Photo: eBay seller joe_bats
Part of the second-generation Bel Air, the 1957 model introduced a series of truly important changes to this lineup, and without a doubt, the most notable was the debut of the new 283 (4.6-liter) so-called Super Turbo Fire V8 developing over 280 horsepower.
Borrowed from the Corvette, this new unit used a Rochester Ramjet continuous mechanical fuel infection, bringing the total number of V8s available for the model year 1957 to no less than seven, though the majority of cars rolling off the assembly lines continued to feature a carburetor.
The Bel Air that we have here was also born with a mysterious V8 under the hood, though right now, the engine is no longer in the car but somewhere around.
This is because the car looks like it’s been sitting in a garage hiding under boxes and various parts for a long time, with several parts already removed, possibly as the owner wanted to start a full restoration but never finished it. No specifics have been provided on the engine, and it’s not clear if it’s still working or not.
The buried-alive Bel Air is said to come without any single spot of rust, and eBay seller joe_bats claims all the big parts are still around, including the transmission, the doors, the glass, and almost everything else.
In theory, this is definitely good news for someone planning a full restoration, but even so, a thorough inspection in person is recommended, not only to figure out if there’s something missing but also to determine if all parts are still original.
A Bel Air fully restored to factory specifications can end up being worth a small fortune, so depending on how high the price of this 1957 model goes, it could be a pretty smart investment. At the time of writing, the starting bid is $4,000, and the good news is the auction comes without a reserve, so whoever sends the highest offer can take the car, piece by piece, back home and continue the restoration.
The Bel Air that we have here was also born with a mysterious V8 under the hood, though right now, the engine is no longer in the car but somewhere around.
This is because the car looks like it’s been sitting in a garage hiding under boxes and various parts for a long time, with several parts already removed, possibly as the owner wanted to start a full restoration but never finished it. No specifics have been provided on the engine, and it’s not clear if it’s still working or not.
The buried-alive Bel Air is said to come without any single spot of rust, and eBay seller joe_bats claims all the big parts are still around, including the transmission, the doors, the glass, and almost everything else.
In theory, this is definitely good news for someone planning a full restoration, but even so, a thorough inspection in person is recommended, not only to figure out if there’s something missing but also to determine if all parts are still original.
A Bel Air fully restored to factory specifications can end up being worth a small fortune, so depending on how high the price of this 1957 model goes, it could be a pretty smart investment. At the time of writing, the starting bid is $4,000, and the good news is the auction comes without a reserve, so whoever sends the highest offer can take the car, piece by piece, back home and continue the restoration.
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