When the new Chevrolets arrived in 1955, if you wanted to get a convertible, you had to go all-in for the Bel Air (not offered as a 210 or 150). Next to the Nomad Sport Wagon, the Bel Air drop-top is perhaps the most collectible 1955-57 Chevy today. This ’57 Bel Air is said to be a barn find and is in really nice shape other than the interior, which is passable for the near term. Located in Taunton, Massachusetts, this Tropical Turquoise Tri-Five is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $30,257. But the seller has set a reserve north of there.
Rumor has it the redesigned 1958 Chevrolets were supposed to debut in 1957 but got pushed back for one reason on another. If true, then the Bow-Tie Brigade opted for a facelift in ’57 that most say improved the appearance of the already popular automobiles. Notable was the addition of fins in the rear, along with a revision to the grille and bumper up front. Sales held their own in 1957, off just slightly from 1956, indicating the public still liked what the now-called Tri-Fives offered. Interesting, perhaps, is that the Bel Air convertible had its best year of the three in 1957, selling more than 48,000 copies (up from 41-42,000).
Few details are offered about this ’57 drop-top. Not even a VIN or its mileage. So, the photos will have to do the talking. The body and paint present well, so perhaps you can avoid having to spring for the body shop to do any work. The shine looks too nice for the paint not to have been redone at some point. The inside of the trunk is very clean. Maybe a restoration was started years ago and stopped with the interior, which shows its wear and has a few little rips and tears. A makeshift cover is over the front seat, suggesting that its time at the upholsterers will come sooner rather than later.
A 283 cubic inch V8 resides under the hood, and 1957 was the first year it was offered. No indication whether it or the floor-shifted manual transmission is original. We’re told the Chevy runs and drives great, but the engine compartment would benefit from detailing. There is no title for this Chevy which was common with New England cars of that era, so a transferable registration and Bill of Sale will have to suffice for your trip to the DMV.
Run hard and put away wet? Looks a little lumpy toward the bottom of all the panels. I’d look real close before dumping money into this one.
Have to agree it looks like bondo on the drivers side plus for some reason the rear wheelwells look off a little.
Had a cousin that rebuilt one back in the 60’s that had an engine fire. He did some work to it also so it shreaded rearends like a cheese grater.
What a great way to start the day, a Turquoise and White 57 Chevy droptop at the top of the BF page! Some cars wear colors better than others, and the ’57 Chevy wore this combination better than any other. There is a lot of price headroom run to run on this one, with a price that is at least 10K low at the moment. This is just the way I like BF cars, presentable and useable. Unfortunately it is in the wrong coast and I’ve learned that for this kind of money you must visit in person. But I can dream.
Nice write up Russ.
What 65 year old convertible doesn’t have bondo or rust out somewhere? Not many. So you’re either stuck fixing them or doing a convertible conversion of a 2 door which they actually sell parts for.
This will most likely need a full resto, a in person inspection needs to be done for sure as it does look wavy along the sides.
Sold for $38,000.00. Someone may have scored a good deal here. Or not. Wish it had been closer to me.