VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1955-1957 57 2dr wag question

i found a very solid 57 chev belair 2dr wagon. It is almost complete. The only thing i know that is missing is the engine and tranny and the fron seat is not original. Everything else is there and very solid. Minor rust in floors and only a tiny bit of surface fust on top due to thin paint. Front fenders and quarters are solid with no visible rust. Can anyone tell me what it would be worth so i don't pay to much. I don't have any pictures of it but can get some if needed.

Sorry, they didn't make a Bel Air 2 door wagon, only in the 150 and 210 series (unless its a Nomad).
For value I would say in the $1000 to $1500 range.
Saw used '57 front fenders at a swap meet today for $300 each.

i was at a small local car show last night, talking with a few guys from the chevies best car club. I passed on the phone number to 1 of them who is looking for a 210 2dr wagon.. If i could afford to do the restoration and had the knowledge i might have purchased the car. the car is going to a gentlemen that has a 57 already and bring them back to original. they were saying that around here the car would have no problem selling for the $4500.

The current edition of "Old Cars Price Guide" indicates a 1957 Two-Ten two door wagon in Number 5 condition is "worth" $2640.

Number Five is defined as "Restorable." Among other things a 'restorable' car (the Guide says) needs COMPLETE restoration of body, chassis and interior. This car, it goes on to say, needs EVERYTHING.

Gene's thoughts ($1000 - $1500) may sound brutal, but the fact of the matter is his 'estimate' is basically right on as far as reality / value is concerned. Restoration isn't my strong suit. Frankly, I probably wouldn't take it if someone offered to give it to me.

$4500 ????? Out of the question. Even for a guy that knows what to do and HOW to do it

55 - 57's are still HOT!! And according to what I see at auctions, specialty car lots, shows, swap meets, cruise-ins, etc, etc. wagons are also hot. (Not like convertibles; but hot.) Of course, these are finished cars. Turn Key so to speak. That's what most guys are looking for. Buy it. Get in. Turn the Key - and - go.

For $1000 this could be a "buy." Maybe even if available for under $2000. But for $2000 I'd sugggest some extra close inspection and some very knowledgable advice and consultation. And, and this is very important, the buyer would have to know what to do and HOW to do it. And do it well. If the car turned out looking like a amateur restoration, it would be very bad news. Especially if the car was ever to be for sale!

Sorry. Of course all this is IMHO. But let me assure you, from 30 years in this 'hobby' and currently being very active, this is very sound advice.

Bill.

i passed on the car. I'll find out saturday if someone from the Chevies best club bought it

Hi Bill, I was checking out the price list and noticed a loan reference in this guide. What does the Loan mean? Thanks...Oscar

The people who develop these price guides must know something that I don't. I wish one of them would contact me and let me know where I can find a 1957 Chevrolet Sport Coupe Hardtop for $20,500 as indicated in their price guide.

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

This one?


1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR Dsp/HP Eng Fair Good Exc Show Loan


2D SPORT COUPE HT 283/185 V8 18,000 26,000 35,000 44,000 H 23,500



Add: Fac A/C 5%, Power-Pack 10%, FI or 2X4 50% Ded: 6C 20%, 265/162hp 5%