Throughout most of the 1950s, the Bel Air was Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line automobile. That was until 1958 when the snappy Impala joined the line-up as a glitzy Bel Air. And by 1959, it was a series of its own, relegating the Bel Air to mid-tier status (above the pedestrian Biscayne). This sweet ’59 Bel Air 2-door sedan looks to have been restored, going a bit in the direction of a restomod at the same time. Located in its home state and available here on craigslist, this Chevy is offered in Orange, California, for $45,000. Once again, Tony Primo comes across with a great tip!

The 1959-60 era of full-size Chevrolets is noted for their “bat-wing” tailfins. The trunk lid looks large enough to land a small airplane on. Add to that the ‘59s had “cat’s eye” taillights, resulting in a look that you either loved or hated (styling on the ‘60s was a tad more subdued, but not by much). These styling tricks were no doubt inspired by Chrysler’s 1957 “Forward Look” cars which helped to change the Detroit landscape for a few years.

Chevrolet produced nearly 282,000 2-door sedans in 1959, but the breakout by nameplate isn’t known. So, there was an ample supply of these winged wonders back in the day. And they’re hardly scarce now, though not as revered as the 1955-57 “Tri-Fives”. At 80,000 miles, this Bel Air has surely been restored though we don’t know when. The seller says there are a few flaws in the paint, but the photos show nothing but a beautiful machine.

We’re suggesting this redo is a restomod because of the upgrades that have been made to this Chevy. They include the small-block V8 (not the original 283?), automatic transmission (not the original Powerglide?), vintage air conditioning, HEI ignition, Fitech carburetor, and a conversion to power front disc brakes. So much of this Bel Air is arguably better than in 1959. The Highgreen Green paint looks beautiful and the interior is indicative of the decade that was the ‘50s. If you’re in the market for a bat-wing Chevy, you could do a lot worse.