Vehicle Description
The 1958 Chevrolets were all-new and thanks to their one-year-only
design, they remain some of the most highly-sought collectables of
the 1950s. This handsome two-tone 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop
delivers the things that we love about '50s cars (chrome, high
style, and more chrome) and adds some thoughtful upgrades like a
built 348 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed that make it a blast to
drive.
The burgundy and white paint scheme on this car is a slight update
on one of the original paint schemes of 1958, and that's really the
theme of the whole car. The work was done a few years ago so there
are a few minor bumps and bruises, but this big coupe has a ton of
presence and looks like a far more expensive machine. The chiseled
hardtop has a very forward-looking appearance, and chrome was still
very much in fashion in 1958, which perhaps represented the very
height of trim application on GM cars. Most of the brightwork on
this car is likely original and in good condition, but some is
showing its age and the grille has been replaced by an aftermarket
tubular setup that gives it a trick custom look without upsetting
the natural lines of the car. The doors fit well, the trim lines up
from panel to panel, and the whole thing has a very expensive look
that isn't reflected in its price. This is a heck of a lot of car
for the money.
The two tone tan and burgundy interior is a beautiful complement to
the bodywork, keeping a very stock look that's stylish and
comfortable. There's an OEM flair to the patterns, but it's not
totally stock, so you'll find wonderful details throughout, ranging
from the very ornate door panels to the headliner, which uses
pleated inserts to continue the theme. Factory gauges monitor the
basics, and while sharp-eyed viewers will spot the familiar
automatic transmission selector quadrant, this one now has a Hurst
shifter and cue ball knob in the center, connected to a 4-speed
manual gearbox. Gray carpets tame the interior and keep it from
getting too busy and a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo has been neatly
installed in the center of the dash. You also get seat belts for
safety, heavy-duty floor mats, and a giant trunk wearing OEM-style
spatter paint.
This car's 348 cubic inch V8 was the biggest powerplant you could
get in 1958, and while there are detractors who claim it's a truck
engine, one drive will convince you otherwise. It makes great
torque to move this big coupe without working too hard, and thanks
to a mild cam upgrade, an Edelbrock carburetor and 4-barrel intake
manifold, and factory-looking exhaust manifolds, it drives
superbly. Bright Chevy Orange paint highlights the satin black
engine bay, along with the unique W-shaped valve covers that were a
staple of 348/409 engines. Other chrome bits include the air
cleaner, alternator, and water neck, so it looks dressed up without
going too far. The 4-speed manual makes the most of the engine's
ample torque curve and it's a superlative cruiser at almost any
speed. The undercarriage is quite stock and original, including the
surprisingly effective drum brakes that seem to have no problems
managing the weight and speed of this Bel Air. Glasspack-style
mufflers add a '50s soundtrack and big wide whitewall tires on
chrome wheels give it the right look.
Show-quality Impalas bring huge money, but this Bel Air offers the
same look, great power, and a cool mild custom look that will take
you back to your childhood. Call today!
