VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum 1957 Bel Air purchase info: what to look for / value?

Hello - first post here as I need a resource to determine a new purchase worthiness.

Good, original and complete yet non-running since 1979. This is a convertible with 283 power pac, PS, PB, power top, continental kit. Interior clean, motor turns manually so I'm told and it is matching numbers car with 71K miles. Some rust on front fender and rear quarter, a hole or two in the trunk floor but floor pans clean, and one small dent. Top has not been operated in at least 11 years. Pictures look very good with clean interior and good chrome all around.

I'll have to see it to be sure but would like to know approx value as is and how much to get this running and driving, cost wise, assuming nothing major like a rebuild of any components needed.

All guidance appreciated!

I would guess around $30,000 plus another $30,000 to restore .
depending how good you want it to be. I am sure there are a lot of things that will be wrong with it that can't be seen.
A presentable 1957 driver/convertible is worth about $60,000.

What to look for Rust, rust, and more rust. Even convertibles from dry parts of the country get rusty floors due to water leaks.

Asking closer to 40K which seemed high to me too.

I was thinking of just doing the MIN to get it driving safely (or flip it) if nothing major is in the way of that...thought a reasonable driving car like this would be worth more.

Not having anything like this now, and watching the auctions on TV and such it seems like crazy prices are being paid for American muscle and unique year cars. If it's really an original "barn find" type, does that have any bearing? That seems to be another category of interest among collectors.

I appreciate your help!