Reserve Met: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
If there were ever an award within the classic scene for longevity, the 1957 Chevrolet Be Air would be a worthy recipient. The ’57, particularly in Sport Coupe form, has been a firm favorite for decades, and excellent examples command impressive prices. Our feature car falls into that category, and the bidding history proves that sentiment hasn’t changed. The excellent news for Barn Finds readers is that with the auction reserve met, they could give it a new home by joining the bidding party.
I have always thought the 1957 Bel Air looks best in Matador Red and India Ivory. That is personal taste, and I wouldn’t say “no” if someone offered to park this Onyx Black example in my garage. The seller uses the word “original” when describing the paint, suggesting it is a survivor. Its condition is particularly noteworthy, if that is accurate, because it possesses an exceptional depth of color and shine. If there are flaws or defects, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. Black is also an excellent shade for exposing panel bumps and bruises, but none are visible on this ’57. The chrome glimmers under direct sunlight, and the glass is crystal clear. A set of spinner hubcaps and whitewalls round out an exterior that can rightfully be described as striking.
I have scrutinized the seller’s images and can’t find any significant defects. The interior trim combination of Black and Red cloth and vinyl is relatively new. It is spotless, with no wear or stretching. The matching carpet is perfect, and the Red painted surfaces look exceptional. The wheel might be the most impressive feature because it doesn’t exhibit the wear often found in these classics. The bright trim appears perfect, and there are no apparent aftermarket additions.
We’ve seen a recent trend at Barn Finds where sellers list desirable classics but fail to include engine shots. This Bel Air continues that theme, although the seller provides relevant information in their text. Lifting the hood will reveal a 283ci V8, teamed with the venerable two-speed Powerglide transmission. Power steering was a popular option, although it is unclear whether the first owner ticked that box on the Order Form. This Bel Air isn’t fast by modern standards, but sometimes, the classic ownership experience is about more than pure speed. Cruising on the open road at 70mph or trundling along a city street with the engine barely ticking over is more important, and this Chev should comfortably handle both situations. The seller confirms that the 283 starts effortlessly, doesn’t produce smoke, and that the Powerglide shifts smoothly. The new owner only needs to hand over their cash before driving off into the sunset.
This 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe is stunning, and it is easy to see why it has generated interest since hitting the market here on eBay in West Memphis, Arkansas. Twenty-five bids have pushed the price to $26,500, which is significant. It means that this car has passed its reserve, and it is now a winner-take-all proposition. That will undoubtedly heighten its appeal because someone will become its new owner. Have you ever owned one of these classics? Did you enjoy the experience enough to contemplate a repeat performance? I will understand if you do.
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Comments
This is One Chevy that looks as if it belongs in Bel Air!
Uhmmmmmm any engine/underside pics???
One of those rare occasions when I think the reserve was set too low. This car should bring more money.
Or should it? I thought the same thing but took another look and decided that there is a paucity of documentation and underside pics.
WILL bring more money!
Yes I did own a 57 Chevy Bel Air sport coupe 2 door hardtop back in the late 60’s. It was white with red interior, 283 P. G. I bought the car when I read an ad in the Tacoma newspaper. I called talked to a woman who said she bought the car new but it had seen better days. I went to look at it and found that what she meant was it need new brakes and exhaust system. I paid her the $200.00 she was asking and drove it home. a complete new exhaust system at sears was less than $50.00 if I installed, so i did that. I also bought new brake linings at a local parts house and installed them. It was a fairly good car but did have a tendency to vapor lock on hot summer days. Would I buy another one? Maybe but only in Convertible and in excellent condition. I think the price on this one is at a fair price even if they don’t show enough pictures, that’s what personal inspections are for. Like the old saying goes, ” Don’t buy a pig in a poke”.
God Bless America
Never had a 57, but did have 55 hardtop and loved it! Graduated High School in 1961, at that time if you had a black 57 hardtop power pack or fuel injection, you were the king. Like others I thought this car is too cheap, also the seller did a great job of not showing all of the car. The only way I would consider it is if I could see it in person or have a neutral person inspect it for me. And those options aren’t going to work for most of us.
55-56-57, what engine was the ? we kids had back then. Six, V-8, or Power Pak? Power Pak being, V-8, 4 Barrel Carb, Duel Exhaust. A “V” of some sort under tail lights or on trunk gave away part of it. If we saw the V, we’d look for the second tailpipe. Great car’s, Great time to be a Teenager! Amen.
Has been. an ebay member since 2014 and not ONE seller feedback? The low reserve makes me suspicious, the phone # comes back from Minnesota, not Arkansas and has odd names assigned to it as well as some place called “Freedom Garage” in Wisconsin… there are so many scammers out there, I just don’t trust ebay like I used to. These scammers are very professional now and can fool a lot of people unfortunately.
and that is why I like to pay c.o.d.that way you don’t get shafted. it is the only way to go especially like you said today there are too many scams.
Unfortunately the world and people we can trust are no longer as safe. I frequently get hang ups when I don’t answer my land line phone. Checking the caller ID and reverse Checking the number, frequently it IS a scam. I’ve been told that if you say anything, you may be S O L!
Think it’s a scam…..no sales by this seller and that reserve was kinda low – does have a phone # to buy it now….that’s kinda skechee….