The competition between Ford and Chevrolet reached new heights in the late ’50s, especially as the GM brand looked into new ways to regain the leading position in the United States.
The Impala’s introduction as a prototype in 1956 raised hopes that Chevrolet had finally discovered the formula for success. It introduced the Impala in manufacturing form two years later, building a strong full-size portfolio that drove it to the top spot in the domestic market.
Chevy’s sales were led by the Bel Air and Impala, two models that were a part of the same family in 1958. A year later, Impala was given series status, separating from the Bel Air but keeping the majority of its components, design, and engine lineup in common.
Impala became a first-class citizen for General Motors, but Bel Air continued to have a solid customer base in the United States.
Despite coming in a rough shape, this 1959 Bel Air still flexes the original je ne sais quoi, even after decades in storage. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out this Bel Air is a project, with the owner explaining on Craigslist that the vehicle has “been stored for the last twenty or so years.”
Mixed news comes from the engine under the hood. On the one hand, it’s still there and most likely represents the original component that was shipped with the vehicle. On the other hand, it has a six cylinder and doesn’t appear to be in good shape. The 1959 Bel Air’s base engine, a sluggish straight-six, is undoubtedly locked up from sitting; my only hope is that you’ll be able to turn it by hand. For this Bel Air, a new engine will be necessary if not, although this is not a deal-breaker. The six-cylinder engine was the weakest option for such a big car, and even if it served as a respectable grocery shopper, the V8 engine would make a Bel Air more interesting.
The owner says the vehicle is complete, and the only missing things are the wheels and the radiator. The glass is still on the car, but the windshield comes with a crack.
Uncertainty can be found in the engine under the hood. On the one hand, it is still in place and is probably the original component that arrived with the vehicle. However, since it has six cylinders, it doesn’t appear to be in good shape. I can only hope that you will be able to turn the lethargic straight-six, which was the basis arrangement for the 1959 Bel Air, by hand because it is probably locked up from sitting. If not, this Bel Air will require a new engine, however this is not a deal-breaker. Although it served as a respectable grocery shopper, the six-cylinder engine was the worst possible choice for such a huge vehicle, and the V8 would make a Bel Air more interesting.
The rough shape and the other problems detailed above this Bel Air fairly affordable.