The Chevrolet Bel Air got a redesign to begin it’s fifth-generation in 1961, with the 2-door hardtop models now lovingly known as the bubble tops, due to the large amount of glass and minimal sheet metal surrounding it. If you want to start a lengthy conversation at Cars And Coffee, ask a crowd of people what years Chevy utilized the bubble-styling on the Bel Air and, depending on their point of view, some will say it began in ’59, others ’61, but all will agree it was over at the end of the 1962 model. If you’re up for a project, this 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe here on eBay needs a total restoration, but there’s no reserve and bidding hasn’t gone past the $4,600 mark so far. Head on over to Las Cruces, New Mexico, if you want to check the car out in person first.
The seller says the vehicle is pretty complete, but I guess he’s not counting the engine or transmission, which I’m not seeing either among the pieces in the one photo of parts not still attached to the car. He does tell us it was originally equipped with a V8 and a manual transmission, but since both are now MIA it’ll be up to the next owner to decide what sort of drivetrain will best suit their needs.
I keep staring at the outside and trying to determine if that’s more patina or surface rust, but the body seems to have quite a bit amount of both so it’s kind of hard to say. If you like the well-baked appearance, it actually looks kind of cool and if the corrosion was just on top it might be worth preserving, but that’s not the case as there are some holes in numerous areas of the sheet metal, so if the buyer chooses to take the exterior to a high-level he’s got a long road ahead.
Sadly, the interior appears like it may be worse, or at minimum, just as bad. It’s almost hard to speculate how things got to the level of deterioration inside we’re seeing here, but perhaps decades of rain leaking in, or maybe some critters gnawing on the upholstery could be to blame, or both. However, one saving grace is the three pedals inside, four if you count the emergency brake.
We don’t get to see the bottom side at all, but one photo from inside the trunk is provided, and while it’s far from good it’s not nearly as far gone as I was expecting, so it’s possible that the floors and undercarriage are in similar condition. This one’s out of my skill league, but maybe it’s a decent project for those with some steel expertise plus a spare engine and 4-speed laying around. What are your thoughts?
That Patina would look 👀 good as is if that car was Pro Streeted!
“Rust free”, meaning no Extra Charge For It.
I’ll agree! I’ve always said that anything stating “free”, rust or fat, was just THAT… Free! 🤣
Well, the price is not as ridiculous as the 10+k 62 bubble top heap further down the list on here. It is another diamond in the rough…lol. I know almost everything is reproduced for these cars but a basic. decent small block one can certainly be had for half of what this will cost to resurrect.
Per the cowl tag, this was Black with a Red Interior.
Plus a V8 and a manual. I was trying to find an overdrive lever – didn’t see one.
Can you just imagine this one on the day it was delivered?
Junk
It all depends on the underside. If the floor and trunk can be easily replaced then it is a go. My dad bought one 55 years ago when my brother turned 16.
Had 348 V8 and powerglide tranny. No speed demon but it got us where we needed to go then. Nice car. Roomy when you were with the girl friend!!
This car is definitely at the top of my Bucket List, however that is as far as it is going to get. At 80 years old time and money is a big Red Flag. Even if it was possible ,this car is the absolute definition of a project car, a BIG project. No thanks.
Another parts car
Says N. Mexico as a home but you do not get rust thru like that unless it was sitting in the Rio Grande for years. Still hard to find, and a Chevy guy with a lot parts could make this happen…..
The 61 bel air had four tail lights and one backup light, this car has only four tail lights and no backup lights. What gives?
George, just don’t ever put it in reverse.
Just funnen with you.
Backup lights were an option. We had a Parkwood wagon with two red bullets on each side. Otherwise, backup lights were a $13 option. The Nomads usually had the backup lights as it was an “Impala” wagon.
Thanks John. I wish I still had my 61 impala. It had the 350 horse 348 and 4 in the floor. Nice metallic brown.
This car is not an Impala but a Belair hardtop which would run one more year in 62 before being discontinued. Fairly uncommon body style but a massive project.
Qi had a ‘61 Impala convertible, 283&powerglide. It was bulletproof. Bought it for $90 and sold it for $165!
My vote is for a 351 Cleveland – give it some go!
Looks like doghouse/nose replaced in the past with small block one? Don’t see the Big Block braces that the factory spot welded in middle of shock towers/engine braces assembly. What do you first gen Shelby mustang experts think?
Too bad the drive train isn’t there. $5,600 not a deal killer but if all glass is there and its not broken or separating, then it will be a good beginning, to a great car in the end.
Although a W Motor would be great, a smallblock to motivate that long body until a suitable dual quad W and 4 gear to tear up second gear and cluster gear to be upgraded later. I love these 59′ to 64 cars and allot of older fellows have kept parts for them in their parts archives. I know I look at parts every trip to the garage.
I say Good Luck to the Cat who is going to have some fun in the coming weeks. Parts are going to be fun making deals to get what is needed to restore into period Muscle. I mean what would you do, you do not need an LS motor to be dependable and fun to drive, with or without gloves.
I have a 1961 Chevrolet high nickel 283 truck block with powerpack heads and 3 or 4 gear. I could of had it driving in 8 hours. 283 engines are or were the cheapest to pump up the ponies.