1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Hardtop

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 Description

I have a restoration shop and am listing this for a customer. He bought this car in 1976 & drove it for 20 years. He then parked it for another 20 years before bringing it to me to "get it running".

Unfortunately the engine has water / rust in the #1 cylinder, so it probably froze & cracked the cylinder wall. Engine may be repairable but his budget won't allow digging any deeper.

He bought the car from a guy that in 1976, drove out from California to Illinois to care for his ailing sister. He then had to sell the car to raise some cash. That's when my customer bought it. It IS a California built car but does NOT have the one piece bumper. There are various web sites that debate the bumper issue. The VIN though is not up for debate and the "L" is for Los Angeles built cars.

It appears to be VERY original. It has the 283 4-barrel engine with theoptional Turbo Glidetransmissionvs the more commonPower glide It also has factory power brakes & power steering. All components appear to be factory installed but I have not looked into casting numbers or date codes.

I figured the light damage to the body sides was done in storage but he told me it was that way when he bought it and he never had the want to get it fixed. He just enjoyed it as a "driver".

The floor pans & under body are remarkably clean with virtually NO major rust. Onlythe outboard section of the passenger front floor would need replaced, Everything else is solid with only light powdery surface rust. The bumpers & chrome trim is pitted but most of the stainless is in very good shape. All glass is good, no cracks. Headliner & seats also are in very good shape with no rips or tears. I have provided pictures of most areas that are of concern to this type of car. Any questions. drop me a line. I'm Mike :)

This car is very complete and although needing some restoration work, has exceptionally good bones, way better than some I have seen for sale.