Vehicle Description
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1962 Bel Air was available in a wide range of body styles,
including a 2-door coupe and hardtop, as well as a 4-door hardtop,
sedan and station wagon. Among these, the 2-door pillarless hardtop
was only available for the 1961 and 1962 model years. The lack of a
B-pillar, coupled with the wrap-around front and rear glass led to
the popular, if unofficial, Bubble Top designation. The term
"bubble top" is defined as a plastic top to an automobile that is
rounded in shape. It was coined due to cars of the early 1960 era
having expansive rounded and curved front and rear glass, giving
the visual that someone blew air into the interior and expanded the
glass in an outward way. A bubble if you will!
If you want a great runner, you can hop in and drive it on any trip
short or long, and if it rains, roll the windows up! This is the
car for you, if you are a mid-century modern bow tie fan, and don't
want the hassle of rummaging through endless junkyards for parts,
or spending money on expensive repairs, the consignor has already
done this for you. A beautifully restored, hard to come by
Chevrolet Bel Air bubble top sport coupe with a 502ci V8, Ermine
White paint, which is pristine, and literally a 60 year old
everyday driver, look no further than this ride. The beneficiary of
a frame off restoration 4 years ago, always garage kept since, and
having completed the Hot Rod Powertour from Detroit to Texas, this
Bel Air will make you realize that 1962 never looked so good!
Exterior
Bathed in wonderfully applied Ermine White, the straight steel and
evenly gapped panels are wave free, and fit like it just left the
factory. Very few flaws and inclusions are seen throughout upon
close inspection, with all remaining shiny and looking great from 5
feet. All brightwork is beautiful, and correct badging is seen
overall. There is a nice complimenting trim spear running from bow
to stern of the belt line along with a crossed flags emblem and 502
decal leading the way on the fenders...now that's 60's cool! Also,
the white bubble top is looking fab with its paper thin A and
B-pillars and blown out wrap-around glass! The car sports a
Chevrolet cloisonne badge on the rear quarter panel, along with a
Bel Air badge in grandmother's handwriting. Also adding to the 60s
coolness are dual rocket-like taillights mounted within a centrally
veed down tail panel, almost creating a scowl on the rear of the
car. Just below is another mirror-like rear bumper and dog dish
wheel coverings are on white steel wheels on all 4 corners adding
accenting to the lower portion of this beautiful restoration.
Bubblicious!
Interior
Deep red vinyl with striped and textured seat inserts and smooth
bolsters cover the front low back split front bench seat and rear
full bench. On the upper portions of all the chairs are chrome
buttoned and stitched rectangular insert panels, all floating in
smooth red vinyl with white highlighting. The door panels take on
the same version of this button seat motif, and show a litany of
chrome door actuators, window cranks, and buttons all of which
present in good condition. An inverted V design dash utilizes all
red steel with ribbed insert panels and sparkles with chromed knobs
and a retro-vintage AM/FM radio. We note an aftermarket heater and
AC controller hanging just under the glovebox and is shiny enough
to be blinding. The original deep red plastic clad over chrome
emblazoned steering wheel fronts the quintessential Chevy styled
speedo, mileage indicator and a trio of round gauges just above the
steering column. An aftermarket tachometer is strapped to the left
of the dash to keep a mindful eye on those rpms. Above is a tighty
whitey headliner, and below very clean red, red carpeting with the
automatic shifter protruding from the hump. I can also note the
trunk is clean enough and probably large enough to live in and is
wrapped with textured trunk paint and a gray and black rubber mat,
all looking wonderful!
Drivetrain
A 502ci V8 replaces the original engine and is draped with polished
intake manifold, fenderwell cold air induction system, as well cast
aluminum polished valve covers. Fuel and air is fed to this monster
big block via electronic fuel injection and on the back is a 4L60E
4-speed automatic transmission. Turning the tires is a Positraction
rear axle weighing in with a 3.55 ratio.
Undercarriage
Our consigner states that during the frame off restoration a new
trunk pan was installed due to water sitting in the original. All
other sheetmetal and structural supports are the same metal that
left the factory. Black paint completes the look with almost no
surface rust and just a light coating of road dirt on. An
independent coil spring front suspension works with a 3 link and
coil spring rear suspension to provide the ride. Power disc brakes
are up front, and power drums for the back and handling the exhale
are silver coated headers and like new dual exhaust with Flowmaster
mufflers.
Drive-Ability
As expected, it was an E ticket ride with plenty of power and ear
candy with a turn of the key. Great acceleration, nice handling,
and quick stopping. The interior is uber comfortable and very
clean, and the stereo sounds great.
A careful and painstaking restoration by the consignor which has
taken years to complete, is now here for the taking for another's
pleasure. There is nothing more heart wrenching than selling one of
the loves of your life, however solace can be taken that this one
will live on and continue to put smiles on faces for another
generation. Just a beautiful example right here in front of you,
(or your eyes if you are looking at your computer!).
VIN DECODE
21637L121105
2-1962
16-Bel Air V8
37-2 Door Sport Coupe
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
121105-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07B-2nd Week July Build
STYLE 62 11637-1962 Bel Air 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY AT752-Atlanta Body #
TRIM 850-Aqua Vinyl & Cloth Bench
PAINT 918-Twilight Blue
ACC Illegible
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
