Back in black and ready to kick some asphalt, this overhauled 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe needs nothing except a new owner with the guts to fast-pedal this overpowered memory machine. The nicely built beauty in Epping, New Hampshire is no museum piece, coming to market here on Hemmings with a stroked 409, five-speed manual gearbox, 4.11 gears, and a no-nonsense all black color scheme. As we go to press, a $70,000 offer best approaches the $90,000 asking price. Thanks to reader Curvette for spotting this sweet ’62.
What? Nothing under this hood is stock, except maybe the firewall, which suits me just fine, though some weaklings might appreciate heat (bypassed at the core) or power steering. Nice job adding the Corvette-style power brakes, though, a nice compliment to the stroked 474 inch aluminum-head 409. The engine compartment got a top-notch overhaul too. The seller reports 558 HP and 575 lb-ft of torque from this combination, enough to gap all but the most elite modern machinery.
General Motors’ “bubble top” styling gave panoramic views with thin pillars, later nixed due to rollover safety concerns. Fat tires on black steelies and a slight forward rake add some Day Two anger to this bruiser’s curb appeal.
The “restoration” dates to 2014, but it’s aged well and nothing calls out for attention except to get behind the wheel and burn rubber. A Hurst T handle shifter stirs the aftermarket Tremec 600 five-speed manual transmission, and the (assuming default) 0.64 overdrive should quell the effects of the 4.11 gears when driving further than a quarter mile.
A mixture of gloss and matte black cover a nicely detailed undercarriage, though I’d normally tack those exhaust pipes to keep them from slipping the grip of the 50 cent clamps. Electric exhaust cut-outs add authority when you choose to intimidate poseurs in the next lane or quiet things down for the drive to Grandma’s hair salon.
My Dad had a Chevy like this in college, a four-speed 283 273 if memory serves correctly, but this worked-over 409 is a different animal completely. Would you change anything on this upgraded beast or just hop in and roast the tires?
Well, let’s see, my 5 speed, aluminum radiator, alternatored, dual quad, posi-traction 409,,,oh, the blasphemy, it’s cool as heck, but some things should remain sacred, the Wilson brothers are spinning in their graves. Epping, NH. you say? I wonder if the NHRA track has something to do with it? No cut corners here, I wonder how that 5 speed works with a truck motor like that? :)
Most likely your dad had a 283 Todd since the 273 was a Plymouth small block.
Thank you, Daniel. Of course – you are right. Now that I read that back I don’t know what I was thinking. I appreciate the correction!
This bubble top has the right stance, steel rims with no hubcaps. Looks really cool but the $90k ask seems a bit optimistic.
It’s at $70K highest bid which is closer.
This is a beautiful car!
It is the rarest of the rare! A 62 with a bubble top and a Bel Air, not an Impala!
Neat car from the olden days!! I would just like to drive it once! That’s enough! I wouldn’t need to own it for 90K!!
I’ve liked these for a long time. Rare as hell. Might build one. 61 roof on a 62 hardtop body, 348/409, newer 5 speed, black with a red Biscayne interior.