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1957 Chevrolet Bel Air - READ ONLY

28 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2000 at 6:32 PM

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Messages Page 3 of 3

#19 of 28 by burdawg

Jan 25, 2000 (4:21 pm)

I understand that GM did most of the auto trans development for the army for tank use. If you've ever seen and old tank, you will understand why it was important to have an automatic-there is no way the driver could shift effectively and also steer. I don't have a lot of knowledge on the subject, but maybe someone else will comment and educate us.

#20 of 28 Dynaflows by isellhondas

Jan 25, 2000 (6:38 pm)

I once heard that Buick Dynaflows were used in some tanks?

#21 of 28 Cadillac engines and Hydramatics by carnut4

Jan 25, 2000 (9:02 pm)

were used in a lot of tanks in WWII. Don't know about the dynaflows, but I know the Hydramatics, with their 4 forward speeds were great for tanks and some other military vehicles. Funny how the Hydramatic came out just before WWII? I have a collection of old car ads from the 20's up through the 50's. One of them is a Cadillac ad from the 40's, and shows a tank on the battlefield equipped with a Cad motor and Hydramatic. The ad line reads "Famous in peace-distinguished in battle-Cadillac-the standard of the world"-etc, etc. [I think they built a few tanks for the open road as well.]

#22 of 28 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 25, 2000 (11:19 pm)

I think the 1959 Cadillac was heavier than any Army tank, yes, and probably more dangerous. But you DID notice it, that's true!

#23 of 28 Imagine the Germans by carnut4

Jan 26, 2000 (8:22 pm)

seeing a tank coming at them that looked like a 59 Cad's rear end-Hitler might have given up a lot sooner! Oh yeah-I still want to buy a '57 Chev Belair coupe-turqoise and white or red-with upgraded [350-350,etc] running gear. On topic, you know.

#24 of 28 How high can prices get ? by dranoel

Jan 27, 2000 (5:21 pm)

Have '57 Chevy prices peaked ? We are now 43 years past final production of the '57s. Most collector car prices eventually peak then flatten or fall off. That happened to the Ford Model "A" roadsters. My guess is we'll probably see it happen to the '57 Chevy within the next 5-10 years. What do you think ?

#25 of 28 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 27, 2000 (5:55 pm)

Oh, I think now that we're at the $60K mark for a super rare special optioned, over the top Belair Convertible that pretty soon people will jump up in bed one night and say "Hey, wait a minute...this is a Chevrolet! What am I doing here?"


I think any mass-production, serially numbered car, American or foreign, does have a ceiling limit because there are so many of them around, but as far as rare, one-off cars or for cars where only a few examples remain, the price may continue to go up and up.

#26 of 28 by badgerpaul

Jan 27, 2000 (7:58 pm)

I don't know, I was channel surfing last weekend and caught part of the Scottsdale auction and saw someone pay $147k for a '53 Eldorado.

#27 of 28 by 2099

Jan 28, 2000 (3:33 pm)

I agree that classic car values are hard to gauge, but I think I know why the 50-60 musclecars, etc. are "hot" right now. Most of the people who grew up then could not afford a hemi-cuda or boss mustang or z-28 camaro...but now these same people have the means and that causes the demand and price for these cars to rise. Twenty or thirty years ago it was the same case for Model A's & T's which don't have the same value or demand today. I don't mean to include serious collectors or one-of-a-kind cars in this generalization, it's just my .02 worth. I do love 57 Chevys and may look for a "decent" restored one now that my two kids are out of college and married. (See what I mean!!) Great topic and great conference.

#28 of 28 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 28, 2000 (6:32 pm)

Yes, I think you're absolutely right. The value of old cars is determined ultimately by Supply and Demand, and so the people holding the checkbook bid up or neglect the prices as they choose. Of course, dealers and auctions try to artifically hype the demand with all sorts of propaganda, and this is why some people might think a Delorean is a valuable car. But once they try to sell it, they learn otherwise.


Muscle cars are even more attractive because they put out some serious horsepower and are a kick to drive. More and more people these days want "classic" cars they can get out and drive, not store in a garage or trailer to a show. That gets old fast!

Messages Page 3 of 3

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