Photo: eBay seller skarstens40
The Bel Air dominated Chevy's sales in the '50s until later, in the same decade, when the company launched the Impala.
The 1958 model year represented a turning point for Chevy's full-size efforts. The company refreshed the entire lineup, providing customers with a wide range of models at different price points.
The Biscayne, the Bel Air, and the Impala turned Chevrolet's full-size lineup into the right choice for most customers. The Impala was the go-to model for people interested in all the bells and whistles, while the Bel Air, whose sales were cannibalized by the Impala, became the more affordable way of buying a Chevy full-size car.
A 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air landed on eBay this week with an intriguing offering. Seller skarstens40 claims the car "will make a nice car," promising that even the engine will be "an easy fix."
The Bel Air looks doable, with the body still seemingly straight. It allegedly wears the original paint, though you'll probably want to go for a full respray if you buy the car.
The only major problem is the undercarriage. The rear pan exhibits huge holes (hence The Flintstones reference), and I doubt the rest of the underside looks better. This Bel Air has likely been sitting for a long time, so you'll need to put it on a lift before committing to a purchase. The owner says a new floor pan is already on its way and will probably sell with the car.
The engine is still alive. It starts with gas poured directly into the carburetor, so you'll probably have to clear or replace the tank. However, you won't get a massive block in this Bel Air but a lazy six-cylinder unit.
The owner doesn't share more engine specifics, but the VIN reveals that the car was born and raised with a six-cylinder unit inside. If the original block is still there, you can either keep the straight-six or go for a swap and install a more potent replacement to turn the car into a restomod.
The Bel Air is a solid candidate for a daily driver, especially because the engine still "runs extremely well." It'd be a shame to give up on its original coolness and install a new engine, but if you want more power or plan to turn the car into an Impala clone, a big-block unit would be perfect.
The selling price could make some people think twice before pressing the "Buy It Now" button. The owner wants $7,500 for the car, and they won't accept other offers. You can find this Bel Air in Rockport, Texas, and considering the engine's condition, you'll need to take it home on a trailer. The listing will expire by the end of this week.
The Biscayne, the Bel Air, and the Impala turned Chevrolet's full-size lineup into the right choice for most customers. The Impala was the go-to model for people interested in all the bells and whistles, while the Bel Air, whose sales were cannibalized by the Impala, became the more affordable way of buying a Chevy full-size car.
A 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air landed on eBay this week with an intriguing offering. Seller skarstens40 claims the car "will make a nice car," promising that even the engine will be "an easy fix."
The Bel Air looks doable, with the body still seemingly straight. It allegedly wears the original paint, though you'll probably want to go for a full respray if you buy the car.
The only major problem is the undercarriage. The rear pan exhibits huge holes (hence The Flintstones reference), and I doubt the rest of the underside looks better. This Bel Air has likely been sitting for a long time, so you'll need to put it on a lift before committing to a purchase. The owner says a new floor pan is already on its way and will probably sell with the car.
The engine is still alive. It starts with gas poured directly into the carburetor, so you'll probably have to clear or replace the tank. However, you won't get a massive block in this Bel Air but a lazy six-cylinder unit.
The owner doesn't share more engine specifics, but the VIN reveals that the car was born and raised with a six-cylinder unit inside. If the original block is still there, you can either keep the straight-six or go for a swap and install a more potent replacement to turn the car into a restomod.
The Bel Air is a solid candidate for a daily driver, especially because the engine still "runs extremely well." It'd be a shame to give up on its original coolness and install a new engine, but if you want more power or plan to turn the car into an Impala clone, a big-block unit would be perfect.
The selling price could make some people think twice before pressing the "Buy It Now" button. The owner wants $7,500 for the car, and they won't accept other offers. You can find this Bel Air in Rockport, Texas, and considering the engine's condition, you'll need to take it home on a trailer. The listing will expire by the end of this week.
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