Vehicle Description
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air
Drag racing was born in the dry lake beds in the California
deserts. In the 1930s as engines got better and drivers got braver,
speeds began topping 100mph. But it wasn't until after World War II
that a bunch of kids with cars, hanging out with nowhere in
particular to go, turned into something more serious. Popularity
grew steadily but drag racing still remained largely an underground
pastime. Races frequently took place on disused military runways
with the first organized event dating back to 1949 at the Goleta
Air Base in California. Things were simple and low-tech in those
days. Cars were driven to the track or towed in makeshift trailers.
Drivers raced over a quarter of a mile, the length of a city block,
but without the aid of safety barriers or regulated track
conditions. The spectators in particular got a raw deal with no
proper grandstands or seating. As the decade turned drag racing
began to get organized. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was
founded in 1951 by Wally Parks, and within the decade two classes
of competition had developed 'Unmodified Stock' and 'Top
Eliminator'.
This car for consignment was built as a race car, therefore has no
vin. It is being sold on a Bill of Sale. An original Russ Campbell,
and Donnie Shaeffer build, meant to run NMSCA/NSCA Pro Nostalgia
class. It was then put into the hands of John Holt, who completely
rebuilt the car to be NHRA Certified and be able to run 7.50 times.
Currently due to consigners license constraints, there is a
throttle stop to keep the car from going into the 9's.
Exterior
For weight reduction, front fenders are fiber glass, hood is carbon
fiber, and have Dzus fasteners to easily be removed to make working
on the car a breeze. Doors, and deck lid are also fiber glass, and
all windows are Lexan. All stickers can be easily removed for any
changes, and racing tires are on all corners, small in front and
large slicks on back.
Interior
Chassis regulations require the car to have some of its original
frame, which is requirement met here. The car has been back halved,
and tubular A frames were employed, in a funny car cage
configuration. Appearing as passenger seat, is actually a
fiberglass box covered to look like a seat. This can easily be
removed also with the Dzus fasteners. This car is equipped with an
Autometer data collection system, which current consigner has
documentation for all wrapped up and ready to go. Noted is a fire
suppression system for the driver's leg portion of the car.
Drivetrain
A stroked 446ci "W" block with a 3.776 stroke, and bored .30 over
is under the hood. Rods inside are big block Chevrolet, pistons are
Brooks racing 14 to 1. Dual 750 CFM Holley carbs are atop, headers
are 1965 583 Castings, and a distributor and crank trigger. Also,
inside is a Comp Cam roller cam, and a Steff's pan buttons up the
bottom. This engine has been dyno'd at 647hp @ 7600rpm, when it was
436ci configuration. Attached to the rear is a G-force 101
clutchless transmission (just like the pro stockers, just pull
levers) and it has a long inline shifter. Clutch is a Boninfante
10.5 single disc wrapped in a Trick Titanium bell housing, and it
puts power to a fabricated Fab 9 with 5.29 gears. An MSD 7-AL 2
provides the spark.
Undercarriage
As with most race cars, it is immaculately clean, and everything is
easily accessible for quick work or repairs. Frame is original and
strong, and as noted, has been reinforced with the tubular back
half and roll cage.
A few scratches and dings, but overall a very nicely presenting
drag racing car that will do incredible times if you possess the
correct license. A nostalgia class racer that will definitely keep
you firmly planted in your seat for a possible 7.5 second ride.
That's no small change!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
