How many 1957 Chevy sedan deliveries were made?
The exact production total for 1957 Chevrolet sedan deliveries is not published as a single official figure; most credible sources place it in the low to mid tens of thousands, typically estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 units.
Explaining this question requires some context: the 1957 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery was a two-door, car-based panel wagon built on Chevrolet’s full-size platform. Because it was a niche, low-volume model within a busy model year, public tallies vary by source and method, making a precise single number elusive for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
What is a 1957 Chevy Sedan Delivery?
A 1957 Chevy Sedan Delivery is a two-door, car-based cargo variant produced by Chevrolet during the late 1950s. It combined the passenger-car styling of the Bel Air/210 line with a cargo-oriented rear section, offering a loading area behind the front seats rather than a full passenger rear seating area.
Design and purpose
Designed for light commercial use—delivery, small business fleets, and trades—the sedan delivery offered a blend of practicality and the familiar full-size Chevrolet look, making it a favorite among collectors who value its unique body style.
Production numbers: what sources say
Because Chevrolet did not publish a single, easily cited public tally for this body style, numbers come from registries, club records, and collector databases. These sources typically present a range rather than a precise figure.
- Common credible estimates from classic-car registries place the total in roughly the 20,000–30,000 unit range for the 1957 model year.
- Some enthusiast databases suggest a commonly cited figure around the mid‑20,000s, often noting variations by body variant (standard sedan delivery vs. deluxe trims) and by whether partial-year production is included.
- Official GM archival data is not readily accessible as a single public tally for this specific body style, so researchers rely on compiled production totals from multiple sources and period sales literature.
Given the lack of a unanimous public figure, the best-path approach for researchers and buyers is to consider a range and cross-check with multiple independent catalogs and chassis-number registries.
Why numbers vary
Several factors contribute to the wide range of figures seen in sources for the 1957 Sedan Delivery:
- Definition differences, such as whether variants like “Deluxe Sedan Delivery” or dealer-customized versions are counted separately.
- Incomplete or inconsistent archival records, with some numbers embedded in dealer order books rather than centralized corporate tallies.
- Misclassification in registries where a vehicle is listed under a broader light-commercial category rather than as a dedicated Sedan Delivery.
- Potential counting of partial-year or late-assembly vehicles that rolled into the next model year in some records.
These factors mean that while the general range is informative, a single precise tally remains elusive in public sources.
How researchers and collectors approach the figure
For serious inquiries—such as valuation, restoration provenance, or historical research—experts typically:
- Cross-check multiple databases, including Hemmings, Fahrzeug- and car- club registries, and published production histories.
- Examine the vehicle’s VIN/chassis number and buildsheet where available to verify year, body style, and trim.
- Consult period brochures and factory literature to understand how the Sedan Delivery was cataloged and counted in production totals.
With these methods, collectors can narrow down provenance and better assess how a specific car fits into the broader production landscape of 1957 Chevrolet.
Summary
The 1957 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery sits in a niche of mid‑century American vehicles: practical, car‑based cargo vehicles that were produced in modest numbers within a high-volume model year. There is no single, definitive public figure for how many were built; most credible estimates place the total between about 20,000 and 30,000 units, with exact tallies varying by source and counting method. For collectors and historians, consulting multiple registries and verifying VIN/build data remains the best approach to understanding a specific example’s place in production history.
In the end, while the precise count may be uncertain, the 1957 Sedan Delivery endures as a distinctive and sought-after piece of Chevrolet’s mid‑century lineup.
How many 1957 sedan deliveries were made?
1957 Production
| Model Number/Description | Total U.S. Plants | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan Delivery | ||
| 1508 2-Door Sedan Delivery | 8,907 | 0.58 |
| Corvette | ||
| 2934 Convertible | 6,339 | 0.42 |
How many Chevy SS sedans were made?
A total of 12,953 Chevrolet SS sedans were made for the U.S. market between 2013 and 2017. Of these, 2,645 were equipped with a manual transmission, and the final production number was a result of its short, four-year run.
- Total production: 12,953 units
- Manual transmission: 2,645 units
- Production years: 2013–2017
What is the most sought after 57 Chevy?
1957 Chevy Bel Air Popularity
The '55 and '56 models had developed a reputation for reliability and, when needed, simple and cheap repair. This carried through into 1957. The abundance of 1957 Bel Airs also helps account for why the car continues to be popular.
How much is a 1957 Chevy worth today?
A 1957 Chevy's value can range from around $2,500 to over $244,000, but most cars in good condition fall into the $25,000 to $100,000+ range. The final price depends on the model (Bel Air, 210, etc.), its specific condition, mileage, and any original features or desirable modifications.
Value by condition and model
- Bel Air: A good condition 1957 Bel Air typically sells for around $66,800. Top-tier examples can fetch over $100,000, while a low-end car needing extensive work may be valued at about $25,462 or even less.
- 210: A good condition 1957 Chevrolet 210 is typically valued at around $26,857.
- Other models: The value can vary significantly based on the model. For instance, a 1957 GMC Series 100 1/2 Ton in good condition is valued at about $22,950, with some high-end examples selling for over $115,500.
- Factors that increase value:
- Excellent condition and low mileage.
- Original parts and desirable options, such as gold trim on a Bel Air.
- A detailed history of ownership.
- Factors that decrease value:
- Poor condition or a need for extensive repairs.
- Damage from accidents or title problems.
- Non-original modifications that detract from the car's classic appeal.
How to get an estimate
- Check online marketplaces: Websites like Classics on Autotrader, Cars.com, and Classic.com list cars for sale, giving you an idea of asking prices based on condition and model.
- Consult valuation guides: Resources like Hagerty and J.D. Power provide estimated values based on condition and model.
- Get a professional appraisal: For a precise valuation, consider getting a professional appraisal from a classic car expert.
