Vehicle Description
Stk. 2265 1961 Chevrolet BelAir 348
Our friends in Detroit were producing "muscle cars" long before
someone coined the phrase. They were larger and heavier than their
mid-size counterparts, but had amazing powertrains. This 1961
Chevrolet BelAir came from that era. Back in 1961, Bill 'Grumpy'
Jenkins campaigned the NHRA circuit with a very similar car, dubbed
"Old Reliable". It was a '61 Biscayne with a 409ci powerplant
running mid-13s. Our beautiful BelAir 'Flat Top' had a full
restoration in 2014 and is powered by the earlier version of the
409 - the 348ci engine. The "Turbo-Thrust" 348 W-Code engine was a
strong motor with much more torque than the early small-blocks.
Equipped with the 3x2 Rochester intake, advertised horsepower was
350 with 364 lb/ft of torque. The W-Code engine was totally rebuilt
in 2014 and certainly looks like it belongs under the hood. (Note
the 'old-school' cutouts on the front exhaust pipes.) The 348 is
backed by a Muncie 4-speed manual gearbox and the chassis is
equipped with power steering and converted power disc/drum brakes.
The rear differential and suspension have received a lot of
attention. It appears to be a Ford 9" unit that utilizes a custom
multi-link set-up, coil springs, sway bar and a panhard bar - all
serious stuff, well thought out and well executed. As for the body,
the 2-door Post 'Flat Top" has a nice Beige re-spray, very good
chrome (including bumper guards), red-line radials and stock
'dog-dish' hubcaps. Outside, this Chevy is all business. Inside,
the interior is an invitation to ride in style. New pleated vinyl
seats, door panels and carpeting are complemented by a nicely
detailed stock dash with additional SunPro gauges. Windows are
tinted and a new Vintage Air system provides heating and cooling.
Finally, the Muncie shifter may just be the best one we have ever
seen - like a Hurst. If you appreciate 'old-school' BowTie
performance, you should consider this BelAir - original outside,
retro underneath. ALL VEHICLES SOLD "AS IS"
