When a pair of Chevrolet Tri-Fives popped up on our local Facebook Marketplace, we just had to take a closer look. So, we contacted the seller and arranged to view this pair of barn finds in person. And boy, are we glad we did! The seller, Roger, purchased this pair of Chevy about 10 years ago, drove both into his barn in Eagle, Idaho and that’s where they have stayed ever since. He had plans for them but got busy with life. He just recently sold his property and rather than move them and let them sit again, he’s decided its time to move them along to a new owner. You can find his listing here on Facebook with a $58k asking price.
Both cars were restored just prior to being parked in Roger’s barn by the previous owner. The ’55 Bel Air was built as a Gasser, but there’s no documentation showing if it is a period built racer. One thing is for sure, it’s a wicked machine, but we will get to it in a minute. The ’57 Bel Air was restored to fairly original condition and looks fantastic inside and out.
So, let’s get to the ’55 Gasser! It doesn’t just have the look, it has the power to back it up. The flip forward fiberglass front clip gives you a bit of a preview of what’s hiding underneath by showing off those dual carb air cleaners. Once you pull the hood pins and tip the clip forward, you’re greeted by what the seller described as a 355 cui V8, those massive dual 4-barrel carbs, and stainless steel headers. This thing was clearly built to go fast.
So the 355 V8 is more commonly known as just the 350, Chevy decided that sounded better than 355. It’s not a stock 350 though and could possibly be bored out and the seller just isn’t sure of the actual dimensions. To make use of those dual-quad carburetors, it would need more than some bolt-on upgrades. Since it hasn’t run in about 9 years, it’s hard to say how it runs now, but chances are it will just need a tune-up. Even if it proves to be a basic crate engine with some big carbs, it sure looks awesome!
Inside the Gasser looks fairly stock, until you look closer and notice the shifter, switchgear, steering wheel, column-mounted tach, and big gas pedal. The dash has clearly been modified, both to facilitate the gauges/switches and to lighten the car a bit. Overall, the interior looks to be in great shape, although it has the distinct smell of mice. The carpets, which look to be nice reproduction pieces, are covered in mouse droppings. As long as the wiring hasn’t been damaged and there isn’t rust in the floors, fixing the issue shouldn’t be too difficult.
Now, let’s take a look at the ’57! As cool as the Gasser is, there’s no denying that the ’57 Bel Air is an absolute icon. Seeing this pair sitting together, I was actually glad that the previous owner decided to modify the ’55 and restore the ’57. While modifying it into a wild street machine would be cool, so many of these have been modified over the years, that it’s nice to see one that hasn’t been overly customized. The restoration work appears to have been well done and I have a feeling this one would look great after being detailed.
Under the hood is a 283 V8, there’s no word on if it’s the original engine, but its definitely sporting some bolt-on parts. The four-barrel Edlebrock carburetor and Performer RPM intake should add a little more power, but personally, I’d want to find original GM parts to return the engine to stock. Overall, the engine bay looks tidy, but could definitely use a good cleaning.
The interior is dusty but in nice shape. The dash looks to be original, although it’s missing the radio and the defrost vent is either broken or not put together. Those are both fairly simple issues to fix and I’m quite pleased to see that the dash hasn’t been cut for a modern radio. The seats, carpet, and headliner all appear to have been replaced and are all in nice shape. There are mouse droppings on the carpet of this one as well, so there might be damage to seat cushions, but replacements are available and fairly cheap.
I won’t lie, it was quite the amazing sight as Roger pulled the barn doors open to reveal this pair! We’ve seen some pretty amazing barn finds over the years and this has to be one of the top five finds. I would have loved to spend the afternoon getting this pair running and cleaned up, but the next owner will get to enjoy that experience. Since we had the awesome experience of seeing this pair in person, we wanted to make sure everyone could get a small taste of the experience, so we filmed a short video looking at this pair which you can watch above or here on YouTube! Our thanks to Roger for letting us come to see his Bel Airs in person and we hope we can find new homes for this pair.
$40,000? cash
Obviously not the original engine in the 57, who would bolt all late model heads, intake, exhaust, alternator and brackets to a stock 283, when dropping in a newer small block would be so easy? Or the master cylinder/brake booster, which I suspect leads to disc brakes.
the heads are 350 heads hei i say it mite just
be a 350 motor
Nice barn. I doubt any trades will be entertained since there only appear to be these two cars in there. I suspect it’s a potato storage barn. These are two very desirable rides though. I think the 57 is a three speed column shifted version, but I can’t make out a clutch pedal in the photograph.
God bless America
One of the first things I taught new salesmen was to always start HIGH!! You could always come down but could NEVER go up!! Good luck with that ‘$58k asking price’!! LOL
For the umpteenth time, the seller wants $58K, for the two. Other than the driver’s side rear fin, on the ’57, the bodies look good.
Now, my pet peeve…Why don’t sellers give their vehicles a bath? What a difference, it would make. Presentation is EVERYTHING. You want big $$$$$ for your cars? Put a little soap & water on them. No excuse…..
If everyone “bathed” their barn finds before listing them, we wouldn’t have anything to look at or talk about.
LOL.
Yeah right….
Agreed. That’s plain lazy. Or worse, they only include one lousy picture of what they’re trying to sell. Are they trying to sell it or just bragging?
Did anyone bother to ask if these even run??
Terry, are you talking about the two Chevy’s?
Did you check out the video, on the FB ad?
That may be true Jesse, BUT there also could be a Lot to hide!!! ie Poor paint, Wavy quarters, etc.
Post cars =no way Jose !
Hardtops MIGHT bring 40-45K total.
Lots of nice tri fives out there for 30k or less that you can jump in and drive but nothing wrong with starting high.
$15k-20k a piece tpos and that’s even high
Nice cars, but not $58,000 nice. I’d say no more then $30,000. Dont even know if they run or how damage the mice did. The 57 looks like it was 6cyl originally by where the radiator is, if I remember correctly the 6cly model was located in front of the support and that’s where this one is
Not sure why these are called “Bel-Airs” since neither of them are. 210s are not Bel-Airs!
The ’57 has the BelAir badge below the left rear fin .
That has been added. Bel Air would have chrome above side windows. Both cars are 210’s.
Bel Aire was a trim level not a body style.
God bless America
Exactly.
The 57’ is a Bel-Air, notice the rear side molding on the car. Only the Bel-Air had that on them…
KNL…. The 57 210’s DID have the stainless side moldings on them also! They just did Not have the aluminum INSERTS that the B.A. had!!!!!
Read third comment above you. No side window chrome.
Chuck, Not all Bel-Airs are Hardtops! Many 2 Dr. Sedan Bel-Airs were produced!
The ’57 has the BelAir badge on the left rear quarter panel.
Someone added this. It is a 210. Bel Air has chrome along the top of the side windows.
That has been added to this 210 car. Bel Airs have chrome along the top of the side windows. These cars are both 210’s. Not opinion. Fact.
Starting High you say? That’s not high, that’s WAAAAY out of the ball park. Anyone who would pay the asking price for these 2 projects needs to see a Shrink!
Hey 454RAT…..I believe you were Way Off on your production figures. My book shows that there were a total number of 1,046,054 Chevys produced for 1957, and that does NOT include Wag ons, Nomads, Corvettes or any kind of trucks!!! If you want, I can break down the production figures for you! Just between the 4 Dr. Sedans (B.A. and 210), there were Over 1/2 a million!!!
It’s strange that the 1957 Chevy became such an icon among car enthusiasts. This was a year that Chevrolet would like to forget, as they were outsold by Ford in ’57.
Because the ’57 B.A. was simply a Great Looking Car! I am a Chevy man 100%, but I have to admit, the ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 2 Dr. Hdtp was also a great looking car!
got 1965 ford fairlane 500 two doors parking in our driveway. 6 cyc only 75,000 miles lol start up every time .whats wroth ?
Yes, but how many 57 Fords do you see compared to 57 Chevys?
You are Right Mike, Way more Chevys.!!!! All I stated was I thought the ’57 Ford 2 dr. Hdtp Fairlane 500 was a good looking car! Why you don’t see very many, as you do Chevys, Heaven only knows! There are a Lot of Ford people out there, but it seems they go more for the mid-60’s ones!
There were 671,742 Fifty-Seven Chevy’s built compared to 1,333,899 Fifty-Seven Fords built. That includes 4 doors, hard tops, sedans, etc… Everything but wagons or nomads. I know where all the 57 fords are but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’ll leave it at that.
The ’57 Ford went with a radical body change, in several years.
I saw my first ’57, as I was coming home from school. I didn’t even have a clue, as to what it was. It was the first time Ford came out with a noticable fin. Interestingly, the ’57 T-Bird came out with an identical fin as well.
That being said, IMHO, the Chevy. had a nicer style.
Yes Stan, I agree, the 57 Chevy Did have a nicer style! That’s Why I own one, but what baffles me is WHY>in 1957, did Ford outsell Chevy??? Especially after the previous 20 years, Chevrolet Outsold Fords every year!!!!!!!
IMO both are not BelAirs. The 55 definitely not. The 57 has no gold grille, no gold louvres on the front fenders, no long stainless fins on top of the rear fenders. The reproduction BelAir script on the stainless inserts on the rear fenders and a BelAir horn ring do not make a 210 magically become a BelAir.
With all the dirt and dust, who can tell what’s trim? The drivers side fin was missing the top bracket.
I think the owner is dreaming. They were not restored, lol. I doubt they would being 1/3 of his asking price. Remember the people that relate to them is dying off every day. Prices are already dropping because the younger guys don not want granddad’s car too slow. If you do not think so go to a car show when they open back up. Everyone has a cane and is gray headed, lol. Nobody wants my old cars in my family for sure and I have 18 some pretty rare.
Sadly, You are Right On David, We have 3 kids (50, 47 & 41) & 11 Grand Kids & NONE are interested in my ’56, B.A., ’57 B.A. nor even my wife’s ’61 Impala which she has had since NEW! I think we could have gotten more 10 years ago than we could today for our cars!!!!
Is it possible, your family isn’t interested in your old rides, because they’ve lived with your cars all their lives.
Did they all ride in these cars constantly growing up? Did they go to shows with you in these cars? My son is 42 and he now has more Chevelles than I do. He rode in them since before he could walk. His first words were spin the tires. My 15 year old granddaughter is the same because she has been around these cars since she was born. She has already staked her claim on 3 cars. Not saying you, but I have known MANY people who had old cars but never put them together with their kids till the kids were grown and then they wonder why the kids are not interested. You must put them in the old car when they are born and then keep them there.
Who’s dying off? LOL
I understand where you’re coming from, Dave. I don’t think it’s a matter of the younger generation no longer interested in grandpa’s old ride.
The young guys, who don’t purchase those auction cars, can’t afford those prices.
Stan, One would think that if a family has lived with older cars all their lives, you would think that would be More of an encouragement to keep the cars in the family! BUT, unfortunately that is not the case with My family either! Most of the younger people are Too High Tech & spoiled by it.!!!!
My 8 year old grandson loves my 64 Buick Riviera and knows it will be his someday.
God bless America
Hi Dave, I would be very happy to have one of your cars, I promise I’ll take great. Care of it.lol
I looked the cars over in person and they were definitely restored. They clearly had been repainted, the interiors had already been redone, and the drivetrains looked like they had been redone just prior to the cars being parked. I’d call that restored.
Replacing old parts with later model, more modern pieces is not “restoring” it’s just updating an old car to perform better. Restoring is putting it back to stock appearing, which doesn’t apply to either of these cars.
You need to go back to school lol.
HUH,,,,,,,, ? ” So the 355 V8 is more commonly known as just the 350, Chevy decided that sounded better than 355. It’s not a stock 350 though and could possibly be bored out to 355 cubic inches.” Could someone explain that statement please.
Yeah, I could have phrased that better! So, the seller told me the engine in the ’55 is a 355 cui V8. If you look up the dimensions of the 350, it’s actually 355 cui. What I meant and should have been clearly on was that perhaps it’s a 350 that was bored out approximately 5 cui over and the seller is just adding those onto the 350 rather than 355, so technically it should read 360 cui. Sorry for the confusion.
Not wanting to start any trouble here but the bore of a 350 ” Chevy is 4.00″ and the stroke is 3.48″ so if you calculate it it comes out to 349.85 ” not 355″ . A 30 over 350″ is 355″
go here, https://spicerparts.com/calculators/engine-displacement-calculator#:~:text=For%20example%20if%20we%20have,x%208%20%3D%20353.86%20cubic%20inches.
I’m kinda stunned by Joshs comment on one of the most common engines in the world. Just, wow man.
Apparently, you are still confused. A “350” is actually 349.8 rounded up to 350 to sound better. When bored .030″ over during a rebuild, it becomes 355.1 or a “355”. When bored .060″ over during your next rebuild, it becomes 360.4 or “360”
Hey, Josh is trying. Let’s educate him, not spank him. And by the way Josh, the cars may be re-done but they are not to the quality of what most of us would call ”restored”. There are too many things wrong on these car to call them restored, if that makes sense. They are both a mishmash of different models. Restored would be to a much higher standard than these cars are, and that is not to insult the cars.
You are absolutely right 454Rat! My ’57 is Not a #1 Trailer Queen, but it Is Restored! The only thing not original on my car is the glass pack mufflers! However, if you put it next to these 2 cars, it Would look like a trailer queen! These 2 cars are a Long Way from being restored!!!! Anyone know what the current bids are, Or if they have been sold?
Hey Dave, I’ll take one off your hands too! Got a ’56 Convertible ya wanna get rid of Cheap?
I don’t think it’s fair to judge one disinterested family, from not wanting to continue your passion of classic cars. Not everyone has the same passion or interest.
Add me to your living trust and I’ll be more than happy to continue to keep your stable alive. LOL!
My 57 was the same 2 door sedan. That is a 210 and had a 6 banger like mine. It’s missing the Belair long stainless on the rear, the notches on the fenders, the badges and V’s on the hood. They don’t say if it’s an auto or stick. I know nothing about the 55 but price seems high. I’d have to crawl all over and under the 57 with a magnet. I wouldn’t want the gasser. They do nothing for me. I do like the colors.
NEITHER car is a Bel Air. They are both 210’s. Bel Airs have chrome along the top of the side windows. No one is going to go to the trouble of removing this chrome and filling the holes. The 57 should not have the wide stainless filler piece down the back quarter panel sides. A 210 has the chrome surrounding the stainless but not the stainless. Someone has added this. Both of these cars have quite a few issues, as far as originality or being what they ”seem” to be. That being said, a 210 Post car is still very desirable. I would rather have a 210. More chrome (Bel Air) won’t make you go faster. In my ”expert” opinion; 15 a piece is fair; 20 a piece would be stretching it. But I have been wrong before.
Thank you for all the finds guys! I look forward to every email and really enjoy the podcast too! A lot of fun :)
Both car are 210’s. They don’t have Bel Air chrome above the side windows.
Selling multiple cars as a package is a touchy subject. Normally one outshines the others in some way. Or, potential buyers go after the deal to get one thing then sell off the rest. If I was a Tri-Five lover, I would be hard pressed to part with close to $60k for this pair because they are just period artifacts. Not only that, the “restored before they were stored” line actually has a negative impact on those in the know… everything is now ten years untouched! You may end up replacing everything again. Wiring, rubber parts, exposed unpainted metal can very much suffer from storage even in a perfectly controlled climate. Good luck to the seller.
Didn’t realize you guys were also from Boise. I can’t believe I missed these. I was traveling.
KNL…. The 57 210’s DID have the stainless side moldings on them also! They just did Not have the aluminum INSERTS that the B.A. had!!!!!
454Rat….Betcha I could tell you where Most of the 57 Fords are! Some of their metal may even be in my Toyota P.U.!
When I was a kid, I joined a classic car club and after my first club meeting, I decided to never go back again. The main reason was that the old guys just sat around and complained that young people weren’t interested in their cars anymore. Well, that was over 20 years ago and the old guys are still sitting around claiming that the hobby is dead. Yet the car shows are packed and new auction records are set every year. The classic car industry is as healthy as ever and is just going to keep growing. Sure, interests will change but icons like the ’57 Chevy will never die. Back when the tri-fives were just starting to get popular, the old guys were complaining that the young whippersnappers just weren’t into their “real classic cars” anymore. They said that pre-war cars were dead. Have you looked at Duesenberg prices lately?
There is a guy in Boise with the ultimate 57 Chevy barn find.
It’s a four-door, but super low miles and a totally original. He drove out to California and picked it up for like two grand from a barn.
454rat answered your question, my friend.
Ford made twice the number of ’57s than Chevys. Stands to reason for the difference in sales.
454rat also commented on where all those Fords are, today.
Two words…..Car Crushers.
355 is a .030 over 350..regardless of what anybody on this page says