Decisions, decisions. The next owner of this 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air potentially faces plenty of choices. They could opt for a faithful restoration, or bolt something more potent beneath the hood as part of a custom build. The beauty of this project candidate is that since it runs and drives, they can enjoy it immediately while formulating their plans for its future. The Bel Air has generated moderate interest but has received only a single bid. The seller has listed this cool Chevy here on eBay in Elma, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,000, but there is a BIN option of $16,000 for those who find this classic irresistible.
Chevrolet released its Fourth Generation Bel Air range for the 1959 model year. Fins still dominated styling at the time, but Chevrolet took a different path, adopting fins that looked more like arched eyebrows with cat’s-eye taillights beneath. The seller provides very limited information in their listing, meaning that we must scrutinize their images to assess the car’s worth as a project candidate. The first thing that I spotted was rust in the lower extremities. It has impacted typical areas like the rockers and rear quarter panels, although there aren’t acres of exterior problems. It also appears that the front floors have patches, and the interior shots suggest they are fitted with screws rather than welded. There are also small holes in the spare wheel well. However, the remaining shots show no other major problems, just plenty of heavy surface corrosion. That means that this Bel Air should be a structurally sound project candidate. The trim is a mixed bag: some pieces are okay, while others require replacement. Some images show the Chevy rolling on aftermarket wheels. However, the steelies and dog dish hubcaps visible in others are what the buyer will receive.
Chevrolet offered 1969 Bel Air buyers a broad selection of engines, but this classic features what was undoubtedly the least potent combination. There is nothing wrong with the 235ci “Blue Flame” six, which delivered 135hp and 217 ft/lbs of torque. However, teaming that motor with a two-speed Powerglide in a car weighing over 3,800 lbs ensures that performance will be quite modest. It will cruise all day on the open road at seventy, but this baby won’t be fast off the line. The seller states that this Bel Air runs and drives. It will allow the buyer to indulge in immediate classic motoring pleasure as they assess whether they would like to fill the engine bay with a powerplant producing more ponies.
Opening the doors reveals an interior missing a few trim pieces. However, the car retains its seats and the dash is complete. It is serviceable, but would be a prime candidate for a retrim. The easiest solution to address the shortcomings would be with one of the readily available trim kits. These can cost up to $3,300, but would include everything required to achieve a factory-fresh look. Alternatively, a custom approach allows the buyer to personalize their ride with unique upholstery. They could choose from almost any material imaginable, with leather an option for those seeking a large dose of luxury motoring.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air. It is a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, although bolting in a V8 to improve its performance would seem the logical first step in a custom build. I am interested in gauging which path most of our Barn Finds readers would choose. So, faithful or custom? Here’s a chance for you to have your say.
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