The famous Bel Air name was first introduced by Chevrolet in 1950
and was initially applied to their two door hardtops. It later
transitioned to the premium level of trim on various body styles.
The Bel Air eventually became the poster car for "classics" and
grew in popularity so much so that even novice car aficionados
would recognize the name. This cool 1963 belongs to the redesigned
fifth generation and is a nicely built car. The wrap around rear
glass, dual headlights and dual taillights are all standout
features incorporated into this year model. The body of the car is
in good condition with no signs of damage or rust. It is painted in
Azure Aqua that is further accented by custom pinstriping and a
custom painted Tasmanian Devil on the taillight panel. It wears its
stock style chrome grill and bumpers which have a nice shine. The
car rides on a set of Gray American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels
(front 15x7, rear 15x8.5) with fresh Kumho tires (front 225/70,
rear 255/75).
The drivetrain of this Bel Air has all been redone and it has a
crate 502 Chevrolet Performance motor. Mechanically the car has
just been overhauled and is fully road ready. It has been fitted
with finned valve covers, a dual snorkel air cleaner, new chrome
alternator, Performance aluminum heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM
intake, a new 4 barrel Holley Performance 850 carburetor, new
plugs, new plug wires, new Optima battery, new cables, new
distributor cap/rotor, and new electric vacuum pump. That combined
with a modern R134a AC system (new AC dryer), CPP 500 power
steering and power brakes (front discs) make it a very comfortable
car to cruise around in. The brake system has all been gone through
with all new brakes, pads, shoes, hoses, wheel cylinders, brake
booster and master cylinder. It runs cool with an aftermarket
aluminum radiator with dual electric fans with shroud. The
transmission is a rebuilt 700R4 automatic that shifts smoothly with
no issues and it has a transmission cooler. The fuel system on it
has just been gone through as well and it has a brand new fuel
tank, new fuel regulator, new electric fuel pump, and new gauge.
Inside the engine compartment the inner fenders are painted Black
and also feature cool pinstriping like the exterior. A front filler
panel has been added which helps clean up the look overall. The car
has a slight cam and sounds great with a new 2.5 inch exhaust with
pro flow mufflers with resonators. Other recent upgrades include
the new rear sway bar.
The interior is done in a matching Blue and it has a split front
bench seat with lap belts. The upholstery is all brand new so the
seat covers and carpet look fresh. The dash is nicely painted to
match and it has stock gauges but an Autometer tachometer has been
added as well as a second gauge pod for the temperature and oil
pressure gauges. Under the dash are aftermarket adjustable AC/Heat
vents which are a nice addition. In front of the driver sits a 15
inch steering wheel with a very cool "Classic" chrome horn ring.
The trunk of the car offers a ton of storage space and houses the
spare and original jack.
This is a neat classic that is set up to be a nice driver and has
some great bodylines. It has just been gone through from front to
rear so needs nothing but a new garage to call home.
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