Chevrolet redesigned its automobiles in 1958, and the crisp styling of the “Tri-Fives” was gone. The new cars were bigger and bulbous, but they didn’t sell nearly as well. However, an economic recession that year put a damper on industry sales. The seller has what’s left of a 1958 Bel Air Sport Sedan (a fancy term for 4-door hardtop). Located in Lakewood, Colorado, this collection of parts and pieces is available here on craigslist for $1,200.

The Bel Air was dethroned as the top Chevy in 1958 with the introduction of the Impala. That car began strictly as a hardtop and convertible with some unique sheet metal. The Impala would become the top trim level in 1959 when it was promoted to a series of its own, accompanied by an expansion in the types of body styles offered. If you wanted a Sport Sedan in 1958, which was a pillarless 4-door hardtop, the Bel Air was your buy.

As big and bulky as this car is, the cowl tag indicates it was built with the base 235 cubic inch inline-6, so burning rubber was not very likely. As a two-tone Chevy assembled in the Kansas City plant, the car’s primary color was once Honey Beige. If you choose to purchase the Bel Air with an eye toward restoration, you’ll be starting with no engine or transmission, driveshaft, or hood, plus a likely assortment of other key items such as an interior.

On the plus side, the Chevrolet has a clean title, and the majority of the vehicle will roll, so getting it onto a flatbed may not be difficult. When you get the machine home, the first order of business could be to empty the passenger compartment and trunk to see what kinds of assorted knick-knacks you have purchased along with the rolling carcass. What future do you envision for this former family car of the 1950s?