Unrestored Original 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan
With only two owners and a storage period that spans nearly half its life, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has a well-documented history and may be of particular interest to those who enjoy an extra set of doors on their tri-fives. The seller thinks this one would make an affordable restoration project for the right buyer, and with bidding only up to $10,000 so far he may be right, but with the reserve not yet reached we still don’t know exactly how much it will take before the Chevy will be approved to exchange hands. The car is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and can be spotted here on eBay.
The seller bought the car from the original owner’s daughter in Colorado and drove it himself some during the 80s and 90s, followed by plans for a restoration to take place. So for the past 25 years, the Bel Air had been sitting in a New Mexico garage waiting for that moment to arrive, but it’s finally been decided that’s not going to happen, at least not with the present owner, so the time has come for someone else to take over.
Once the decision was made to sell, a local classic car shop was tasked with waking up the 283 from its long hibernation, so they rebuilt the carburetor and performed extensive fuel system work which included installing a new gas tank and sending unit, along with a new fuel pump. All of the fluids were also replaced, and now the car is said to purr like a kitten. Only 30,000 miles are showing on the odometer, which the seller says is actual.
Some winter driving took place earlier in the car’s life and there are a few spots of rust in the rocker panel areas, but in comparison to many unrestored ’57s it appears to be minimal and nothing that can’t easily be dealt with. Another option is to just leave everything like it is, for a while anyway, as that’s a great patina the car is wearing outside and also still the original paint, at least what’s left, consisting of a Surf Green and Highland Green two-tone combo, plus a bit of primer here and there for some additional contrast.
Overall, most of the interior still looks good, with a new set of correct seat covers plus a carpet kit included to help the new owner get things spruced up inside. The original radio comes with the sale as well, and some even better news comes from down below, as we get to view a handful of photos from the underside which seems structurally sound. Some buyers would probably prefer a 2-door model, but if you’re in the market for a sedan this one seems to have plenty of good points going for it. What do you think?
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Comments
Cool car Looks really solid.I like that the seller pulled out the trunk mat and spare and took pics .Kudos for that.I could see 10-15 k for her. I believe the 4bbl was the power pack 283 with 220 hp and the 2bbl had 195.glwts.
I have no use for extra doors on any car!
Donate them to the less fortunate.
I’m surprised it reached 10K. 4 doors and a post is not a popular version. Paint, interior, chrome and rust will easily put it over any possible recoup when finished, and that doesn’t include seals, bushings, brakes, bearings and every other 60 year old part that needs replacing.
It wasn’t that long ago that a 57 like this was a enjoyable, low cost project. But parts and labor are now sky high and have killed the fun of owning and working on them.
To be sure, love 4 door ’57’s, but you gotta be real when it comes to fixing one up.
We did a “light”restoration on a similar car in the ’80s. White over Dusk Pearl Metallic. Owners wanted us to find one and said a 4 door would be OK as they wanted to haul plenty of people when going to shows etc. Stripped and repainted the base color and reupolstered the bottom of the front seat in the original material. They showed up at pick up time, named her Miss Scofield, and drove the car back to California. Car had factory air and a tube type garage door opener that actually worked. Car came from a 92 year old lady original owner in Protection, Kansas who said “the garage door got to be too narrow”. Yes, we had to fix the damage to the right side.
It is true 2 doors are more desirable than a 4 door but where are you going to find a 2 door tri-five for 10k. looking around these days I am seeing more and more 4 door cars on the road especially SUV’s .Nice car.
Unlike Joe, I would add doors to any 2 door I happened to own. I think 4 doors look as good as, if not better than, 2 doors. Much more useful and convenient. Good that we all have choices.
Nice looking car. Assuming the patina is only on the surface and that everything is solid and the car runs and drives good, The only thing I’d upgrade is the paint job and perhaps the seats re-upholstered.
No buy it now so you get to waist your time bidding to be met with reserve not met. Personally I think $10k is its max value otherwise looks like a fun car for cruising.
Almost impossible to locate any affordable tri five these days regardless of the number of doors! They have been bought up and not for sale! Today in the market place for 4 door tri fives, the time has finally arrived after 50 years to maximize the market value for these cast aside cars!Those sellers who have bought and held onto your 4 doors, now is the time to make bank! Take care.
I have a 4dr 57 Bel-Air, 6 cyl power glide car. Needs gone through, and yea, you can get upside down on these pretty quick. There was a kit at one time that included new doors and quarters, you moved the B pillar and make it a 2dr. Not sure if it’s still around. Anybody know??
I hope a four door lover gets this, and brings it back up to a nice original. The two door only argument got tiresome years back. If you’re only in the hobby for the investment, stop beating everyone else with your opinions. I am not ignoring the reality of possibly sinking thousands into the least popular format, there is a limit for everything. Let the more open minded car lovers enjoy an affordable entry into owning a collectable.