Though Chevrolet redesigned its cars in 1955 (the famous “Tri-Fives”), a 4-door hardtop was not included initially. That changed in 1956 with the introduction of the Sport Sedan, perhaps the coolest model next to the Sport Coupe and Nomad (Sport Wagon). The seller has a 1957 Sport Sedan in Bel Air trim that’s been off the road for 34 years. It all may be original and everything from head to toe is likely going to need attention. Located in Marion, New York, this barn find is available here on craigslist for $4,000. Kudos to T.J. for another great tip!
In 1957, the Sport Sedan came in two levels, the 210 (18,200 built) and the Bel Air (142,500 copies). Needless to say, buyers liked the frameless doors in the higher trim level. Although an inline-6 was standard, two V8s were offered that year, 265 and 283 cubic inches (the latter was new for ’57). We don’t know which one is in the seller’s car, but the V8 will turn by hand, so it’s not locked up from sitting.
As the story goes, this Chevy “ran when parked” back in 1990. The car sat for years, and the owner eventually passed away. The seller bought it and other vehicles from the owner’s estate. The other autos may have already been sold and this one was intended to be a restoration project, but a lack of time and other priorities will prevent that from happening. The Bell Air is said to be complete, and the engine is paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission at 67,500 miles.
When this Chevy was new, it was probably finished in India White over Nassau Blue paint. But that was many eons ago and the passage of time and Mother Nature have done a number on what could be the original finish and sheet metal. The chrome is okay, and the glass Is intact. While there is an ignition key, there is not one for the trunk – so whatever is in there will be a surprise. The seller is forward-thinking and advises that payment via cryptocurrency is acceptable. Would you restore it or harvest it for parts?
All right!!–4 doors. Not another 8 foot door monster with the crawl-over-your-back rear seats.
Too bad there aren’t any pix of the floorboards or the underside
The 4 door hardtops were great looking cars. Regardless of the make, getting rid of the B pillars made a lot of cars look a lot better. One that sticks in my mind as a little kid was my Dad’s ’57 Olds 98 white over grey metallic 4 door. It was one of those cars where I got a chair and a root beer and just sat and looked at it.
When I was a kid, my dad bought a 56 Bel Aire demonstrator at the end of the season. Had every option available that year, including the “Power Pac” engine. 2 weeks later he got orders (in the navy) to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In the order packet there was a note that said “You are welcome to bring your car to Gitmo, but don’t bring one that requires premium gas ’cause we don’t have any!” So he went back to dealer and traded the 56 for a 57 4 door hardtop with 6cyl, Powerglide and factory air. Got the new car and $300 for the 56. Got my driver’s license in it 6 years later. Ah…Memories!
Fun, this is one I would love to mess with and get it running. Ok it’s a 4 door and doesn’t bring the money like the two door but its still a 57 Chevy and would be fun to just cruise around the extra doors let’s me get my big dog in easier
This a certainly my favorite 4 door of any car, but I can’t see how this one pencils out even at 4K. Rust, trim, interior, not running, paint and pretty much everything else needs fixing. The market for 4 doors is very soft, and beautiful well optioned ones are less than 25K.
I would be all over this if it was out west!
Would love to own this car. I’m a fan of the four doors. I had a 68 Impala four-door Hardtop just like this one. Turned into an awful nice looking car when I was done with it and then like an idiot like everything else I’ve ever had I ended up selling it and then regretting later that I sold it. Really miss that car.
I am glad to see the more doors getting some love. I always thought that they made more sense for those of us who like to bring along friends, family or dogs for the ride
One of these hardtops was in my driveway dropped off by my dad who was into Mustangs. If I’d only new he was trading it for a Rustang to some roundie round guys I would have chained it down to my fence. It was even that pale purple color…..dang…..
I liked the look so much I bought a new 67 Caprice Sport Sedan…every option they had including the 396