NO RESERVE! The 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air and 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne clearly showed the influence of Bill Mitchell, who had headed GM styling since 1959. Though far from compact, the totally redesigned Chevrolets -- a tad shorter and narrower, but roomier than ever with their widened door openings -- were called "parkable." Freshly sloped A-pillars nearly eliminated the annoying "dogleg" below the windshield. Final vestiges of tailfins disappeared. The '61s were also claimed to have "the most quiet, vibration-dampened, relaxing ride you've ever tried," assisted in that quest by the rugged X-built Safety-Girder frame. An easy-to-reach instrument console placed everything, including the glovebox, ahead of the driver. Seats were higher, but trunk sills sat lower, extending full width for easier luggage loading.
Billed as "America's most popular model," the Bel Air assortment included both a hardtop Sport Coupe and a Sport Sedan, along with pillared sedans. Low-budget Biscayne sedans sold the slowest, as usual. Six station wagons rounded out the lineup. Model-year output totaled 330,000 Bel Airs, 201,000 Biscayne’s, and 168,900 wagons.
This beautiful example is powered by a 348ci V8 with tri-power and a 4-speed manual transmission. It had a frame-off rotisserie restoration and looks spectacular. It features power brakes, AM radio and added Vintage air conditioning. It has a steering column mounted Sun tachometer. It shows 44,723 miles, not sure if they are original. It comes with a reproduction owner’s manual. An outstanding automobile that runs and drives great.
Please note, this vehicle will be offered for sale only at the Central Pennsylvania Auto Auction, July 14th and 15th, 2017 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. For more information contact us at (800) 248-8026 or visit www.cpaautoauction.com.
