This 1957 Chevrolet 150 for sale on Hemmings.com might seem like a bit of racer’s wish fulfillment: Most powerful factory available engine (fuelie) backed by a manual transmission (three-speed close-ratio) in the lightest and simplest available car (California Model 1512 utility sedan). All that in one package from the factory seems rather improbable – and the seller even admits the car isn’t documented to have come this way from the factory – but at the same time it’s all been restored as though some racer checked all the right boxes one day late in 1956. And besides, isn’t a lot of the old car hobby just wish fulfillment anyway? From the seller’s description:
283ci/283hp, 3 speed close ratio on column, Dec. 56 4.11 posi. vin. # VA57L111069. v=V8, a=150, 57= year, L= los angles, 111069= 11069 car built at LA.around nov. 12, 1956.Has Cal. seamless frame, almost 100 pounds lighter than welded frames on most 57’s. Utility sedans came with no rear seat, only a package shelf on floor, rubber mat. Quarter windows are fixed, do not roll down.That makes this the lightest passenger car in the line up for 57. Cheyy model #1512, fisher style # 1211B. No heater, radio, clock, or lighter, to slow you down.Only .56% of 57’s were utility sedans, 8817 built. Most were 6 cylinder salesman cars, very few factory V8’s.
Engine is a 57 548 cast # block, stamped F304EK, March 4, 1957,283hp, hi lift cam,10.5cr, 539 heads. Rochester fuel injector # 7014800, serial #1280, mid-late intro FI unit. Distributor is very rare NASCAR Tach drive 1110908, intro mid-late 57. Only 1530 FI passenger cars were built, most being Bel Air or 210’s. The 150 is by far the most unusual, maybe 3-5%. So, we have an early build car, with a mid-late engine, and FI. I think it may have had an engine replacement in mid 57. Maybe the original blew up while drag racing?? I don’t have any factory paperwork. I tracked the car to Ga.in the early 80’s. Ga. does not keep records on older cars, end of trail. I can’t prove it is an original FI car, I don’t think you can prove it’s not. Wow, don’t hear the truth that much anymore!! I don’t think there are more than a dozen factory documented cars left. If they are as nice as this one, they ain’t under $100k.
I bought this car in 1992.It had an old, 20-25 years black lacquer paint job, over the original Ivory/Turquoise. The body was excellant, small rust spot on the bottom of both fenders, and one outer rocker. The holes for FI emblems on the quarter look factory, not drilled. By the way the 150 FI cars did have the emblems on the quarters, BelAir and 210 were on the fenders. After 5 years we pulled it apart for a restoration. The engine, transmission and rear were fine. Just detailed and reinstalled. Jack Podell restored the FI unit and verified it is a complete 57 unit. We took it completly apart, but did not pull the body from the frame. All the sheet metal is original to this car, floors, quarters,doors, etc. The Cal. one piece front bumper was there, as well as the hood brace with a notch for the cold air scoop on the radiator support, 283hp only. We cut out the rust spots, repaires welded in with patch pannels. One spot in the trunk floor has a weak area, about 6 x 6 inches. It was repaired the same. Worked on top and bottom so you don’t see anything. New body bushings were used, all new rubber, weather strip.The drive train was excellant, so we dtailed it and put it back. Suspension, brakes, and steering were refurbished as needed.Stripped and painted the original 811 India Ivory/Tropical Turquoise in PPG Deltron. Sanded and buffed to better than new. Royal Silver did the show chrome. Buff it Bob restored the stainless. Grill bar, headlight bezel, tail lights, emblems, etc are Danchuck. All new glass. We spent about 1200 hours, on the car.
Shown in 1999 at the AACA richmond Va show, we won the class, and best of show. In 2000 we went to the bow tie convention in Baltimore. Recieved a gold certificate, 961 points.Shown at 3 Super Chevy shows. it won the class, got an editors choice, best detail award and best 55-57. In 2009 we went to the Orlando classic chevy club conventiom. Got another Gols certificate, 969 points. This car is ready to show with a weekend cleaning, and detail. I do this for each show i attend. I just take it to local cruise nights now. It runs great on 90 octane no ethanol gas, with octane additive. I have had it 23 years, just ready for somethin else.
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