In the 1960s, the Bel Air was Chevrolet’s mid-range full-size car. It was a step up from the bare bones Biscayne, but not as glitzy as the Impala or Caprice. Chances are, this 1966 Bel Air 2-door sedan started life as a grandma grocery-getter, but it’s been restored as a “replica,” per the selling dealer. But a replica of what? It now sports a 454-cubic-inch V8 and a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, all with only 124 miles. Located in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, this wolf in sheep’s clothing is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $14,100 (reserve unmet). Kudos to “Curvette” for the tip!
No history of the car is provided, including the VIN. However, a cowl tag is present, and it looks new, too, and is hard to read. So, this benign-looking machine could have had a six-cylinder and a “3-on-the-tree” when it was assembled. Perhaps the black paint and red interior are the original colors, but the vehicle has been given a ground-up restoration and upgraded mechanically in the process. Much of the sheet metal is new, so it was either damaged or rusted before the makeover began. The seller does list all of the new pieces that were applied, which were extensive.
Though the air cleaner has a 427 sticker on it, the right engine size for the era, an LS-based 454, resides there now. And it has been modified with all sorts of modern goodies, including the camshaft, heads, rockers, ignition, intake, and carburetor. The wiring harness is also new, and probably everything is important enough to warrant resetting the odometer to zero. At 124 miles, the setup is hardly broken in.
Our impression is that this is a turn-key automobile that needs nothing but someone to help it stretch its legs. Even the brakes have been brought up to at least 1970s standards (front discs). Considerable expense was put forth in restoring and restomoding this Chevrolet.
It’s a shame the history of the car isn’t provided, as the next owner would surely want to know what it has gone through in its 60 years since being built. However, a few photos are thrown in showing the car being restored.
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