Legendary 1957 Chevy Bel Air that launched Chevrolet's success now begging for restoration following discovery in New Jersey barn
Published on Oct 15, 2025 at 3:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 15, 2025 at 7:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A legendary 1957 Chevy Bel Air that launched Chevrolet’s success is now begging for a full restoration after being left to rot in New Jersey.
The Bel Air is one of the most famous cars produced by the American company, and they are one of the most popular classic cars on the market.
It paved the way for much of Chevrolet’s future success, and one example has gone up for sale after spending years rotting outside.
The car is currently listed for sale on eBay, and it looks like it needs a lot of work before it can run again.
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What condition is this 1957 Chevy Bel Air in?
This particular Bel Air, listed for just under $3K, doesn’t look to have had an easy life.
It’s clear it’s been sitting for a while, with seller kustomr66 uploading plenty of pictures to look at.
The paintwork is badly faded, and where there isn’t any paint, rust has taken over.
Blue bodywork has suffered from years of sitting outside, and the front of the car has rusted badly.
We can see under the hood, and it’s immediately apparent this Bel Air doesn’t come with a motor.
Amazingly, some of the chrome looks to be in really good condition.
The front bumper has survived remarkably well compared to the rest of the car.
The Bel Air is a Chevrolet classic
The Bel Air is every bit a classic Chevrolet as an old example of the Corvette.
In 1957, in particular, the Bel Air helped cement the company’s future successes.
That year saw the introduction of the 283ci V8, with previous offerings using a 265ci engine.
Chevrolet bored it out for the 1957 model year, creating a 185hp V8.
The company also offered a Super Turbo-Five version, using a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
This had a total output of 220hp.
At the top of the free was the formidable fuel-injected Ramjet V8 that made 250hp.
The fact that this particular Bel Air has no engine means a potential restorer could put anything they want in it.
That is if the car actually can be restored at all!
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
