1957 was the last year when the Bel Air enjoyed the alone time, as Chevrolet was already planning an overhaul of its full-size model lineup with the debut of the Impala.
The 1956 Motorama show witnessed the unveiling of the Impala concept, and thanks to an impressive public reception, General Motors understood pretty fast that starting mass production was the right decision.
As a result, the company started the work on the production model, getting ready to turn the Bel Air into a second-class citizen of its lineup.
However, the 1957 Bel Air was still a very popular nameplate, and it paved the way for the success that Chevrolet Impala later became. The 1957 introduced the very popular 283 (4.7-liter) Turbo-Fire engine that eventually debuted on the Impala too. The car was also available with the 265 six-cylinder, though its output turned the Bel Air into a choice more appropriate for picking up groceries rather than driving around the city on a sunny weekend day.
A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that made its way to eBay earlier this week is fighting for survival in the most critical state I’ve seen lately. The vehicle has already become a rust bucket, and despite seller wrenchman540 claiming the car can still be saved, I seriously doubt it.
This Bel Air looks like it’s been sitting for a long time, most likely under the clear sky. The body is rusty, so if someone is brave enough to begin a complete restoration, they’ll need new panels almost everywhere. We’re not getting a closer look at the body, but I believe the rust has already gotten through. The undersides are undoubtedly wrecked, so the buyer will need new floors and a new trunk.
The engine is missing, but this is hardly a surprise. The Bel Air probably served as a donor for other projects, and I expect many other parts to also be required. The cabin is as mysterious as it gets, as the seller believes the Bel Air can sell without a closer look inside.
Saving this Bel Air will require an insane amount of work, and I don’t believe anyone out there is willing to begin such a project, especially considering the resale value of a tip-top 1957 Bel Air. This car looks like it needs everything, so it has a bigger chance of being used for parts for another project.
Fortunately, if someone wants to take it home, they won’t have to pay more than the price of a new iPhone.