Introduced in 1955, the Chevrolet Tri-Five became an instant hit, selling almost five million units over three model years. What made it so popular? "What didn't?" is a far more accurate question because the Tri-Five had it all.
It was beautiful regardless of model year, affordable, and Chevrolet offered many body styles. And I'm not just talking about two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and four-door wagons. The Tri-Five was also available as a two-door grocery getter, a convertible, and even as a delivery sedan with a rear-seat delete.
It was also plenty powerful for the era. While the entry-level 235-cubic-inch inline-six came with 123 to 140 horsepower on tap, the V8 options delivered 162 to 283 horses depending on model year and trim.
Speaking of trim, the Tri-Five series incorporated all three versions previously available with the Deluxe line. The lineup included the entry-level 150 (One-Fifty), the mid-range 210 (Two-Ten), and the top-of-the-line Bel Air. The latter had a fancier interior and unique chrome trim on the outside.
More than 60 years later, the Tri-Five is arguably the most iconic 1950s classic and a popular choice with vintage car enthusiasts. And while the car is anything but rare, specific versions are crossing the auction block for more than $100,000. The entry-level 150 isn't one of them, but enthusiasts still save these cars for restoration. The white example you see here is one of the lucky ones.
Rescued by YouTube's "Curiosity Incorporated," this 1957 150 may not be as fancy as a Bel Air, but it's one of those unrestored and unmolested survivors you don't get to see every day. Because most 150s are rotting away in junkyards and barns, unrestored survivors are pretty rare. Especially if we're talking about examples that are still in one piece.
This one is far from perfect, but that's because it has been sitting in front of someone's house since 1984. Yup, this Tri-Five hasn't been moved in a whopping 39 years. Why was it parked and neglected? Well, the owner stopped driving the car following a crash that inflicted a serious bend in the left-side rear fender. And he never got around to fixing it.
Almost four decades have passed, and the 150 has a lot of additional issues. The lower body panels are rusty, some areas are moldy, and the tires barely hold air. But the car is in surprisingly good shape for a classic that's been sitting for this long. Oh, and did I also mention that it's been owned by the same family since it was new?
The Tri-Five is also highly original and complete, with the paint being the only one changed before the two-door sedan was parked. Specifically, this car left the factory in Turquoise, one of the most popular colors of the 1950s. The 150 has been repainted white, but the old color is still visible under the coating applied in the early 1980s.
Will this Tri-Five get a much-deserved restoration? Our host did not confirm this would be the plan, but he gave the car a proper cleaning and, more importantly, got the old Blue Flame inline-six engine running again. And that's great news for a vehicle that could've become a rust bucket.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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