2 quarts of ATF to bring it full, sold to a guy 2 weeks later for $500.00, same year I went into the Army.
On the watch list. Love it! That blue ’66 Chevelle in a Tennessee pig pen, from a day ago , got $20k. This gem should get $30k or more. California cars, the place to buy from.
This is a lot more car than the price would suggest. Its at $16,100.00 and that is a screaming deal for all the fun you could have with this. For those of us that remember these cars at $200.00 it seems like alot, but a 350/4 speed is a blast to drive in this car and it has all the right bones.
I understand that this is a pretty decent car,to start with, but the price that they are asking seems 🤔, alittle high to me,whoever chooses to buy 🤔 this, will have to put in $10-30K,easily, and or more, so l’m not saying to buy,a rougher project, but if it’s less,expensive it might be a better idea, for money 😉.
Leave it just as it is. Of course clean it up a bit, upgrade the brakes and tune up the suspension.
This one is just were a street machine in my book should be. Cobbled together by a motorhead using available resources.
Unfortunately these things command such high dollar buy-in these days who can carry the torch?