While most of us generally prefer our Bel Airs in two-door form, respect must be given to this four-door hardtop sedan, with its gorgeous black-on-red color scheme and disappearing B-pillar with the windows down. The Bel Air seen here is a project, with its front tires sinking into the ground, but a worthy one. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $5,300 and no reserve.
In some ways, you could consider this an early iteration of the modern sport sedan. It had the good looks of its coupe brethren, with a respectable 283 under the hood. The seller notes in this version, that equates to 185 b.h.p. paired to a Powerglide transmission. This car turns over but does not run, and is being sold without a battery.
The Bel Air came with few additional options, with the seller noting it didn’t come equipped with A/C, padded dash, or power windows. Although the interior color scheme is correct, the interior pieces themselves are not original. Still, it looks respectable inside, especially for a car that has been sitting. As a bonus, black over red is one of the combos there is for a sports sedan.
The dash is in beautiful condition, with the Bel Air script leaving no doubt this sedan got the higher-zoot treatment than many of its lower-spec four-door brethren. The seller notes the exterior paint scheme is not original, as this Bel Air left the factory with a “India Ivory over Onyx Black” combo. Still, with no reserve, there’s plenty of room budget-wide to justify a repaint.
Some only wanted 2d’s, while others like 4d’s. I’ve seen several nice 4d’s and this one looks like it could be added to that group.
My first car was a 57 sport sedan. Paid $300 for it in 1969. Mine was Sierra Gold & Adobe Beige. Had a 283 with a 4 barrel & powerglide. Saw one just like it a few years go at a car cruise in.
If there was ever a good looking 4 door car, the ’57 Chevy 4 door HT is it. Had one in the 70’s at age 15 and turned my 1/4 mile cul de sac into a dragstrip, not sure why my parents let me do that. It’s a crying shame this one was left outside, but it’s not too far gone yet.
I’ll agree with the writer that while the 2-doors are the more desirable, the 4-door hardtop was pretty sporty looking. Seems like a good one to start with but a re-paint to original would be the way to go. Get it running and driving then freshen it up here and there as time and funds allow.
In 1967 after being separated from the army I went to work at a panel products company in Sumner, Wa. It seemed like everyone there drove a 57 Chevy. Everything from Nomads, convertibles, 2 dr hdtp and 4 door hdtp. So I found a white 2 door hdtp Bel aire with red interior in Tacoma for $200. I bought it with intentions of building it like one of the co-workers Forest green 301 and 4 speed. His was so beautiful I’ve never seen another as nice. Mine didn’t have good destiny with me as it died on I 5 just south of Seattle, I towed it to my brothers place where it remained until he sold it for $50 just to get it out of his yard.
God bless America
4 door hardtop were very popular in the late 50s. Buick called them Rivieras, and most brands had them by late 50s. Very pleasing when all windows down, and until recently, very affordable compared to 2 dr hardtop. However, the prices of these have risen substantially, partly as a spillover from the high prices paid for 2dr.
I’ve had 3 1957 4dr hardtops and several 4dr riviera buicks. Never saw the need to pay the premium a 2dr hardtop. The versatility of the rear doors is awesome.
I’ve had a few 4 dr Hardtops, too, and they are versatile and much easier on rear seat passengers. As far as this one is concerned, it looks like a nice project. Just don’t expect a lot of upside in value. I liked the 1956 model of this car.
Come on, asking that price and you cant throw a battery in it, REALLY????
I’d prefer that. To many people have funny idea’s as to how you try to start an engine that’s been sitting.
If this car is as solid as it looks, somebody got a bargain. I always liked the pillar less 4 doors, you got the open air feel with the easy entry for rear passengers.
Looks like the buyer backed out.
***Car has been relisted due to cancellation by highest bidder. Please contact me if you’re wanting to buy! All offers will be considered***
It looked like a good deal until the rear quarter…
In 1972 I bought a two-tone blue/aqua 4dr hardtop from my mom for $50 bucks. One of my 6 cars as a senior in HS. It was a good car, but the auto tranni had no reverse, so always parked on some kind of a hill, otherwise fantastic ride . I added air shocks on rear from JC Whitney to level it out, good cruiser. Sold it to a buddy for …$50 bucks.