The so-called “bubbletop” roofline began to appear on several General Motors brands in 1959, including Chevrolet. The glass in these cars seemed endless compared to the sheet metal in the roof. In 1961, the “bubbletop” was offered on both the Impala and Bel Air, whereas the following year, the Impala went with a more formal roof and the “bubbletop” stayed with the Bel Air before disappearing in 1963. A 1962 Bel Air “bubbletop” with a 409 cubic inch V8 is a prized object these days and can fetch big bucks. This Bel Air has the body but not the drivetrain, having lost its smaller displacement engine and transmission. This rolling project can be found in Baldwin, Wisconsin, and is available here on craigslist for $28,000. Thanks for the latest tip, Gunter Kramer!
After two years of the futuristic, “batwing” look of 1959-60, Chevrolet’s full-size cars were redesigned in 1961. And got a heavy facelift in 1962, making them some of the most attractively styled Chevies ever built (IMHO). Production numbers increased as the company delivered more than 700,000 Impalas, 365,000 Bel Airs, and 160,00 Biscayne’s. We don’t know many of them were 2-door Bel Airs with the sporty roof, but the seller says his former V8 was one of about 6,000 built. As Chevrolet only broke down production data by body style and not series in those days, we don’t know where that number came from.
This was a Tuxedo Black Bel Air (according to the cowl tag) with a red interior (according to the seller). The interior has been stripped out and is said to be in storage with the car in a barn. We’re told the former engine was probably a 283 V8 but the transmission was set up as a “3-on-the-tree.” What happened to the drivetrain is anyone’s guess as the seller says this hulk has been in storage since the 1980s.
The front clip is no longer on the automobile, but the pieces all seem to be there, though scattered about. The trim has survived while the wheel covers have not. We’re told the body has “topical” rust issues but nothing major appears to have been eaten away as we can tell. Interesting parties should verify that all the parts are there except for the engine and transmission as the cost of restoring this old Chevy will really begin to climb. Is this potentially a six-figure car as the seller postulates? Maybe, but since it will never be numbers matching, it won’t rival a Bel Air with an original 409.
There were 5950 V8 62 Bel Air Sport Coupes built, and 3825 with 6’s. No breakdown of engines has ever been found. While less than 20 percent of all 62 Bel Air’s were V8’s, over 60 percent of the Bel Air Sport Coupes came with V8’s. The Sport Coupe was the lightest 62 body, which is why it was popular with racers (NHRA & NASCAR), and is probably why so many Sport Coupes were V8’s.
These numbers came from a late friend of mine here in NJ, who got them from GM factory production reports. He might have been the most knowledgeable person in the world on 61-64 Chevrolet’s in general, and 62’s in particular. He spent most of his life studying, documenting and researching 61-64 Chevy’s. 40 years ago I found a 409/380 4 speed 62 Bel Air Sport Coupe, which is when I first met him.
2/3rds of a car and the rest in pieces. I think he will be holding onto that car for a while at that price.
I know the definition of a woman, but apparently I don’t know anything about “topical” rust. It looks to me like the quarters and floors need replacing because of rust HOLES. What’s “topical” about that?
Oh… wait. I get it. He means “typical”. Then I think his price is untypical, or even illogical. Or just too ******* high.
‘62 bubble top is my favorite. About fifteen years ago I was looking for one but they were too expensive, I found a very nice black one with a 454 but they wanted $45k for it. So, $28k for an incomplete, rusty project car seems high…
Mine was exact model with 380/409. Completely restored frame off. Sold it for 45K 20 years ago. I know what it takes to bring this one back but 28K is too high starting point.
20k to high. What drugs are these people on as I’d like to buy some