Photo: eBay seller archivist55
The Bel Air was the model that brought home the bacon during the '50s, but it eventually surrendered to the Impala when the new nameplate debuted in 1958.
The Impala was an overnight hit, and despite debuting as a Bel Air version, it turned its parent model into a second option for most buyers.
However, the Bel Air had the time of its life before the Impala's debut, and the 1957 model showed incredible appeal to celebrities. It remains a desirable nameplate in the collectors' world, with models in tip-top shape and everything original selling for over $100K.
The 1957 four-door sedan in these photos hasn't reached that point, but it can still aim for the stars thanks to its condition. The car spent the last 41 years in a garage, with eBay seller archivist55 explaining that it belonged to a friend who recently passed away. The Bel Air didn't spend much time on the road, and the odometer proves this is an accurate claim (albeit you should inspect this tidbit thoroughly, especially if you're particularly interested in the low miles).
The car has only 24K miles on the clock, and if you look at it thoroughly, it all makes sense. I don't know if the car has already been restored, as the seller didn't share such information, but I wouldn't be surprised if it hasn't. It still looks good for its age, but the first thing I'd like to inspect closely is the underside. The seller shared great pics with the essential parts, but buyers should put this Bel Air on a lift and look at the floors if possible. If they've ever been patched (or replaced altogether), the chances are that it has already been restored.
The engine under the hood is no longer the original unit. In charge of moving the wheels is now a six-cylinder unit donated by a 1956 Chevrolet, but its condition is still unknown. The seller says the last time the engine started was in 2010, and while the car was recently pulled from storage, the six-cylinder unit hasn't been tested. It turns freely, but the buyer must inspect it thoroughly and determine if it's still alive.
The selling price is as mysterious as the engine under the hood. The owner posted this Bel Air online with a reserve, meaning that despite the $5,000 bid leading the race, the vehicle will remain where it is unless someone joins the fight with a bigger offer. How big it must be is unknown, but fingers crossed that someone unlocks the reserve and takes the car home.
Meanwhile, you can see this Bel Air in Swansea, Massachusetts, and you'll need a trailer to drive it to your garage.
However, the Bel Air had the time of its life before the Impala's debut, and the 1957 model showed incredible appeal to celebrities. It remains a desirable nameplate in the collectors' world, with models in tip-top shape and everything original selling for over $100K.
The 1957 four-door sedan in these photos hasn't reached that point, but it can still aim for the stars thanks to its condition. The car spent the last 41 years in a garage, with eBay seller archivist55 explaining that it belonged to a friend who recently passed away. The Bel Air didn't spend much time on the road, and the odometer proves this is an accurate claim (albeit you should inspect this tidbit thoroughly, especially if you're particularly interested in the low miles).
The car has only 24K miles on the clock, and if you look at it thoroughly, it all makes sense. I don't know if the car has already been restored, as the seller didn't share such information, but I wouldn't be surprised if it hasn't. It still looks good for its age, but the first thing I'd like to inspect closely is the underside. The seller shared great pics with the essential parts, but buyers should put this Bel Air on a lift and look at the floors if possible. If they've ever been patched (or replaced altogether), the chances are that it has already been restored.
The engine under the hood is no longer the original unit. In charge of moving the wheels is now a six-cylinder unit donated by a 1956 Chevrolet, but its condition is still unknown. The seller says the last time the engine started was in 2010, and while the car was recently pulled from storage, the six-cylinder unit hasn't been tested. It turns freely, but the buyer must inspect it thoroughly and determine if it's still alive.
The selling price is as mysterious as the engine under the hood. The owner posted this Bel Air online with a reserve, meaning that despite the $5,000 bid leading the race, the vehicle will remain where it is unless someone joins the fight with a bigger offer. How big it must be is unknown, but fingers crossed that someone unlocks the reserve and takes the car home.
Meanwhile, you can see this Bel Air in Swansea, Massachusetts, and you'll need a trailer to drive it to your garage.
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