The other day, we presented an AutoHunter Spotlight on a 1956 Ford Mainline Tudor Business Sedan, a body style in Ford’s lowest trim level that was basically a two-door sedan with the rear seat removed. The entire rear compartment could be used for hauling cargo or whatever a working man or woman needed. Chevrolet had a similar model and body style, so it stands to reason that our Pick of the Day is this 1957 150 Utility Sedan. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)
Nineteen fifty-seven was a rehash of the previous two years, but Chevrolet updated the look to appear more contemporary for the moment, which was rapidly evolving at a brisk pace. Fins were now prominent — perhaps not sailing into the air like other brands, but nonetheless something substantial. Air intakes around the headlights were another interesting update. And, of course, the wide-mouth grille continued to show an influence from Italian coachbuilders. Much like the 1969 Camaro in respect to 1967-68, the 1957 Chevrolet was unique compared to the previous two years, and it seems collectors prefer it too.
Under the hood, the small-block grew to 283ci, though the 265 was carried over from 1955-56. Big news was the availability of fuel injection, which was offered in 250 and 283-horsepower versions, the latter with solid lifters and hot camshaft. This engine was touted as the first engine to offer one horsepower per cubic inch, though DeSoto’s Adventurer also offered 345 horses from its 345ci Hemi (and the optional engine for the 1956 Chrysler 300-B offered 355 horsepower from 354ci).
Combining the two may seem somewhat unusual, but having a fuel-injected Utility Sedan would have been the racer’s choice since it was the lightest Chevrolet save the Corvette. Only 1,530 full-size Chevrolets were built with fuel injection, and it is estimated that 22 were Utility Sedans. Alas, the total number is documented but the breakdown by model and body style has been debated for decades and is not the last word.
Nonetheless, you can bet that there are very few 1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedans with either fuel-injected engine. This particular Chevy was bought in 1992 by a restorer who subsequently spent 1,200 hours restoring it, then garnered awards at events like AACA, the Bowtie Convention, and several Super Chevy shows. He then sold the car in 2015 after having only driven 4,894 miles. “All the sheet metal is original to this car. It was stripped down to bare. Only a few minor rust holes and they were repaired with welded metal,” says the seller, plus “it has [an] original California one-piece bumper.” Inside, the seller states, “Radio, cigarette lighter, heater, [and] clock delete. There is no carpet — it has a rubber mat. Basic steering wheel, [and] no fancy trim on the dash.” Utilitarian enough for you?
Underneath the hood, you’ll find the holy grail of Tri-Five Chevys. “Correct engine with … complete 57 fuel injection unit, rebuilt and authenticated by Jack Podell,” adds the seller. All the little specialty bits, like the factory hood brace notched for the cold air intake, manifolds, fuel filter, GM hoses and clamps, and vacuum pump are there. Even the NASCAR distributor with a gear drive to run both the injector and the tachometer is present.
Sure, a three-speed on the column is not the ideal way to go fast, but we’re talking about 1957, mind you, before these parts started appearing in the American market. Besides, don’t the 4.11 gears show how serious a machine this is? This 1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan may not appear as pretty as a Bel Air Sport Coupe, but it may be more beautiful. At $99,998, this Chevy may not be targeted to, say, Joe the Plumber, but with so many impressive pieces of American automotive history going for the price of a house, this one seems attainable to Joe the Guy Who’s About to Reach Into His Retirement Fund.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful ’57. This looks to be the real deal!