• Seller: Anthony L icata
• Location: Staten Island, New York
• Mileage: 38,558 Shown
• Chassis #: 31511T208199
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 400
• Transmission: 350

UPDATE – The seller just informed us that the brakes have been serviced and now work as they should!

This 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air is a striking classic that is guaranteed to turn heads and draw a crowd. It underwent a refurbishment around twenty years ago, and while it still presents nicely, there is scope for someone to perform another cosmetic refresh that will lift its presentation to a higher level. The engine bay houses a rebuilt V8, and with the transmission receiving similar attention, it runs and drives well, but the tires are older and should be replaced before taking it for any longer trips. The owner wants it to find a new home with someone who can do the Bel Air justice. Therefore, he has listed this gem with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet released its Fifth Generation Bel Air for the 1961 model year, performing a mid-cycle facelift for 1963 buyers. That is when this classic rolled off the line, and there is no arguing that it is a striking vehicle. The paint shade gracing its panels isn’t from that year’s color palette and was applied during a build that occurred around twenty years ago. It still presents fairly well, but with the clear coat showing deterioration, a repeat performance is on the agenda for the winning bidder. The process should be straightforward, and with no need to paint the engine bay or the inside of the trunk, it opens the possibility of a color change if the new owner wishes to tailor the appearance to their taste. What this Bel Air lacks is appreciable rust. The owner identifies some exterior bubbles and admits the trunk pan requires work, but the floors and frame are solid. Therefore, it appears that a few well-crafted patches might be all that stand between this classic and a rust-free status. The trim and glass look excellent for their age, but I feel that the wheels really “make” this exterior. It would have been easy to fit something like a set of American Racing Torq Thrust alloys, which would be period correct. However, the wider steelies with deep trim rings and Baby Moon hubcaps add a sense of class and purpose.

Powering this Bel Air is a 400ci V8, while the remaining major components include a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. That combination will provide an effortless driving experience, and this small-block should generate more than the approximately 265hp it would have produced when it was new. The owner treated it to a recent rebuild, and when you factor in improved breathing courtesy of the headers, dual exhaust, and Flowmaster mufflers, there should be enough ponies under the right foot to satisfy most enthusiasts. The exhaust upgrades provide an added benefit because that V8 should sound fantastic. The owner didn’t restrict his attention to the engine, as the transmission is also freshly rebuilt. They confirm that the rear brakes require attention, suspecting that the hose over the rear axle is the culprit. However, with a replacement hose, wheel cylinders, and a spring kit forming part of this deal, it will take more time than money to get the brakes working perfectly. The seller just had the brake service completed and they now work great. This Bel Air runs and drives well, and is registered, insured, and inspected.

One aspect of this Chev requiring little attention is its interior. The Black vinyl trim is in exceptional condition, while the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV exposure. It recently received a new carpet set and a headliner, lifting its presentation to a higher level. The driver utilizes a Hurst shifter to control the Turbo 350, while the under-dash aftermarket gauges monitor the health of the small block. The thick sports wheel should improve comfort on long journeys, and the radio/CD player guarantees that boredom isn’t an issue. Overall, the interior should receive positive comments if the buyer rocks up to a Cars & Coffee in this Bel Air.

This 1963 Bel Air offers a new owner a world of possibilities. Its minor mechanical shortcomings shouldn’t present many challenges for the buyer if they take the DIY approach. It presents nicely enough to be used and enjoyed immediately, allowing scope for the winning bidder to plan their strategy moving forward. That might involve a simple cosmetic refresh or a complete color change. The icing on the cake is the rebuilt engine and transmission because the bulletproof nature of both should ensure they won’t require attention for many years. Combine those factors and bidding on this classic makes perfect sense.

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