Known as, “One Special 62 Chevy” – this 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Bubbletop LS3 Custom is the definition of road art. As the original VIN number indicates it was originally built in Flint, Michigan as a 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 6cyl 2-door Sport Coupe. As the original Trim Tag indicates it had a White/Twilight Blue exterior and an Aqua interior. It was purchased new at Rodenfels Chevrolet by Leona McFarland who still lives in Columbus, Ohio and is 93 years old. Leona sold the car a few years later in 1965 to Pete Whitmer who also from Columbus, Ohio. Pete sold the car to his son Mark Whitmer in 1966 who was the caretaker for the next 48 years before selling the car in 2014. During Mark's ownership he decided to restore the car and his vision was to create one of the most amazing Bel Air Bubbletops on planet earth which was accomplished. This car was the perfect candidate because it was an original 30,000 mile survivor with all the original sheet metal. After the restoration was completed it spent many years on the show circuit including ISCA, Detroit Autorama, Chevy Vettefest, Chevy Convention and Gran Prix Concours where it achieved many prestigious awards. It was eventually purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in 2021 and was sold in 2022. The previous owner decided to take the car to an entirely different level with modern upgrades and no expense was spared. The new mechanical build was completed in 2026 and is out of this world. It was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in February of 2026 and July of 2026 is the first time it's been listed for sale. MS CLASSIC CARS completely serviced and detailed the car which is documented with an invoice. This car has 156 miles since the new mechanical build was completed. This is a great opportunity to purchase a great car with a great story.
The exterior of this beauty queen is truly remarkable with its iconic factory designed bubbletop and gorgeous color combination. The body retains all of its original sheet metal which is laser straight with excellent panel fitment. The car was refinished in its original factory color combination of Twilight Blue with a white bubbletop. The show quality paint was recently detailed by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS. All of the glass was replaced new and stamped with correct dates for a factory-correct appearance. Most of the bright work is original to the car and was fully restored to a brilliant appearance. Some of these items include the glass trim, wiper arms, antenna, driver's side mirror, front grill, body moldings, door handles, tail light bezels, front and rear bumpers. It sports factory-correct T3 dual headlights and 409 Cross-Flag front fender emblems. During the new mechanical build a set of new custom Billet Specialties Turbine polished wheels that are 19x8 on the front and 20x9 on the rear were added. The wheels are mounted to new Argus Advanta tires that are 235/35/ZR19 on the front and 275/30/ZR20 on the rear.
The interior of this sweet ride is absolutely stunning and compliments the exterior perfectly. It was completely restored in its original factory color of Aqua. It was done to the original factory design which is timeless. A great deal of effort was spent restoring the interior to the highest level. Interior items such as the headliner, painted dash, correct 2-piece tachometer, steering wheel, C.A.R.S door panels and hand stitched seats are stunning. During the new mechanical build some modern features were added which includes a set of Dakota Digital retro-styled gauges, Vintage Air Conditioning and Heating, Lokar floor shifter, Custom Autosound retro-styled USA 740 radio and kicker panel speakers. The radio is AM/FM with RDS tuner, Bluetooth and VA display. The new dash vents were painted to match the dash. It was outfitted with the factory correct style rubber floor mats. The trunk compartment was also completely restored and outfitted with the factory correct style rubber mats. A VT valve tank and endo brackets holding dual Viair 400c black compressors were added in the rear of the trunk during the new build for the Accuair system.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with excellent attention to detail. The hood hinges and latch assembly are the correct shade of gold. The firewall was painted body color and the rest of the engine bay was painted high gloss black. During the new mechanical build the entire drivetrain was added. The car is powered by a new GM Performance LS3 376ci V8 rated with 495 horsepower. The engine was painted in the factory correct shade of orange including the Holley oil pan. It was decorated with Retro LS “409” style valve covers, dual snorkel air cleaner, and custom made valley pan with oil spout to look similar in appearance to an original 409 V8 engine compartment. The engine was outfitted with a Holley accessory drive system with Vintage AC and Heat that matches the engine details. The wiring and hoses were hidden to follow the theme. It's equipped with a Holley Terminator X-Max ECU with drive by wire throttle and complete Holley EFI fuel management system. The engine is cooled by an aluminum 4-row radiator with dual SPAL electric fans. The fans are controlled by the Holley EFI system. The engine breathes through a set of cast original style ceramic coated manifolds with a 2.5” stainless dual exhaust system with Flow FX mufflers and resonators. This exhaust puts out the perfect tone for both in town and highway driving with no drone. The engine is coupled to a built 4L75E 4-speed automatic transmission. It's equipped with a B&M 2800 stall converter and external transmission cooler to keep the temperature down. The power is transferred to a original factory driveshaft with billet carrier bearing and POSI rear end with 3.70 gears. The engine runs excellent and the transmission shifts smoothly.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with excellent attention to detail. This undercarriage should be displayed with lights and mirrors at car shows. The X-frame and underside was painted in gloss black which is truly exceptional. During the new mechancial build the suspension and braking system was added. The suspension upgrades include Ridetech tubular control arms, Billet QA1 shocks and a complete Accuair self-leveling air ride system. The braking upgrades include a Hydroboost system. Wilwood master cylinder, Wilwood red calipers, drilled and slotted rotors. The emergency braking system is also operational.
