Consider the plight of Chevrolet’s Bel Air. For eight model years (’50-’57), it ruled the bowtie’s roost, and then in ’58, it got demoted to second banana. By the time this Bel Air four-door sedan rolled off the assembly line, it was the “restrained” model for budget-conscious buyers. I must thank Curvette for surfacing this tip, as we rarely feature this vintage Bel Air on BF and never a crew cab version. Looking fabulous in Forest Green, this sedan is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is available here on craigslist for $24,000.
Bel Air’s second demotion occurred mid-model year 1965, when the top of the totem pole, the Caprice, was introduced. By ’69, Bel Air was reduced to a two or four-door sedan and a station wagon known as the Townsman (after ’69, the two-door sedan got the bum’s rush). Still, Bel Air remained popular with 155K copies, making the scene that year. This example appears to be in fantastic condition, though the seller mentions a repaint. These ’69 B-body and their very similar ’70 successors are notorious for rusted out fender legs (I know I had a ’69 Impala), but I see no evidence of that problem here – of course, it could have been repaired too. The plastic grille (first year, ’68 was still aluminum) has been painted black, and the entire exterior has been de-trimmed and de-badged – going for a more sinister look, I guess. The six-spoke alloy wheels are an interesting choice – I’d have to think a bit more about those.
The seller tells us that this 69K original-mile sedan still has its born-with interior, which features a vinyl and cloth blend upholstery. Chevrolet simply refers to it as “Dark Green,” though in the lone listing image, it shows as more of an avocado – you know the famous kitchen appliance hue from that era. An aftermarket steering wheel has been swapped in, as have chrome-trimmed floor pedals. Gear selection has now moved to a floor-mounted actuator.
The engine compartment occupant is a 350 CI V8, and two were offered in ’69, a 255 and a 300 HP variety. Both featured four-barrel carburetors, but a higher compression ratio and a different ignition curve was bestowed on the 300 HP version. Which variety this engine started out as is not disclosed. The obvious mods are the open element air cleaner and headers, along with Moroso valve covers (and they’ve gotta’ be good for about an additional 8.35 HP, right?) The seller claims, “runs and drives great.” Based on the instrument panel gear selector indicator, this Chevy is sporting a first-year Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed automatic transmission. The ancient Powerglide two-speed was still available, though I don’t know why.
This is a neat find because of what it isn’t; full-size four-doors, unless they’re an Imperial, Lincoln Continental, Buick Duece and a Quarter, etc., usually get short shrift. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; $24,000? Not feelin’ that at all, how about you?
Looks clean, at about $17,500 USD ($24,000CAN) this could be a decent daily driver-easy to work on since there’s no AC.
Then again, can’t remember the last time seeing a vintage Canadian car or truck with it factory installed.
That’s not a slight-the majority of good folks I’ve met from Up North generally just don’t see a need for it.
Assuming the price is in Canadian dollars. Generally, I find Canadian sellers will advertise in U.S. dollars – the U.S. market is just that much larger, so an inquiry really should be made to verify that. I can see $17,000 U.S. for this car.
JO
Nice looking sedan. Should have plenty of juice for a spirited cruise w the whole tribe. 👍
This is the kind of semi-basic car a cheap person,
or a Grandmother would buy,who just needed transportation.
Shame about the shifter conversion.
I think you are right, $24,000, especially if its USD is agressive for a 4 door. Unless a particular year, make or model, they compete on price with other 4 doors of various years and makes. What keeps prices high for some models is a strong following, without that following it’s more about value and there are a lot of cars to choose from.
Steve R
“Why no mention of me? Am I chopped liver???” – 1969 Biscayne.
Why yes, yes you are compared to the other trim lines.
I love that car. I have always loved older cars. This is a beautiful example.
A metallic blue 1969 Impala was our high school driver’s education car I learned to drive in. Thought it was a great looking and well performing car with the 327 CID engine.
Ford did the same thing in 1959 when the top of the line Fairlane dropped to 2nd level when the Galaxie was introduced that year and then to 3rd level in 1965 when the LTD was introduced. Loved that era of automobiles!!!
I would have liked the car better if it hadn’t been de-trimmed and de-badged, and the original steering wheel and column shifter were retained. I would like it even better if it had dog-dish wheel covers and whitewall tires.
And an either a 396 or 427 BBC.
I agree with ChiTownJeff’s comments!!
shame they painted the grill black and hacke4d a shifter on the floor. clean but too much money
I also agree with Hairyolds68 comments 100%!!
Four door fun? Absolutely not.
Not enough roof for that many doors