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.
Nice looking car, well thought out and executed. It will be expensive, for good reason.
Steve R
Wow done right!! Dang it this would get me in trouble in a heartbeat !!! 😂 This would be cool running moonshine in the mountains of Tennessee !! 0 to 60 maybe 5 seconds! With the correct tires out back. I am going to say $50,000-60,000.00 to take her home. What i love about this also… nice and simple to work on. Not like today you need a computer and special tools to fix something. I would love to have this. And I wish the next owner good luck! 🇺🇸🐻
This reminds me of one of my first cars, a 1968 Pontiac Strato Chief 427 4 speed, 2 door complete with pillar that I purchased and found out after purchase it included a police pursuit pkg., J78-15 bias ply tires and Armstrong steering, and a bench seat.
It sounds like fun but parallel parking was a nightmare. I bought it new off the lot for a very cheap price.
I can’t imagine a 454 being in it especially with Armstrong steering and J78 tires.
A real dandy Chevrolet here Dixon. Tremec 5sp, that motor and 4.10s. Better not bet the pink slip.
Has it got the ‘shine tank under the back seat?
same dealer as todays G/P. no deal to be had there it will be a high number. good colors
This is not a dealer, it’s a listing service. Whether or not any particular car is a good deal depends on the seller.
Steve R
I’ve got an unrestored, no motor or tranny one here that is pretty solid for $4500. It was a factory 327 with A/C car and 2 speed wipers. Factory green, never been repainted but will need a new paint job.
Any Pictures?
Well I could take some and send them. 406-350-222three but I don’t think amins. will let this go through.
Well Yippee Yi Yo Cayee !!! Finally something built WITHOUT an edelsnoozer krack-auto off the shelf POS. This kids’ gotta scream at 5600 yellow line!
Russ, this is a great looking car but the engine is not an LS based 454, it has a distributor…
I thought the same thing but then I realized that he might mean LS5 or LS6 454.
One look at the engine picture tells you which family it belongs to. You guys are right, using the term LS for an engine is now more likely to be associated with the current engines than the LS-5, LS-6 or LS-7 from the 1970’s. It would probably be better just say big block Chevy with the cubic inches included when necessary.
Steve R
Wicked ride, love to see the provenance though.
Ended at $27,100
Reserve Not Met.
63 bids.