The Tri-Five Chevies of 1955-57 were quite popular then and now. With more than 4.5 million units built across three model years, they’re not hard to find today, depending on the condition. The Bel Air Sport Coupe was the third-most produced model and body style in ‘57, including this one which no longer has its drivetrain, but most everything else is there, stock or modified. The seller believes this to be a very restorable automobile, located in Hampstead, New York, and available here on eBay. The bidding has reached $8,101 but the seller has set a reserve north of there.
A check of the VIN here indicates the seller’s car left the factory in Atlanta, Georgia with a V8 engine. But that could have been either a 265 or 283 cubic inch motor. There’s a hole in the hump where the transmission would be suggesting this Chevy had a floor-shifted manual transmission. A 12-bolt rear-end is in place, but the seller thinks it came out of a Chevelle. It’s really hard to tell how this car was configured when it drove off the dealer’s lot 65 years ago.
The seller bought this Bel Air last year with plans to restore it, but an already completed car has since come along, so there is no longer any interest in the project. He/she rescued it out of a barn in Michigan where it had been since 1982. This Chevy was originally painted black, but that was changed to red, and it doesn’t look bad for its age. The sheet metal isn’t all eaten away, but the floorboards are going to need refreshing along with the trunk pan. There are small dings in the body and trim and some of the chrome is starting to get pitted.
Along with an aftermarket steering wheel and gauges, a set of 1960s Impala SS bucket seats have perched where a bench seat may have been to start. This is one of those cars that you could cure all it’s ill and then drive it for a while, or tear things down and start over with a complete restoration. The bones may be solid enough to warrant the latter. Chevy built more than 168,000 of the Bel Air Sport Coupes in 1957.
I like the 57 Chevy, but I am so tired of seeing them. Get out the torches, I can handle it.
Kind of funny how the ’57 turned out to be the most adorned. I believe the ’57 Ford outsold Chevy, but didn’t get near the thunder. I’m probably one of the 15 people in the world that never cared for the ’57 Chevy, I say they “ruined” the ’56, my favorite. Still, it’s a great find, blank slate for someone. History has shown, can’t go wrong with a ’57 Chevy. Eric Clapton sure sang the praises of one.
You are correct about Ford out selling Chevy in 57. That was the first time since the early 30’s. Personally, I love the 57 Chevy. That was the first car I bought in early 69 at age 16-1/2. Anytime I go to a car show or cruise-in, I may look at a couple of 57 Chevys, but if there’s a 57 Ford there, I’ll spend a lot of time looking at it and talk to the owner if possible.
Younger bro. loved the 55/56. i liked the 57. Think my Bro was right!
It’s in New Hampshire, not New York.
Tri;Five Chevys,,as common as the white chevrolet..so common, I bypass them at car shows,,I;d rather have a Tri;Five Buick ,Pontiac, Olds,,
Why do they replace that beautiful stock steering wheel with those ugly-ass aftermarket ones?
An owners choice ?
Like the look with the mags and tube grille. Underbody looks decent, great project for someone. Wonder what the reserve is?? Good luck and happy motoring.
Cheers
GPC