The rivalry between Ford and Chevrolet reached its zenith in the late 1950s, with both automakers vying for supremacy in the American market. This competitive fervor intensified as Chevrolet, under the General Motors (GM) umbrella, explored innovative strategies to reclaim the top position.
The debut of the Impala as a prototype in 1956 sparked hope that Chevrolet had finally discovered the winning formula to achieve its ambitious goals. Two years later, Chevrolet unveiled the Impala in production form, solidifying its full-size lineup and propelling the brand to the number-one spot in the domestic market.
The Bel Air and Impala played pivotal roles in Chevrolet’s sales success during this period, with both models initially belonging to the same family in 1958. In the following year, the Impala gained its series status, distinguishing itself from the Bel Air while still sharing design elements, many components, and the engine lineup.
Impala was now a flagship model within the General Motors lineup, yet the Bel Air maintained a strong customer base in the United States.
Despite showing signs of age and years spent in storage, this 1959 Bel Air still exudes its original charm and character. Although it’s undoubtedly a restoration project, the owner notes in their Craigslist listing that the car has “been in storage for the last twenty or so years.”
A vehicle that has sat dormant for an extended period often exhibits wear and tear on the metal, and this Bel Air is no exception. The layer of dust on its body attests to its prolonged storage, and there are signs of rust in various areas, including the floors and trunk. However, most of these issues appear to be surface-level, which can make the restoration process more manageable.
According to the owner, the vehicle is mostly complete, with the only missing components being the wheels and the radiator. While the glass is still intact, the windshield has a crack.
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Under the hood, there’s a mix of good and bad news. On the positive side, the engine is still in place, and it’s likely the original unit that came with the car. However, it’s a six-cylinder engine and doesn’t appear to be in the best condition. The straight-six, which served as the base engine option for the 1959 Bel Air, may be seized from prolonged inactivity. Ideally, it should be checked to see if it can be turned by hand. If not, you may need to consider replacing the engine, although this shouldn’t necessarily deter potential buyers. Many enthusiasts prefer a V8 engine for a Bel Air, as it provides more power and enhances the overall driving experience.
Given its rough condition and the issues mentioned above, this 1959 Bel Air is reasonably priced at $2,800. The owner is open to considering other offers, so interested buyers should reach out for further details and negotiations.
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