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.
Ruff old project, better take the 12k and say thank you!
1959 Chevys are on the rare side like a 1958. You can find nine 1960’s for every one 1959. Like the 1958 Chevy – nobody like them – that said they were junked back in the day and why prices for a base stay up there. A 4 door was in the firts Mad Max movie and that’s another reason these sell to folks over the big pond. Not a bad one here….
…I actually thought the designers did a good job with the ’58 model, made it look quite “Cadillac-esque”. Though, as with all the other GM products of that year, chrome-trim was applied to wretched excess. It’s a toss-up between the Pontiacs and the Oldsmobiles of ’58, as to which GM division could slather-on the most chrome.
Ahhh – Americana!
Does a 348 with tri-power come with it?
I always thought that the designs coming-out of GM throughout the 50’s-60’s were among the most beautiful ever conceived…and I’m a Ford guy.
But, these ’59 Chevies were a rare misstep, truly ugly. Almost cartoonishly-so.
I also find the ’68 full-size Chevies to be a repugnant design.
I’m sure others will disagree, and this ’59 is probably a decent buy.
But if I were really into the ‘Gullwing-look’, I’d at least try to locate a nice 1960-version.
looks way better with the factory wheels. but here we have another seller with a listing telling you what you see is not what you’re getting. as Mr. Randell said take the 12k and call it a day. be nice to see it redone though. not too many left.
Would $14,000 take it home?
I like the 2 door sedan body. (More than the Impala hard top) Although I prefer the Impala steering wheel. This car is heavy, as are all the GM cars with the “X” frame. So the 235 even though a good engine, is not going to offer any driving fun. (And granny had a ’59, 235, Powerglide. So I have experienced first hand this combination.) Granny didn’t love it either! So even though my first thought is something period correct for more horsepower. I’m torn as ton what to drop into the engine bay. 348?, been done, hot small block?, been done, I’m LS’ed to death. So I’m leaning towards a 500/472 Caddy or maybe even a Chevy big block. But I like the Caddy idea better. Anyone else out there have a different idea for a different engine? Come on, it has to be something really different that you wouldn’t expect when lifting the hood. Supercharged 292 6?
I say leave the body and interior stock. And upgrade the brakes and suspension. A nice set of chrome reverse wheels with dog dishes or smoothie caps.
Something really different? Like an intercooled 3.9 Cummins?
How about something wild like an olds 455 and a 4 speed
Tremec 6sp?
Drop in a nice rebuilt 348 with four barrel carburetor mated to that two speed power glide and you will have a nice power plant that is in the realm of original! I believe that it was probably one of several power plant options back in the day. If you can find one now days it would be great!
Man, did I ever love these back in the day!
Ended at $12,100.
Reserve Not Met.
2 bids.
Relisted, for 12K opening bid, 16K BIN, and so far, no action.