Photo: Craigslist
After spearheading Chevrolet's push during the '50s, the Bel Air became "plan B" for both the GM brand and customers interested in a full-size car later in the decade.
The model that fueled the trend was the Impala, a full-size model presented in 1956 and introduced in 1958 as the top Bel Air version. The Impala graduated to a stand-alone series a year later, serving as the I-have-everything model in Chevy's lineup.
The Bel Air still sported most bells and whistles, but the Impala was the go-to model for anyone who wanted the best of the best from Chevy's full-size offering and had the money to get it.
A 1958 Bel Air landed on Craigslist earlier this week as part of an attempt to convince someone worldwide to take it home. The final goal is to receive a complete restoration and make the 1958 Impala forgotten, especially because its more "premium" sibling is significantly more desirable in the collector's world.
The car looks like it's been sitting for years, so you'll find the typical rust issues, including on the floors. The owner explains on Craigslist that the floor pan "can be easily fixed or replaced," but you won't know this for sure unless you put the car on a lift. It's unclear if the floors can be saved with a bunch of patches or if they require more work, so the best way to determine the rust damage is to see the car in person.
Similar damage can also be found in the headlight eyelids, and I wouldn't expect good news in the trunk either.
The owner says the car is 99% complete, but it's unclear what's missing. Some parts you don't see in the photos could also be available, including in the trunk or boxes, so you must ask the owner for more specifics.
The engine is still in the car, but we know nothing about it. The 1958 Bel Air (and the Impala, too) could be had with a six-cylinder unit or two V8s. The base V8 was the 283, installed on most full-size Chevys released in this model year, while the top choice was the all-new 348 offered in multiple versions. The 348 is the most desirable option, especially on the Impala, but I doubt a collector would say no to a decently priced 1958 Bel Air with the same engine.
And speaking of pricing, getting your hands on this Bel Air isn't difficult, albeit it all depends on the engine's condition. The owner wants $6,500 for this Bel Air, but they claim other offers would also be considered. Given its condition and uncertain engine health, you'll need a trailer to take it home if you're committed to a purchase.
The Bel Air still sported most bells and whistles, but the Impala was the go-to model for anyone who wanted the best of the best from Chevy's full-size offering and had the money to get it.
A 1958 Bel Air landed on Craigslist earlier this week as part of an attempt to convince someone worldwide to take it home. The final goal is to receive a complete restoration and make the 1958 Impala forgotten, especially because its more "premium" sibling is significantly more desirable in the collector's world.
The car looks like it's been sitting for years, so you'll find the typical rust issues, including on the floors. The owner explains on Craigslist that the floor pan "can be easily fixed or replaced," but you won't know this for sure unless you put the car on a lift. It's unclear if the floors can be saved with a bunch of patches or if they require more work, so the best way to determine the rust damage is to see the car in person.
Similar damage can also be found in the headlight eyelids, and I wouldn't expect good news in the trunk either.
The owner says the car is 99% complete, but it's unclear what's missing. Some parts you don't see in the photos could also be available, including in the trunk or boxes, so you must ask the owner for more specifics.
The engine is still in the car, but we know nothing about it. The 1958 Bel Air (and the Impala, too) could be had with a six-cylinder unit or two V8s. The base V8 was the 283, installed on most full-size Chevys released in this model year, while the top choice was the all-new 348 offered in multiple versions. The 348 is the most desirable option, especially on the Impala, but I doubt a collector would say no to a decently priced 1958 Bel Air with the same engine.
And speaking of pricing, getting your hands on this Bel Air isn't difficult, albeit it all depends on the engine's condition. The owner wants $6,500 for this Bel Air, but they claim other offers would also be considered. Given its condition and uncertain engine health, you'll need a trailer to take it home if you're committed to a purchase.
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