This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible has been perfectly restored. Almost everything looks better than new and comes with the benefits of modern technology, like the fuel-injected V8 engine, powered everything, and disc brakes.
The Tri-Five market is on fire right now. We do understand the appeal of a car that has lots of history and is in all-original condition, as the examples in yesterday’s “barn hunt” video from Hagarty. However, sometimes you just want to get behind the wheel of a perfect car with classic looks and just enjoy it.
The downside is that you’ve got to be rich. Vanguard Motors is known for selling high-dollar classic cars like this. And they have other expensive Bel Airs in inventory. However, where many of their for-sale signs say “$100,000” this one reads “229,900.” Add some gas and you’re basically looking at low-end Ferrari or Lamborghini money, but I think the right Tri-Five is worth it.
What is a 57 Chevy worth?
This one? Hard to say. But it’s certainly the right model, and the level of restoration is beyond reproach. But maybe that kind of money deserves a build that’s a little more famous, like that “Rose Gold” 1955 Bel Air coupe which looked like a Rolex. Believe it or not, the average price of a Bel Air sold in 2022 is almost $100,000, which is surprising considering how common the second-gen Chevys used to be.
As the recipient of a full rotisserie rehabilitation, this 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is something to witness in awe. The blue paint has been polished to a mirror finish and is just as good underneath the car as it is above. The chrome looks basically perfect as does the stainless trim and everything else.
The 57 is the most flamboyant member of its family, having distinctive side trim pieces that lead to vertical fins. Both sets of chrome bumpers are large and intricately designed. Bullets in the bumper, copper-colored badges, fins on the hood, and grilles around the headlights, this convertible is as flamboyant as they come.
While the restoration tries to keep the original look, there’s no hiding what’s under the hood. In 1957, there were four engine options, and this obviously isn’t one of them. You had the base Blue Flame inline-6, the Turbo-Fire 4.3L V8 and two versions of the 283 (4.6L) with up to 220 horsepower.
New V8 under the hood
However, this has an LS1 V8 with ceramic-coated exhaust headers and the usual array of polished accessories, including an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. While the output isn’t mentioned, you can expect about 350 horsepower from the 5.7-liter, accompanied by the reliability and ease of maintenance that comes with a new fuel-injected GM crate.
Power is sent to a 9-inch Ford rear end with Posi and a Currie Housing via an 4L60E 4-speed automatic. The frame is fully restored and every component of the suspension looks like new, but you won’t find coilovers and a Ridetech system under this Bel Air. Instead, the only restomod component is a set of 4-wheel disc brakes.
Tri-Five people love a good set of wheels, though. So the factory caps were swapped for a set of 17-inch Budnik polished aluminum alloys with all-season tires.
They made 4.8 million Tri-Five Chevys, 150s, 210s and Nomads all included. What’s cool is the restorer guys, the flame graphics guys, the drag races, the restomods guys and the low-rider dudes all get along. Can you think of any other car that your grandpa and Rick Ross will both enjoy? Exactly.
