Vehicle Description
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan
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. Powertrain
selections were updated for the 1962 model, retaining the 235ci
inline six and 283ci V8, but introducing the 327ci V8 in 250 or 300
hp variants. At the high end, the 409ci V8 became available
following its successful introduction in the previous year's
Impala. Available transmissions included a 3-speed manual, a
4-speed manual transmission and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic.
(Thx to Chevyhardcore.com)
Here in the corridors of the Classic Auto Mall we have all kinds of
cars with all kinds of purposes. Some classics to be shown, others
to be driven, and others to do both. Here we have a classic that
exemplifies early 1960's suburbia, starting life with a mundane 6
cylinder and a 3 on the tree,then transforming to a 409ci V8 and a
4 on the floor,now finally sporting a year-correct small block V8
and Powerglide transmission. An excellentrunning, driving and
stopping car thanks to a power front disc brake conversion and as a
bonus our consignor states that all the original parts are
included, (although we don't have a comprehensive list). It is to
be driven and can be shown as is, or take the body to the next
level and win a few shows. Read on!
Exterior
From its chromed bezel dual headlights with the inboard lights
flanking an egg crate grille, and lower wrap around bumper, to the
aluminum machined pattern spear at its belt line the Jet Age
styling was in full effect. Out back, the dual sets of dual tail
lights with chrome bezels, a thin polished aluminum strip above,
and shiny chrome lower bumper, this car sports plenty of nice
brite-work and chrome to feast your eyes on. Wrap around chrome
window surrounds, Bel Air badging in your grandmother's script, all
shine brightly against its mostly original Silver Blue paint.
Several areas on this car show paint bubbling, fading, light
surface rust, and all around wear one would expect from the
original paint. Otherwise, we see fairly straight steel, with gaps
that are fair to average. 15-inch deep dish rally wheels are
mounted on all 4 corners with 215/75R15 blackwall radials from the
15th week of 2008 wrapping them snugly. We note the well done trunk
area with its factory gray textured paint all presenting with a
wonderful patina.
Interior
Bleeding early 1960's styling, the door swing yields a mix of light
blue smooth vinyl upper and lowers with vertical chrome stripping
and rectangle buttons. The mid-section of said doors is horizontal
ribbed dark blue vinyl with clean chrome actuators and a lightly
soiled armrest. Slipping inside we greet horizontal ribbed
broadcloth with dark blue, light blue and ivory white stripes for
the bench inserts, and nice bolsters in vinyl. The condition of
these seats is like new but present with some age soiling. The rear
bench stretches from door to door and mimics the front in color,
material and condition and as a bonus, grandmother left her freshly
crocheted afghan on the package tray in case you get cold. Simple
jet age styling for the dash with a large angled dash top to shade
the gauges which reside in the dash front that is finished in blue.
A duo of additional gauges are just below the factory cluster and
further down the dash are chrome slides for the heater control
along with a peppering of chrome knobs. The original 2 spoke dark
blue plastic wheel is fronting this dash. Blue peppered with black
carpeting floods the floors and shows with soiling and staining.
The headliner is more blue and is tight and fairly clean.
Drivetrain
The original inline 6 cylinder has been replaced with a 1962
correct 327ci V8. Bolted onto the block are a pair of correct
"Power Pack" heads and a correct 4-barrel Rochester carburetor
helping to make250hp. Attached to the back of the mill is a non
original 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and putting the
power to the pavement is a 3.36 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
A power front disc brakes conversion kit has been installed on the
independent coil sprung front end and power drums are handling the
whoah factor for the 4 link and coil spring rear. They sit within a
patined undercarriage that shows with a mix of factory
undercoating, surface rust and black steel. The rockers are solid
as well as floor pans and toe kicks. Dual exhaust with stock style
muffler are on for the big exhale and remain looking nearly
new.
Drive-Ability
I rose from my laurels and designer tea to get the chance to drive
this hot sedan and after sliding behind the wheel I was in early
60's heaven. I could almost hear the pleas of "are we there yet?"
from the back seat. Luckily a twist of the key brought the327 cuber
to life and drowned out my imagination and the technical
blatherings of my cohort and partner in crime. On the patented
Classic Auto Mall test track this car handled everything I could
throw at it. Acceleration was more than adequate, handling was
surprisingly firm for a smooth riding car, and braking rivaled that
of sedans far newer. Just a pleasant and fully functional
experience all around.
Overall save for the paint issues, which in my humble opinion give
the perfect unassuming look, this car presents very nicely, and
goes like a jet plane. With an era correct drivetrain, nice
interior, well thought out and updated undercarriage you have
arrived in 1962 suburbia. The exterior is but a minor distraction
overall when looking at or driving this car. A fine example of a
grocery getter with some chutzpah!
21569B260491
2-1962
15-BelAir 6 Cylinder
69-4 Door Sedan
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
260491-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
