The Bel Air was Chevrolet’s superstar in the ’50s, but the debut of the Impala in 1958 turned it into a second-class citizen of the full-size lineup.
The Impala rapidly turned the Bel Air into a “plan B” for the GM brand and customers in the United States, despite the two models still sharing the looks, the engine, and most of the parts.
However, the Impala received most of Chevy’s love. It paid off in the long term, as the car became the best-selling model in the United States.
The Bel Air continued to command a solid customer base in Chevrolet’s home market, especially as it served as an Impala alternative carrying a lower price tag.
The 1959 example that landed on Craigslist earlier this week is here to make Impala fans jealous, sporting an amazing patina and great improvements that got it ready for the road. I’ve always been a big fan of old-school patina, as I believe they provide a classic with a special je ne sais quoi, so this Bel Air shines in terms of looks. You won’t have to worry about the rust, as the owner has already taken care of many essential bits.
However, if you’re looking for an all-original setup, you won’t find it on this Bel Air. The car has already received several upgrades, including the obvious suspension upgrade. The car now sports a dual-exhaust system, along with radial white wall tires and new hub caps.
The engine under the hood isn’t the most desirable choice on a 1959 Bel Air, but it’s already been rebuilt, so it now comes in tip-top shape. The 235 six-cylinder was the laziest mill on the 1959 Bel Air, with most customers going for the base 283 V8. The top unit was the 348, which continued to serve as Chevrolet’s big-block option on most full-size models, including the Impala.
The interior is what I love the most about this Bel Air. The brand-new Ciadella interior is absolutely mesmerizing, looking exquisite and comfortable. Nothing is missing, and everything is working.
Overall, this Bel Air is ready for the road, and I don’t expect it to be available for too long. Not everybody is a big fan of an air ride, but that shouldn’t be a problem, especially if customers are interested in a Bel Air that can always serve as an occasional driving companion with no fixes required.
The owner is willing to let this Bel Air go for $29,500, and you can see it in person close to Phoenix. Theoretically, this Bel Air should drive anywhere on its wheels, but I’d still take it on a trailer, considering the great patina. I wouldn’t want things like rain to ruin the great looks, so plan the trip thoroughly if you’re committed to a purchase.