Hidden Since ’82: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
As you look at this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, bare in mind that in this photo, it was the first time that the car had seen the light of day since 1982. It has now emerged from hiding, and it doesn’t look as though its time in the shed has done it any real harm. Now, all that is needed is a person who can bring this classic back to life. The Bel Air is located in Kilgore, Texas, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding sitting at $4,800, the reserve hasn’t been met.
The owner of the Chevy strongly emphasizes the fact that this car is 100% rust-free. Now, that’s a pretty bold claim to make, but the car’s exterior does look to be nice and clean. There is a fleeting glimpse inside the trunk, and this appears to be solid. There might be some surface corrosion present, but that seems to be about it. We don’t get a look at the floors, but being a Texas car that has spent so long stored indoors, there is every chance that the vehicle is as solid as the owner claims. One thing that is noted is that the current red paint is not what graced the car when it rolled off the production line. From the way that it has been described, it would appear that the original color was probably Sierra Gold, which is a pretty stunning color on a ’57. The vast majority of the exterior chrome and trim is present, and while some of it should respond well to a polish, some items will require some restoration work. The exception to this rule is the rear bumper. That has a pretty substantial bend on the driver’s side, and I believe that replacement will be the only alternative in this case. The Bel Air is missing its original wheels, but the current 15″ Rally wheels suit the car quite nicely. Whether they stay, or whether they go, will be a choice for the next owner to make.
The interior of the Bel Air is quite presentable, and could easily be used as it currently stands. The covers on the seats aren’t original, and I personally don’t think much of the vinyl that has been used. The door trims appear as though they are original, and add credence to the owner’s claim about the exterior color change. Some of the upholstery on the door trims is a bit wavey, but I really think that stretching it back into shape would be an easy job. It looks like the dash is in good condition, with the factory radio and clock both still present. The carpet is looking tired, and this will need to be replaced at some point. Exactly how the interior is ultimately tackled will depend on what the next owner chooses to do regarding paint color. If a return to Sierra Gold is on the agenda, then a repaint of the dash will be required, along with the replacement of the carpet and seat covers. That’s probably the path that I would follow, but it will all revolve around personal taste.
The owner doesn’t provide any photos of the engine, but I feel that this decision is well justified. The simple fact is that there are no photos because there is no engine…or transmission. Originally occupying the engine bay was a 283ci V8, backed by a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. If a faithful restoration is on the cards, then sourcing both of these components would be pretty easy. However, given the changes to the paint and wheels, the next owner might choose to slot something a bit more potent under the hood. I think that this is why I quite like this car. It offers the opportunity to undertake a restomod without having to destroy a numbers-matching classic.
I am quite aware that there will be readers who will look at this 1957 Bel Air and state that it has too many doors. However, for an enthusiast with a young family, this is a car that offers the possibility of owning a classic that is very practical. While I would love to see this restored to its original state, I’m also not opposed to this being the base for a restomod project. If it were mine, I would return the paint to its original shade. I would also source seat covers in the original combination. Mechanically, I would add power disc brakes, possibly power steering, and a crate motor and 5-speed manual transmission. So, that’s my idea. What’s yours?
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Comments
There may be disagreement, but I actually think the four door, with no post, makes for a clean line. It lengthens the car up a bit. A friend’s dad had a 55 four door with a mildly worked 350. He drove his grandkids to school daily in it at the beach in New Jersey. His point was that he could hold his own at a light, but still had the space and convenience of a four door.
I think this could be a nice car on a similar theme. I like it on the rally wheels. I hope the owner doesn’t get greedy and it sells. This is a good car for a person to get into the hobby at a reasonable price. I’ve been watching the Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee today and I realized that the point of entry for a joe lunchbox like me me is getting very high.
Yes, they are not bad looking in my opinion and I’d have no qualms about using it as a daily with a few upgrades. GM refers to the missing pillar more door as a “Sports Sedan”.
not being a chev guy! but no matter when it comes to 57 chev 4 door hard tops the one to get your paws on is the 210 4 door hard top! really rare! my dispatcher I delivered for her husband was a high school shop teacher and they had one that gm donated to the school, and down the road the school wanted to get rid of it so he bought it, they have been offed stupid money for it, its that rare!
I had a very similar car in high school. Being in New England, it had some rust issues. The rear doors would sag dramatically when opened. I had a 235 6cyl. It barely moved the car. My school was on top of a long steep hill. It was a nightmare getting there in the rain with the vacuum wipers. At least the 3 on the tree was swapped for a 4 on the floor. I’ve had a LOT of “cool” cars over the years. This is the one I’d like to have again.
did it get a bath with dawn dish soap ..on the 1st clean up and is that recommended
I found a 4 dr ht in a ranchers barn when I was 14 in 78. I was bucking hay for him. He said he’d take $400 for it and guaranteed it would run. I went home and begged dad to let me buy it. I had my own money. He said no, that I didn’t know how to work on it and it was a 4dr. I kept looking and found a 2dr ht, This rancher wanted $600. I paid him immediately. Dad was really mad but got over it. I did fix it up and still own it today – restored to all original.
Any 14 yo kid willing to buck hay to make money deserves to spend it however he wants.
Four doors have always been relatively cheap. In 1972, at age 15 I had the identical car in Sierra gold , only difference was power steering. Can’t believe my parents let me use our cul de sac as a drag strip!
I’d take it old school. Just drop in a 350
crate motor, pair it with either a T-350 or
T-400 auto tranny, upgrade the brakes and steering, and presto! instant daily driver! Not the most original idea I’ll Grant you, but honestly, what more do you really need? In time, I’d repaint it
Larkspur Blue and change the interior
accordingly. Mom’s not getting any
younger and there’s nothing I’d like better
than to let her drive a ’57 Chevy one last
time before we absolutely have to take the keys from her.
Your spot on with your vision. The only thing I’d do different is a 700r trans for the overdrive gas mileage.
Love it!!!
I second that. 350, TH350, or TH400. And, of course, upgrade brakes and steering. The rest you fix as you go along.
This would be a great car for some one who wants to get into the hobby. Any small block and auto trans make it safe and enjoy it. Best wishes to the new owner.
I usually don’t like four doors but GM did such a good job making the 57 ht 4 door look good it’s hard not to like.
It is difficult to believe that these were being used for donation cars, just like the sedans of the era. People either loved the 4 door HT or they hated them. The biggest complaint was leaking and the windows rattling on rough roads.
I happen to like the lines of these cars, not as much as the 2dr HT, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it, install a mild 400 ci small block with a 700r4, and enjoy the ride.
Back in the day, the dad of a friend of mine had a new two tone gold car with the power pack, and it was a lovely cruiser.
Bob
Until it was mentioned that there were four doors in the write-up I hadn’t even noticed. Much more desirable to me than a 2 door anytime.
This must have been a big project with the repaint. Shooting the interior would take some time. Looks like the tape is still on the e-brake handle. Another BF mystery rig. Where did the motor and tranny go on what looks like a nice ride? Nice car, keep the rally wheels.
Its the twin to my 4 door hardtop! Same colors, even the same non stock interior. The proportions are just perfect in my opinion, I just love the look. And 4 doors is so convenient. Yes, the windows rattle, but so does everything else. Id put the 283 right back in with a 3 speed OD. They are plentiful with the swaps that are occurring. They are wonderful daily drivers in this condition. Even so far away, I’m considering it, although at the current 7K it is getting close to a complete drivers value.
Would have been good to see the trunk floor, take the junk carpet out, unless he’s hiding sins. I like jay e’s idea, 283 or a 327 4 or 5 speed. leave the outside alone. Cruise, repeat when necessary. clean slate. good luck to the new owner.
cheers
GPC
Nice find. i would restore to original colors, original wheels and covers, maybe a 327 crate with a five speed Tremec, Vintage Air and Heat, Power Steering brakes and Windows (Johnson Controls), Disc Brakes, Pertronix for driveability, and drive it forever.
This car is a good start for any enthusiast. Drive as is, restore, hotrod or restomod it. I wish I never sold my very rare 57 Nomad, 283 powerpac, dual exhaust, P/S,P/B and factory A/C car. It went upstate New York in early 70’s. I wonder if it’s still around. Originally black on black. If someone tells me what color and type of paint it was when they bought it, I will know it’s my old car. I had pictures of it but lost now.
Sold for $7,600. If it truly is totally rust free and there’s no title issues someone got a decent start for a nice driver.
These four door hardtops are not your average sedan. This in a class all its own. With the centre door post ending at the top of the door you want to be extra careful to look for structural issues. The post is the number one thing that killed these cars. They were very unsafe in a tee bone crash, where both the people and the car would take on substantial damage. Safety laws were ultimately why the hardtop design was ended. That in my mind makes survivor cars like this extra special in both two and four door variants. I’ve seen one of these restored in red it was a stunning car, and this one has that potential too.
This is a neat car, and it brings up a question that always makes me wonder. Why do so many people put automatics in restomods and hot rods? I have an automatic in my daily driver, but only because they don’t put manuals in Suburbans any more. One of the first things I look for in a potential purchase of a fun vehicle is a third pedal. For me, it connects me to the car, which connects me to the road. It makes me a participant in the driving experience, not a passive observer. Just my 2 cents…
Automatics are popular for a number of reasons. I won’t elaborate more than , they are usually quicker, easier in traffic, and remembering the age of many of the car owner, more compatible with arthritic knees, elbows and wrists.
And a lot of young people don’t know how to drive a standard so it keeps them out of the car hobby. Now a days a standard transmission is considered an anti theft device because most people can’t drive your car.
Mark, I didn’t know you could update the
tranny to a 700R4. Just learned something new today. In my case where
Mom’s 78, and never drove a stick shift,
that modern tranny you mentioned makes a whole lot of sense. I’d even
consider electric power steering if the
cost was reasonable. Anything to make
Mom comfortable while she’s driving the
car.
Nice original looking car!! It would be a fun cruiser even with the extra doors!!!
4000$ casch