Vehicle Description
1963 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon
Many of us grew up in them. The green 2-door Plymouth Suburban. The
red and white Ford Fairlane with the Thunderbird V-8. That
slow-as-a-slug 6-cylinder automatic Chevy Kingswood. Like the dog,
they were lovable members of the family. If you are less than about
55 years of age, that paragraph likely means nothing. You possibly
grew up in minivans or SUVs. Too bad, you missed a sweet spot in
the automotive timeline. Then again, hope is not lost. Station
wagons are still around...in style and utility if not in name. They
were called station wagons because they were originally devised to
take people to and from stations. In the beginning, the vehicles
often had hand-built wooden bodies. Then steel took over, though
homage was long played to the segment's heritage with "woodie"
station wagon options.
A relic from the suburbia past, a station wagon taking the form of
a 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air version. This 4-door elongated version of
the Bel Air complete with rear cargo area, and even a tub below the
aft most panel which magically lifts to reveal it. Otherwise
seating for 6 and head on down the highway you too can be the
Griswolds' and drive over towards Yellowstone park and catch Old
Faithful. A slight modification for the engine and a possible
sleeper grocery getter, at higher speed than you would
anticipate.
Exterior
Bathed in dark green paint, the exterior has a few faults but
nothing really overly remarkable. Good gaps, and straight panels
abound on this family wagon. Overall nice chrome and trimmings
solid rust-free bumpers and correct badges have this Bel Air take
on an air of sophistication while hauling the family and all their
goods. Long and low, interesting how the designers molded this into
a longer version of the ubiquitous Bel Air. Now with 15-inch rally
wheels, she's ready for the trip cross country to Walley World, and
everything in between....And maybe even a bit of hidden
excitement-stay tuned.....
Interior
Upscale tile pattern padded and buttoned black vinyl panels cover
the upper doors. Lower is melamine in black with the passenger rear
door lower seeing some damage. Inside a pair of benches with green
horizontal striped broadcloth inserts and smooth black exterior
bolsters, the back being foldable for some hauling if needed. This
car is a factory A/C car, and also sports a rare optioned padded
black dash. Original dash front decidedly GM scripts, with all
working knobs and pulls is present and accounted for. Black carpet
and black headliner is down and up and looking good. Noted a small
bleed through of original color is seen on the now dyed color
changed seats.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is best described as excellent. A like new replacing
the original 350ci V8 orange block and nice silver Edelbrock intake
atop with a Holley 650cfm double pumper (I bet you did not see that
coming!). On back a 3-speed automatic TH350 complete with a shift
kit 2800 stall converter and on back a 10-bolt axle. Go get
'em!
Undercarriage
Fully restored and no rust with shiny black surfaces, a turbo
muffler system and drum brakes all around. Independent coil springs
and a 3 link coil sprung rear keep things on the paved surfaces and
your cargo and company safe.
Drive-Ability
Save for the rally wheels, we see an unassuming wagon that most
would laugh at but turn the key and you release its inner wild
suburban Dr. Jekyll. Great takeoffs, nice cruise, smooth shifting,
and plenty of power for this elongated Bel Air. All functions
working swimmingly. We noticed some pitting in the windshield, but
fear not at the consignor has included a new one that comes with
the car. Load 'em up!
Something not seen every day here at the Classic Auto Mall, the
early 60's everywhere you turn there would be one of these...a
wagon. All looking good and running very smartly with some extra
UUMMPH for the 350/Double pumper fed dragon' wagon. Hold on kids we
are going to clean 'er out!!
VIN DECODE
31635S288384
3-Chevrolet
16-BelAir 6cyl
35-4 Door Station Wagon
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
288384-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 61 1635-BelAir 4 Door Wagon
BDY SL12050-St Louis Body #
TR 850-Aqua Cloth & Vinyl
PNT 940-Satin Silver
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.