Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1958 was an important year for Chevrolet's full-size efforts, as the carmaker reignited its strategy with the debut of the Impala.
The company was already struggling to surpass Ford, so it refreshed its full-size lineup with a new lineup that eventually brought home the bacon. Bel Air and Impala spearheaded the efforts, helping Chevrolet regain the leading spot in the United States.
Impala debuted as the top-of-the-line Bel Air version, eventually gaining series status in 1959. The two shared the look, the body, and the engines, and the first model years were nearly impossible to tell apart despite the Impala becoming the best of the best in the full-size lineup.
Despite Chevrolet betting all-in on the Impala, the Bel Air continued to be an intriguing presence in the automotive world. As a result, it remains a highly desirable classic, especially when flexing an all-original package and a tip-top shape.
The 1958 Bel Air posted on Craigslist a few days ago is the opposite, exhibiting a condition that could sometimes make a grown man cry. It's no longer the museum piece that a 1958 Bel Air deserves to be but almost a rust bucket whose only option is a complete restoration.
The vehicle has been sitting in what looks to be an open field for a very long time, and professional restorers should know what this means. The seller didn't share too many photos, but anyone can easily tell that the rust has become a major concern, reaching nearly every inch of metal. The body looks rough, and I don't expect the floors and the trunk to bring good news. The engine bay is rusty, too, so despite the car coming with few specifics regarding the mill, it's easy to guess what happens under the hood.
The Bel Air rolled off the assembly lines with a six-cylinder engine in charge of putting the wheels in motion. It was the laziest unit for this model year, but it still got the job done for people who wanted a full-size car to go to the supermarket.
The engine is most likely stuck from sitting, but this isn't bad news. Someone ready to give this Bel Air a second chance wouldn't keep the six-cylinder anyway, as a big-block unit would fit a restored example like a glove.
This very rough Bel Air is priced accordingly, as the seller expects to get $2,000 for it. Unfortunately, because the listing leaves many questions without an answer, we can't tell how original it continues to be and whether any big parts are missing, it's impossible to tell if the $2,000 is right. You can get more information by paying a visit to the vehicle and checking out everything in person.
Impala debuted as the top-of-the-line Bel Air version, eventually gaining series status in 1959. The two shared the look, the body, and the engines, and the first model years were nearly impossible to tell apart despite the Impala becoming the best of the best in the full-size lineup.
Despite Chevrolet betting all-in on the Impala, the Bel Air continued to be an intriguing presence in the automotive world. As a result, it remains a highly desirable classic, especially when flexing an all-original package and a tip-top shape.
The 1958 Bel Air posted on Craigslist a few days ago is the opposite, exhibiting a condition that could sometimes make a grown man cry. It's no longer the museum piece that a 1958 Bel Air deserves to be but almost a rust bucket whose only option is a complete restoration.
The vehicle has been sitting in what looks to be an open field for a very long time, and professional restorers should know what this means. The seller didn't share too many photos, but anyone can easily tell that the rust has become a major concern, reaching nearly every inch of metal. The body looks rough, and I don't expect the floors and the trunk to bring good news. The engine bay is rusty, too, so despite the car coming with few specifics regarding the mill, it's easy to guess what happens under the hood.
The Bel Air rolled off the assembly lines with a six-cylinder engine in charge of putting the wheels in motion. It was the laziest unit for this model year, but it still got the job done for people who wanted a full-size car to go to the supermarket.
The engine is most likely stuck from sitting, but this isn't bad news. Someone ready to give this Bel Air a second chance wouldn't keep the six-cylinder anyway, as a big-block unit would fit a restored example like a glove.
This very rough Bel Air is priced accordingly, as the seller expects to get $2,000 for it. Unfortunately, because the listing leaves many questions without an answer, we can't tell how original it continues to be and whether any big parts are missing, it's impossible to tell if the $2,000 is right. You can get more information by paying a visit to the vehicle and checking out everything in person.
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