A “Tri-Five” Chevy in just about any body style is bound to garner love and attention from collector car hobbyists. But would a custom Bel Air pickup truck – or “Bel Camino” – strike them as a worthwhile and appreciated build, or as a project that should have never been brought to life?
The Pick of the Day is a 1957 Chevy Bel Air pickup for which, regardless of one’s opinion on whether such a vehicle is tasteful, there can be no dispute that the level of detail in this unique vehicle puts it in the upper echelon of custom show cars.
“The build quality of this Bel Camino is over the top,” states the seller, a Gladstone, Oregon, advertising the Chevy on ClassicCars.com.
This pickup started out as a Bel Air station wagon when new, according to the seller, and was converted sometime before 1972. In 2014, it was treated to a full restoration, the dealer adds, and has been driven just 700 miles since.
The ‘57 Chevy is perhaps one of the most iconic and easily identifiable classics in the collector car community, and the Bel Air model topped the hierarchy for that year. It boasted upscale gold trim including the mesh grille insert and front fender chevrons, as well as the Chevrolet script on the hood – and, in this case, the tailgate. As if big fins and gold trim weren’t eye-catching enough, this drastically modified body style is sure to turn heads on the show circuit or cruising down Main Street.
The Chevy is powered by a 327cid V8 paired with an automatic transmission. Upgrades include a custom interior with leather seats and console, as well as a B&M shift kit and added gauges.
Chrome five-spoke wheels mounted to BF Goodrich white-letter tires provide footwork for the pickup, with a diamond plate floor in the bed for stowing cargo, if this Chevy’s future owner decides to ever test its payload. The interior looks comfortably appointed, with dual vinyl bucket seats and a center console with integrated cup holders.
“Here is your chance to have a one-of-a-kind custom pickup that nobody has,” the seller says. The only question is whether the neighbors would want to borrow such a fanciful creation and put it to work.
The asking price for this custom ride is $41,500. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I have never heard of a 317 engine before. is it a Chev V8 ??
Sorry. Engine size fixed — yes, should have been 327. (typos happen)
The 317 was a Lincoln engine
The original listing mentions a 327 which would make more sense.
I was scratching my head also lol
This car was built back when a tri 5
could be bought for hundreds not thousands…4 door station wagons were almost free ….Also custom cars & trucks were all the rage especially on the left coast…in my humble opinion I love it..you will pay 40 k for a Camaro , mustang, chevelle, and see 20 of each at any car cruise..I guess what I’m sayin is if you are a purist dont look at this as sacrilege.
I like it! If it started out as a 4 door station wagon I think this was a great idea, if it started out as a 2 door Nomad, not so much. all in all I think its a unique and very cool ride, not to hip on the 317 could that be a typo and is actually 327, would make more sense.
It’s attractive and very cool. That’s all.
What more does it need to be?
Also 317 must be a typo. Or could be a 302 or 307 bored out to 317?
I’m sure someone knows…
Jeff Deamcarsellers.com
I think the 1957 Chevy is very very cool.I wish I had the money to buy the car.
The actual ad says it’s a 327. But, at least these typos get us talking!
I would trade my 67 chevelle or my 29 roadster, either car i am asking much more!
The ad is contradictory it says it has BOTH Leather and vinyl seats, which is it? it can’t be both?
Leather insets with vinyl outer bolsters. Happens all the time.
No A/C correct ?
Back in the 1970s, station wagons of this vintage were just out of date designs and difficult to maintain old cars mostly used for demolition derbies. Good thing that someone took time and effort to convert this one into the hot rod equivalent of a funeral flower car.
It’s because it’s a 265 Chevrolet V8 30 over
EXCELLENT, BUT A ‘B’ PILLAR FROM A NOMAD WOULD HAVE BETTER CONTINUITY…
sweet for sure
If had been made from a two door, it would have been a great El Camino,
A 3 El Camino Owner
Craftsmanship on this 57 looks excellent but I would also agree a 2 door would have given it a more factory built appearance. When I designed my 56, I chose a 2door 210 Wagon as my donor. I have driven it to Michigan several times and have had people ask me if it is an old GM Concept. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/some-pics-of-my-friends-1956-elcamino.399170/
Can not tell if is a double hump 327 with headers that was extracted from a Corvette. The double humps would add Value. I own a fully restored 1957 210 with a both of customizing. 327 double hump with headers from a Corvettte abs Saginaw 4-speed.