Even though Chevrolet already had the Bel Air, the debut of the Impala in 1958 proved to be just what the doctor ordered. After years of Ford domination, the new model was able to reestablish Chevrolet as a major player in the automotive business in the United States.
Impala originally debuted as a Bel Air variation before becoming a series a year later. For a few more years, it shared practically everything with the Bel Air, but in the long run, the Impala was set to become the marque driving Chevy’s sales.
In 1958, Impala was available as the top Bel Air in hardtop and convertible body styles, recording impressive sales from the first day of availability. As a result, many rough Bel Air projects end up becoming Impala clones, especially if the metal and the engine under the hood allow for an easy transformation.
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air that made its way to Craigslist earlier this month has just half of the package, while the other half is still as mysterious as possible.
The project has been sitting for many years, and the rust problems are living proof. The owner says you won’t find m ajor metal damage but only “very little rust spots,” but I’d still put the car on a lift and inspect every inch, including the undersides. I don’t expect the floors and the trunk pan to be clean, and the seller doesn’t offer any specifics about them, but a 1958 project sitting for years typically requires major patches or new panels altogether.
Although it will need work, the interior seems decent. The absence of the door panels indicates that this Bel Air has donated to other endeavors in the past. It’s also the information that leads me to believe the Bel Air might be missing a lot of components, so be sure to inquire further before making a decision.
Another mystery is the under-hood engine. I’m wondering if this is a six-cylinder Bel Air or a V8 because the owner claims to be “unsure of the drivetrain.” A 235 Blue-Flame six-cylinder with 145 horsepower, a 283 with various powertrain options, and the renowned 348 with 315 horsepower owing to the Special Super Turbo-Thrust package were all available from Chevrolet for the 1958 model year. No details on the mill that is now housed beneath the hood of this Bel Air were provided, but fingers crossed for a functional large block.
You can see this Bel Air close to Los Angeles, and given its overall condition.