The “Tri-Five” Chevrolets of 1955 to 1957 would be big sellers for General Motors – with nearly five million copies. One of the most desirable models was the ’57 Bel Air Sport Coupe like the seller’s car. Unfortunately, it’s been a long time since this automobile last saw brighter days, so the question becomes would you take it on as a restoration project? Without an engine or transmission, this Chevy is available from Holiday, Florida, and here on eBay where the bidding has reached just $2,025 with a reserve still in play.
Chevrolet provided some noticeable styling updates to the ’57 Chevy which included tail fins in the rear, a trend that was sweeping the industry. Production numbers for the Tri-Fives stayed consistent from year-to-year and the ‘57s accounted for 1.55 million autos, of which the Bel Air Sport Coupe was 168,000 copies. The VIN and cowl tags on the seller’s car say it left the factory with a V8 engine and sporting Onyx Black and India Ivory paint. That year, the buyer had two V8 engine displacements to choose from, the 265 cubic inch motor that debuted in 1955 and a 283 which was new for 1957. Since a lot of red primer and rust are present, the black/white paint has all but disappeared.
From what we can ascertain, the seller found this car in a yard or field a couple of years ago and brought it home to his/her garage. But nothing seems to have transpired with the car since then. We’re told that some of the parts that are not visible are residing in the trunk, but others will likely need to be sourced. The passenger side rear quarter panel is seriously dented, and we’re told one area of the floor pans will need to be replaced.
Besides once having a V8 engine, we’re told this was a stick-shift car. But was that 3-on-the-tree or floor mounted? Since the powertrain is gone – and if the decision is made to attempt a restoration – the car represents a clean slate. We see a lot of these Tri-Five Chevies with modern 350 and larger engines in play. Is that what you would do or instead harvest the vehicle for anything that might help with another project?
I think she’s a parts car to bad because this is one of my favorite cars
Reserve not met?
Puleeze…considering the condition it’s in any bid should buy it.
Floor mounted shifter are aftermarket not factory.
But because it’s a (yawn…) `57 Chevy, the seller thinks it’s an “easy” 5-figure buy.
A neighbor has a 57 Chevy 2 door hardtop that’s a rolling shell. No running gear, interior, bumpers, trim, glass, or anything else. Seriously, the body and frame and it’ll roll (?) on 4 tires.
I asked about it and he said that “It’s a classic in perfect shape!” He also said that he’d consider an offer around $25K.
Yeah, if I was selling it, I’d consider $25K, too.
Replacing the glass alone will cost about that again.
Somebody else looking for a fool,oh I mean buyer sorry
Al, You had it right the First time!!! I have a ’57 2 dr. hdtp & I wouldn’t have this one in my back yard for a parts car! Sheeesh! All I can say is Good Luck to the seller! Can’t believe someone already bid over 2 grand on this pile of Iron!
Guarantee it’s not going to be a “clean” slate. If you figure in wreck and rust repair the numbers don’t add up. Plants need iron, put it back in the field.
Did not like the 57 when my Dad bought one new.
I always thought the Fords were way better looking.
That salt air loves steel. And yes, cut this up and feed the roses.
It’s a common car. They are everywhere. 265 was a crap box engine, no oil filter. Was an option. Wonder why everyone replaces them?
55 was the only year that had the optional oil filter on the 265, 56 and 57 had the full flow filter like the 283. And the 55 265 with a stick also had solid lifters.
Amen, brother. The ’57 Fords were way better looking !!
Joe, i have to disagree with your comment about the 265 Engine being a crap box engine. I have a ’56 with a 265 & it is a Great Engine!. By the way, only the ’55 265 engine did not come with an oil filter, But one was available which mounted to the manifold. All 56 & 57 265’s Did have the oil filter built into the block!
I wouldn’t even put a reserve on it if was mine.It would go to the highest bidder.Wonder if this guy paid anything for it that’s why he has a reserve? Cut the roof off and it would make cool flower pot or for yard art depending where you live.It’s a parts car if that imo.
What parts?
You are correct no salvageable body parts but trim and inside pieces maybe seat frames and some glass but the rest is just a lawn decoration
IDK, but I’m seeing too many `57 Chevies around… Too much in the market, just like VW Buses. IMO they’re getting too much common to the extent that I don’t even bother to take a further look at them when I see them around anymore.
Too far gone, Money pit! I wonder what the reserve is?
To the buyer of this heap — I’ve got some worthless swamp land For Sale. I’m looking for a sucker !!! 😂😂😂
That’s where this piecer belongs….in your Swamp!
This is sickening! And a Reserve also. UGH!
Overpriced parts car
What parts would that be?
It should read “junkyard find”.
yard art!!!
way too many good ones around today to be wasting time on total junk.
Because the body was a 57, this mo I mean, seller figures it’s a cash cow! I wouldn’t offer him more that $15.00 for it and then I have to face an super PO’s wife . Nah I’ll pass on this pile of scrap metal. If he offers me $100.00 I haul it off for him!!!!!!
Funny thing…above the 2nd picture shown is an ad for Veterans Cremation Guide. Ironic? Satiric? Editorial comment?
there are so many of these available now. You could buy a completed one for less than it would cost to build one from this pile of tin.
There’s no excuse for this. He needs to trade with that guy with the X11 69 Camaro the other day.
Shoulda left it where he found it!
The main reason I rarely go into any of the old junkyards. Several around me with hundreds of pieces like this that they hauled off in the 60s and 70s, stripped whatever was good by the 80s. They never crushed out because in most cases it was too far or they had no processing equipment, did not want to pay a portable processor their fee so this junk has lingered around and NOW they are priceless antiquities, vintage car collections and so on. Fine specimens like this rarely appear at Barrett Jackson but should be featured on Barely Jacks Up. So dreamy saps can be bamboozled with visions of grandeur. P. T. is laughing his you know what off wishing he had lived for this spectacle.
“Say Clem! That there’s a ’57 Chebby! Ah seen on that there tv show, Barnett and Jackson, that folks are payin’ over a hunnert thousand US dollars for these things!”
“Ya don’t say? Let’s tow her home!”
With regards to your “Barnett and Jackson” analogy; I was in the market for a 69 Z/28 years ago. I saw one advertised that was close to home and I went to look.
Paint fried in spots to bare metal, 302 gone and replaced with a (he said) a small block 400, 4 speed gone replaced with a turbo 350, dings, dents and rust for you to enjoy.
He actually told me that “One just like this sold at Barrett Jackson for $75000!”
All I can think of is the movie “Christine”…and yes, I’m aware it’s not a Plymouth Fury! Lol
This car would make Christine look Great, even after it was wrecked Multiple times!
If memory serves, I do believe that a floor shift was optional on a ’57 Chevy.
Not from Chevrolet….Only from the Dealers!
Isn’t that the 57 Chevy that John Malkovich used to conceal the entrance to his bunker in the movie RED?
I think the chickens wouldn’t even roost in this mess!
Wherever you are, Rocky Alexander, I remember you telling me you sold your ‘57 in driving condition, for $50. Not a misprint. Fifty bucks. Like me selling my ‘65 Mustang for $640. Kick us both!
Hey, don’t feel bad guys. I sold my first car, 48 Chev. coupe for $75 bucks to a classmate & he drove it home on all 6 cylinders!
$800 parts car!
You’d be lucky to get 800 bucks worth of parts from it!!!
$250 and build a street gasser. Needing few original parts it’s the only way to go.
Have you seen the price of Florida real estate? I think the value here is all the dirt stuck to the carcass.
Remnants from the last Hurricane!
Looks like this one was some guys hot rod until it got rear ended around 45 years ago ; he pulled the motor ,trans and his 8 track out out for his next hotrod and left the carcass out in the back 40 . Probably the only value here is the vin plate