What did a 1957 Chevy cost new?
The 1957 Chevrolet, often referred to as the "57 Chevy," is one of the most iconic American cars ever produced. Known for its distinctive tailfins, chrome accents, and timeless design, it remains a favorite among classic car enthusiasts. But how much did this legendary vehicle cost when it first rolled off the assembly line? Let’s take a closer look at the pricing and what made the 1957 Chevy such a standout in its time.
The Base Price of a 1957 Chevy
In 1957, Chevrolet offered a variety of models, including the 150, 210, and the top-of-the-line Bel Air. The price of a new 1957 Chevy varied depending on the model and the options selected. Here’s a breakdown of the base prices:
- Chevrolet 150: The most affordable model, the 150, started at approximately $1,885 for the base two-door sedan.
- Chevrolet 210: The mid-range 210 model had a starting price of around $2,038 for the two-door sedan.
- Chevrolet Bel Air: The luxurious Bel Air, which became the most iconic of the lineup, started at about $2,238 for the two-door hardtop coupe.
These prices reflect the base models without any additional options or upgrades. Adjusted for inflation, these prices would be equivalent to roughly $20,000 to $25,000 in today’s dollars, making the 1957 Chevy an affordable yet stylish choice for its time.
Factors That Influenced the Price
The final cost of a 1957 Chevy could vary significantly based on the options and features selected. Some of the factors that influenced the price included:
- Engine Options: Buyers could choose from a range of engines, including the standard inline-six or the more powerful V8 options, which added to the cost.
- Transmission: Manual transmissions were standard, but upgrading to an automatic transmission increased the price.
- Accessories and Features: Optional features like air conditioning, power steering, and upgraded radios could significantly raise the price.
- Body Style: The 1957 Chevy was available in various body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons, each with its own price point.
Why the 1957 Chevy Remains a Classic
The 1957 Chevy wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural icon. Its combination of affordability, style, and performance made it a favorite among American families in the 1950s. Today, it’s a sought-after collector’s item, with restored models often fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the 1957 Chevy stands as a testament to the golden age of American car design. Its original price may seem modest by today’s standards, but its legacy is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 57 Chevy worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $43,483 for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at auction over the last three years was $275,000.
What is the difference between 1956 and 1957 Chevy?
The simple aspect of the grille that identifies the '56 are the huge, square-ish signal lamps encompassed within the grille, where the '57 has round signal lamps and huge round bumperettes. Both '55 and '56 have a smooth hood, but the '57 has a pair of 'Rockets' that make that hood specific to that year.
How much did a 1958 Chevy cost new?
Chevrolet sold 1,255,935 cars for the calendar year 1958, against 1,038,560 for Ford, taking the number one spot. Of those sales, 125,480 were 1958 Impala Sport Coupes and 55,989 were Convertibles – about 15 percent of the total. Base price for the Coupe was $2,586, and for the Convertible it was $2,724.
What is the most sought after 57 Chevy?
About The 1957 Chevy Bel Air Nomad
Less than one percent of 1957 Bel Air production (6,264 units) were in Nomad form. Today, '57 Bel Airs of any type are highly sought after, but it's the 1957 Bel Air Nomad that stands atop the mountain due to its rarity.
How much did a 1956 Chevy cost brand new?
The 1956 Chevrolet One-Fifty shown here is a textbook example of the perfect budget bomb. With a 3,117-pound curb weight and a $1,734 base price, the One-Fifty two-door utility sedan was the lightest and least-expensive model Chevrolet offered in 1956.
What is the rarest 57 Chevy?
And it really wasn't worked out yet they couldn't get the engine to run properly with the fuel injection. So they took a race car engine. They put it in the car.
How much did a 1955 Chevy Bel Air cost new?
When it came to pricing, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville four-door wagon came in at $2,361, and the popular Bel Air sport coupe cost $2,166. The popular Bel Air convertible, which saw 41,292 units produced in 1955, were priced at $2,305.
Did Ford outsell Chevy in 1957?
Despite its popularity, rival Ford outsold Chevrolet for the 1957 model year for the first time since 1935. The main cause of the sales shift to Ford was that the 1957 Chevrolet had tubeless tires, the first car to have them.
How much was a 1957 Chevy when new?
Engine: V-8 engine, 283 cubic inch V-8 engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors, solid valve lifters and dual exhausts … the most powerful carbureted engine offered by Chevrolet in 1957. Horsepower: Optional 270 horsepower Super Turbo-Fire. Transmission: 3-speed manual. Original Price: $2,399.
How much is a 57 Chevy worth nowadays?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $43,483 for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air at auction over the last three years was $275,000.
