Prairie Grove, Arkansas is home to several vintage cars, but one in particular—a meticulously restored 1957 Chevrolet 150—stands out. Thanks to its distinctive tailfins and chrome details, this modest sedan has become a cherished relic of the area’s automotive past.

In 1957, Chevrolet had three distinct models: the 150, the Bel Air, and the Two-Ten, all of which were considered entry-level. John Summers, a resident of the area, owns this car, yet it is far from ordinary. The Chevy was already 25 years old when Summers bought it in the early 1980s, and he has taken great care of it ever since.

“This car is a real time capsule,” Summers remarks. It was in excellent condition with only 30,000 miles on the clock when I got my hands on it, and the original turquoise and white paint looked great. I felt obligated to preserve it.

That he did. Summers has restored the interior, repaired the inline six-cylinder engine, and preserved or restored every component over the years. What you get is a 1957 Ford 150 that drives and looks identical to the day it left the factory in Flint, Michigan.

The Chevrolet is a common sight on Prairie Grove streets, attracting attention wherever it travels. Summers is proud to show the car to everyone who wants to ride in it and tell them about its history. “Everyone loves seeing this old Chevy out and about,” according to him. “It’s a real piece of Americana.”

Summers and other local automobile aficionados often congregate on weekends to gawk at the ’57 Chevy 150 parked outside the town center. That old cars and the people who love them will always have an audience is proof of that.

Looking ahead, Prairie Grove can’t help but be reminded of a simpler period when the open road beckoned and the legendary Tri-Five Chevys controlled the highways. The 1957 Chevrolet 150 is a poignant reminder of that bygone era. John Summers and others like him ensure that this historical artifact will be enjoyed and studied by people of all ages for the rest of time.