Family Owned for 61 Years: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
Here’s an interesting one that I’d like to know more about. This iconic, highly-collectible ’57 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe has been in solitary confinement for at least eight years in a car trailer. It’s been owned by a family for the past 61 years who is now ready to sell it and let another family take over caretaker responsibilities. Not much history is shared other than this Chevy was purchased in 1963 and has remained in the family ever since. (It has a blue and yellow California license plate on the back so maybe it was a California car?) According to the ad, the ’66 Nova 327 that now serves as its power plant hasn’t run in eight years, the family isn’t using the car, and would just like it sold. Not surprisingly, it’s going to take some work to get it roadworthy again after sitting that long. The Chevy is being offered for sale through Denwerks Vintage Car Shop in Salem, Oregon, and is listed here on craigslist for $32,000. Another thanks to “Rockin” Rocco B for sending this tip our way.
Based on the photos, it appears to be a complete, solid car with a good body and straight panels. You can’t go wrong with Matador Red (the ultimate “resell red” paint color) and this one looks very presentable considering it was repainted in the late 1960’s. The seller says there are a few small scratches that have been touched up, but that it looks very good overall and he personally wouldn’t repaint it. I’m also not raising any Matador Red flags on the condition of the Chevy’s chrome, trim, glass, wide whitewall tires and full wheel covers. On the To-Do list, the seller says it will need new springs in the rear, as they have sagged.
To me, the interiors of the ’57 Chevy top-of-the-line Bel Air series were just as gorgeous, colorful, and classy as a ’57 Caddy. Chevy’s sales literature stated that their interiors were “smartly color-matched to the exterior color of your choice,” and this particular black and silver cabin was a great color choice. It obviously has an aftermarket steering wheel, but the rest of the interior looks original (except for the silver duct tape on the front seat). It would need a complete interior kit which are available from several companies. The seller states the car has power steering and power brakes, but that the brakes aren’t working. Another item to add to the mechanical restoration list.
We don’t know which V8 originally powered this Chevy, but the family told the seller that the current engine is a ’66 Nova 327 that’s paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says, “I looked up the code and that did match up ZG, does match up for a 1966 Nova 325hp Hipo. Obviously until you open it up you don’t know exactly, but that is what the block reads.” The odometer reads 93.361, but it’s unknown how many miles are on the 327. The family isn’t interested in starting it and “going down that road” according to the seller, they just want to get the Chevy sold. The seller also shares that he has a shop and could get the Chevy roadworthy again, but that he and the family agreed to sell it “as is” in case the next owner wants to make upgrades. So, what do you think of this ’66 Nova-powered ’57 Chevy? Would you leave the 327 under the hood, get a new interior kit, and make this Matador Red classic ’57 Chevy Bel Air mechanically roadworthy again?
Comments
I’ve always liked the numbers 327. Nice car here.
I had a new 66 s s.327 were either 275 HP or 350 HP 1967 they want to one which was the 300 HP
My understanding is in 66 Nova engines you could get a 300 or 350 hp(L79) No 325 to my knowledge.
I thought the 67 Chevelle had an optional 327. 325 horse lady friend had one she bought new????
I know these cars bring strong money but it seems overpriced with a non-original drivetrain, other mechanical issues and needing a full interior. Pass.
Come on lottery and she is mine.
THAT many problems? Duct tape? Rusted floors? All the mechanical issues??? More like 13 to 15k as it sits right now.
I like it and wish I could get it I think at that price it should include the trailer but this one is old school and if its not locked up I could have it running on A reserve tank in a few hours, I would have to drop the main tank and see if its worth restoring or just replace it.
I wish I had a handy man like you, Troy as I have 6 project cars and 3 motorcycles around here to get to, Anyway that 327 will perform well in the 57. The real problem is when you get it going even if the brakes get working they are woefully inadequite for modern day roads and traffic, especially if you use the power capable of that hipo 327, so for me this would turn into a very expensive endeavor to make this beautiful Chevy really roadworthy,maybe with a 15k$ purchase price but no more, because many$ will be required to do this Belair correctley.
Thirty two thousand? Uh, no. At least not from me anyway. If these sellers really just want it sold then be realistic about the price. Yeah it’s a ‘57 Chevy and a Belair coupe but hello; it hasn’t run in eight years and the interior is trashed!! Half the asking price and you might get some offers. Just my opinion; but if this is sitting in a restoration shop then at least pay them to get it running and roadworthy if you’re determined to stick to 32K. Another seller inflicted with Barrett Jackson syndrome. lol.
$32K for a non runner for 8 years? This guy has high hopes, unfortunately he is going to be disapointed , unless someone with more money than brains buys it. If it were in showroom condition and running then yeah it might bring that high a price.
For the savvy buyer No way Jose!!!!!!!!
It’s time to stop paying high prices for these cars. The parts and labor is ridiculous and when you’re done it’s worth 3 bars of gold.
Denwerks is a highly respected shop. The fact that they want nothing to do with it tells you all you need to know.
Right with you on that! Probably they would do it if the selling party wanted to spend the money! I am sure it’s not beyond the shops skills. They probably checked it out, gave them an estimate only doing it correctly and they declined.
Seller or helper seller is asking a lot on the high side with not running and that interior….y’all know the cost on those. So maybe he’s thinking of getting to keep it himself ?
Something sounds fishy here. He owns a shop and doesn’t want to put some minimal effort into getting the engine to run and the brakes fixed?
The middle horse 396 was the 325HP rated motor as I recall in Chevelles and F bodys