Given the choice, I’m typically one of those auto enthusiasts who prefer two doors over four, at least for vintage offerings. I’m also keen on plenty of options, as fooling around with lots of gadgets helps keep me occupied on long trips. However, there’s something almost magical about minimalism as well, especially when the car is as original and well-preserved as this 1968 Chevrolet Bel Air here on Facebook Marketplace. In this case, I could probably learn to live without all the bells and whistles. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this sedan has a history traceable back to new, and it comes with an asking price of $16,000. Barn Finds reader T.J. spotted this one, and we’d like to thank him for the tip!
The seller tells us he acquired this Bel Air from the grandson of the man who bought it new, and the level of care it’s been given throughout the decades really shows. There’s no rust on the body, and that’s still the original paint, which seems to have held up nicely overall. It’s not mentioned whether this one’s been garaged, but to still present this well, there’s likely been a roof of some sort over the Chevy. This one’s also a bare-bones example, with steel wheels and hubcaps, but it works well here with them wearing the same Tripoli Turquoise color as the panels.
Things are also pretty basic inside, with a bench seat and very few accessories. However, the exceptional condition of the interior makes up for it being plain, and it’s good to see that the gas gauge is still working. It’s also a plus that the ‘68 Bel Air still came with front window vents, as you’re going to be needing them soon, since there’s no air conditioning. With the lack of power steering or brakes, this one’s going to feel retro, but that was often the norm for base cars back then.
No photos are provided from under the hood, but it’s great to see how solid the trunk area remains. The power is provided by a 307 engine, the smallest V8 you could get, with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. This Chevy is said to still run and drive great, and with just 58,000 miles, there’s likely some good life left here. However, I’m not quite sure the demand for a 1968 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan is high enough to support the $16,000 price tag. On the other hand, it’s nostalgic and seems ready for the next owner to enjoy, so perhaps the cost is in the ballpark. What are your thoughts on this one?
Dirty Mary Crazy Larry vibes
Dirty Mary Crazy Larry vibes
Yes it’s just a Chevy Belair but I know people who would buy it based on that. I had a friend that had a plain jane Fairlane sedan and he said it used to get more attention at shows than some of the Torinos and GT models just due to it’s rarity.
I think for future generations, the typical description of “grandpas” car, would be visually right here. With Chevy the #1 seller in 1965, by ’68, those folks were ready for another, and here it is. This car cost gramps about $2828 in 1968, and was Spartan on the order sheet. No P/S should be the 1st, and most important update. I think the price is a bit optimistic, in the “where you ever gonna find one like this” category, but for what it is, I wouldn’t pay 1/3 of the price. It’s just a Chevy Bel Air for cryin’ out loud.
No it’s not a big block muscle variant, and maybe the price is a bit high, but if it’s ready to drive and you just like old cars, it’s worth more than a measly few grand. Cars like this should be respected and preserved because statistically no one saved them.
Agreed TimS This one is a clean survivor. To bad I don’t see any under hood pictures. Maybe put on some dual exhaust and leave it the way it is. To bad it does not have power brakes but from people older that me have said that was newer back then and some people did not go for that option for a while.Still a very nice car!! They where just everyday base model cars back then and they where all over the place.
The fact that this base no bells or whistles four door Bel Air still remains in this good shape almost sixty years after it rolled out of the factory is a testament to the care and pride someone bestowed upon this car. I’d like to see the engine compartment and the undercarriage, but from what we can see, it does look remarkably clean.
Would be great if car companies went back to selling “stripper” models again. We might be able to afford new cars again.
Yea a stripped down cyber truck made of plywood and aluminum foil!
Here in Washington state our state patrol used these cars with a 427 in them. I knew a lot of drag racers would buy these cars and race them stock with a wide set of rallies on them. Nothing needed to be added
appreciate any “pristine” 50s, 60s, and some 70s mainstream cars but have one concern if was to buy one that’s in “like new” or “near new/original condition” and that is regarding rubber and neoprene gaskets and seals. Won’t those components have deteriorated over the years and need replacement before the car becomes leakproof, non-leaker, and weather ready? Would appreciate feedback from anyone that has purchased and 30+ year old car with no such problems, is it possible?
JDC, someone still does. I keep hearing an ad on the radio from a local Mitsubishi dealer offering a new
Mirage for lees than $20K with payments of $250 a month. If this is true, I can’t help but wonder what this car would be like– especially here in
Florida with no A/C or radio? That idea you have is a good one, and maybe they’ll try it again someday when we Americans finally say “enough!” to the overpriced and overoptioned vehicles that drain our pockets every time you make that $1,000 a month payment to your friendly neighborhood banker. As for me, this car really speaks to me. Bàsic beauty at its finest. Too bad I can’t talk my girls into letting me buy it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. It really bites a big one to be
legally blind and love this hobby as much as I do. Built and owned a lot of great cars and never got to drive any of them. Nuff said, great car.
Very nice. You think the price is too high, but that is the asking price and with some friendly negotiating you could no doubt get it for a little less than that. It’s too bad that a dealer has it now so the price might not be as flexible as if the grandson of the original owner still had it. This is equipped like many older folks bought cars back then. At least it has v8 and automatic which is more than my Dad would have chosen. Compare the price of this one to the other four door Chevy at over $10K which was a copy of an obscure TV show car on BF today and decide which one you think would be the better deal. I know which one I would pick.
Nice, plain jane car. I like it because it’s not only rare to see one but also it just plain looks anonymous.
nice car but the price is a bit steep even though its clean. is what it is.you got to want it