Photo: Mecum
If you are into classic American cars, then most likely the Bel Air occupies one of the highest places on your list of favorite cars. After all, everything about it, from design to mechanics, was close to perfection, and that's made more than clear by the high prices these vehicles still go for today.
The Bel Air arrived in the Chevrolet lineup in 1950, targeting the full-size segment with beautiful lines and aesthetics, a solid choice of engines, and a not-over-the-top price. Because of all that, the Bel Air became a member of a Chevy group of cars fans describe as the Tri-Five, surviving to this day in restored or customized forms alongside equally stunning 150s, 210s, and Nomads.
Bel Airs consistently come into the spotlight in various guises, not only at dedicated shows across the nation but also during auction events taking place in the U.S. And after we've seen one of these cherished bubble top variants go for $73,700 at the end of September, it's time for another one to set the stakes even higher.
A Bel Air bubble top is a very rare breed. Introduced during the vehicle's fifth generation, it brought with it a distinctive styling of the glass and metal surrounding the cabin. It was a style just mildly appreciated during its time, as only close to 6,000 of them were made in 1962, but it's that exact reason why they are so cherished today.
The example we have here, flaunting a classic white exterior over a red leather interior, was back in 2019 the winner of the Senior National First Prize at Antique Automobile Club of America, making it quite a grab.
It is described as the result of a frame-off restoration that likely left no screw unturned, yet tried to maintain as much as possible of the car's original fittings. That includes the 409ci engine sitting under the hood and the 4-speed manual transmission it is tied to. We are not told if the engine is the one originally fitted in there, but we do know it got gifted with a new camshaft and pistons.
When the 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air was listed for sale in its full glory by auction house Mecum during its event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this past weekend, the car had just under 18,000 miles (29,000 km) of travel on the clock. Mileage seems to have not accounted for much, as the car managed to go for exactly $77,000.
That may not seem like much, but do try to put things into perspective. This is a 61-year-old car that's worth as much as two brand-new muscle cars, or a Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition. Apples and oranges, I know, but would you buy a decades-old, well-kept apple or a fresh orange?
Bel Airs consistently come into the spotlight in various guises, not only at dedicated shows across the nation but also during auction events taking place in the U.S. And after we've seen one of these cherished bubble top variants go for $73,700 at the end of September, it's time for another one to set the stakes even higher.
A Bel Air bubble top is a very rare breed. Introduced during the vehicle's fifth generation, it brought with it a distinctive styling of the glass and metal surrounding the cabin. It was a style just mildly appreciated during its time, as only close to 6,000 of them were made in 1962, but it's that exact reason why they are so cherished today.
The example we have here, flaunting a classic white exterior over a red leather interior, was back in 2019 the winner of the Senior National First Prize at Antique Automobile Club of America, making it quite a grab.
It is described as the result of a frame-off restoration that likely left no screw unturned, yet tried to maintain as much as possible of the car's original fittings. That includes the 409ci engine sitting under the hood and the 4-speed manual transmission it is tied to. We are not told if the engine is the one originally fitted in there, but we do know it got gifted with a new camshaft and pistons.
When the 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air was listed for sale in its full glory by auction house Mecum during its event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this past weekend, the car had just under 18,000 miles (29,000 km) of travel on the clock. Mileage seems to have not accounted for much, as the car managed to go for exactly $77,000.
That may not seem like much, but do try to put things into perspective. This is a 61-year-old car that's worth as much as two brand-new muscle cars, or a Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition. Apples and oranges, I know, but would you buy a decades-old, well-kept apple or a fresh orange?
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