The 1957 Bel-Air was the first of the Tri-Five Chevrolets to grab the attention of classic car enthusiasts. While offerings from the other two years have now developed a strong following, the ’57 remains the most desirable. This ’57 Bel-Air is a stalled project, but it is ready for someone to weave their magic on it. There are a few extra parts included in the sale, and the engine bay houses a classic V8. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D, who has had his radar working overtime to spot this beauty. It is located in Moses Lake, Washington, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. While bidding has reached $4,055, the reserve hasn’t been met.
Even in its current state, there’s no denying that the 1957 Bel Air is an attractive car. Chevrolet got the styling bang on the money with this model, and it’s easy to see why they have remained popular for so long. It wears the fins that were a hallmark of cars from the era, but they are more restrained than offerings by some of their competitors. It appears that someone has commenced transforming this tired classic into something special, but they’ve run out of steam early in the process. That means that the buyer needs to perform some panel massaging before they consider applying a fresh coat of paint. The rear quarter panel that we can see has seen better days, and while it could potentially be repaired, I suspect that it will ultimately be replaced. We can only get a brief glimpse of the floors, but there is no evidence of great gaping holes. The owner doesn’t mention the frame, so we need to hope that it’s sound. There are an extra hood and front fenders included in the sale, but no side glass or window hardware. It isn’t clear whether the exterior trim is present or whether the buyer will have a long shopping list. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next owner decides to treat this as a frame-off proposition so that they can achieve a high-grade finish.
It appears that this Chevy’s drivetrain is complete, and it comes with a 283ci V8 and a 3-speed automatic transmission. The seller doesn’t provide any information on their state or whether the engine has been treated to any “go faster” bits beyond an upgraded carburetor. The firewall will need to be stripped and repainted, and that would be a golden opportunity to pull and inspect the engine thoroughly to see whether it needs any work. If all is okay, it could just be a matter of detailing it within an inch of its life and then dropping it back into its rightful place. The interior is an unknown quantity. We know that the Bel-Air comes with seats and a dash, but beyond that is a mystery. How this is trimmed will depend on the path that the buyer chooses to follow. Trim kits in the correct material and colors are easy to find, although a custom trim option might be where the buyer decides to go. If the project isn’t focused on complete originality, leather upholstery might be a touch worth considering. It would add an air of luxury to what is a classy car.
I’m not going to try to kid you. This 1957 Bel-Air is going to be a big project, and it will almost certainly place a strain on the buyer’s resilience, dedication, and finances. However, when the buyer steps back once the project is complete, they will be able to survey a car that has grown from their own imagination. They might choose a faithful restoration or to create something unique. Regardless of which path they follow, they are likely to create a car that will remain a desirable classic for decades to come. That can’t be a bad thing.
When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.
Badumtsss
Gasser material.
And to add, ANY tri-five with primered eyebrows is suspect for a little magnet. Maga-biz cards are perfect.
Or just about any 50s car with eyebrows !
The outline of trim removed and confirmed by the beginning of the vin is this Bel Air is actually a 150 originally equipped with a 6 cylinder.
A57 150 model 1957 year 6 cyl.
VA57 150 model 1957 year V8
B57 210 model 1957 year 6 cyl.
VB57 210 model 1957 year V8
C57 Bel Air model 1957 year 6 cyl.
VC57 Bel Air model 1957 year V8
Change the 57 to 55 or 56 for the other Tri-fives
If the title date of Sept 24, 2020 is the last purchase date, this one has not been the current owner’s project for very long.
In the defense of the previous owners, it does have a V8 radiator.
Didn’t it have as an original a 2 speed poweglide?
Ya beat me to it. I owned a ’57 150 long ago and own a 210 today.
If the car’s from EASTERN Washington then it’s probably a solid piece and well worth $4000-5000, no matter what series it is.
Still, it sticks in my craw when a 150/210 is misrepresented as a BelAir. I know the visual differences are all in the trim and interior bits, but the VIN tells the truth.
Jeff,
As soon as I saw the trim molding lines on the back fender, I knew this had to be a 150 2-door post. They are a lot rarer than a Bel Air 2-door post.
All tri 5’s are Bel Airs to many so called “car guys”.
Jeff and Don beat me to it- The tell-tale side trim less faded paint clearly indicate a model 150-They’re not all Bel Airs!
Missing a lot of parts. My first car was a 210, 6 cly with 3 on the tree. This was a 150. I’m not going that route again…Would rather pay more and do less work…Hopefully it gets done right and not as a gasser. That’s a waste of a good car if the rust isn’t bad..