Some people look at a project candidate and struggle to decide what path to take. Others have a lightbulb moment and develop a clear vision for the same car. That brings us to this 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-Door Hardtop. It has hibernated for years and seems ripe for restoration. However, it could easily be the foundation for a custom, restomod, or ratrod build. The new owner faces a long road to completion but will start the process with a car that is essentially complete. The Bel Air is listed here on Craigslist in Eustis, Florida. The seller set a price of $8,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a classic offering a world of possibilities.
Vehicle manufacturers in post-war America developed the skill to produce significant annual updates to existing models and to release new models rapidly. Such was the case with the Chevrolet Bel Air. The company released the Fourth Generation variant in 1959, following the single-year Third Generation of 1958 and the Tri-Fives of 1955 until 1957. Buyers could choose from four body styles, with the original owner ordering this ’59 as a 4-Door Hardtop, finished in Satin Beige. The car’s history is unclear, although the seller confirms it has hibernated in a barn for at least eight years. The emerging surface corrosion is slowly consuming the original paint, and the new owner will probably strip the panels to bare metal as part of a high-end build. However, the lack of significant visible rust beyond that in the lower rear quarter panels could make preservation a viable choice. Treating the corrosion to prevent further deterioration and laying on a satin clearcoat guarantees the Bel Air would turn heads. The state of the floors is unknown, but with the carpet pulled back in one interior shot, I can’t spot any penetrating rust. The hubcaps are missing, but most of the remaining exterior trim is present and in reasonable condition. Some glass is missing or badly cracked, so replacements must go on the new owner’s shopping list.
This Bel Air’s interior is essentially complete, with only a few dash components AWOL. However, it requires a complete retrim to regain its former good looks. Kits to achieve a factory-fresh appearance typically retail for around $2,500 in the correct materials and colors. The buyer might throw caution to the wind by selecting an Impala-style alternative, retailing for approximately $4,000. That’s a lot of money, but the finished product will receive admiring glances and favorable comments wherever the owner takes this classic.
When we lift this Bel Air’s hood, the buyer’s options broaden. The first owner teamed the company’s 283ci V8 with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, receiving a car with 185hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. With 3,900 lbs to shift, the Chevy is not a high-performance classic. However, it could be. The seller indicates the car doesn’t run, but the engine turns freely. Revival with minimal effort might be possible, and that would be the cheapest approach. Treating the V8 to a rebuild with some tasteful upgrades would unlock additional power, or the builder could throw caution to the wind by bolting in something more modern or potent. Many speed shops sell everything required “off the shelf,” making such upgrades reasonably straightforward. The world, as someone once said, will be their oyster.
I typically look at project candidates like this 1959 Bel Air and know immediately what I would do if it were parked in my garage. However, this car leaves me torn. It would look stunning if restored to its former glory, although the other options mentioned would ensure it commanded attention. I’m struggling, but you may have already had the lightbulb moment I mentioned earlier. If so, are you tempted to make the dream a reality? I won’t blame you if you do.
Did you say rustomod?
An option less four door hardtop that is well…..ROUGH. this is no convertible or two door hardtop or low mileage fuctioning original. Like usual loaded on the hee haw trailer express. We just gots ourself a gold mine. Good luck, although it might be on that thar trailer for a bit.
Way overpriced, even at a fraction of what is being asked. There isn’t a strong following for 59 Bel Air 4drs even under the best of circumstances. Better off finding any generic turn key survivor 4dr from the 1950’s through 1980’s for the same price or a few thousand dollars more and buying that and taking it to the local coffee and cars. This car is a bottomless pit that will eat up potentially unlimited amounts time and money. There are better options available this car doesn’t make sense.
Steve R
Let’s show a little imagination here, fellas. Not saying I’m the one to do it, but this would make a cool restomod. Then again, I’ve always liked the GM flat-tops….
Start with a better car.
If someone really want to build a 4dr 59 into a restomod you’d be infinitely better off buying one in bettter condition. Spending a little more up front, especially with this car, will save boatloads of money on the back end.
Steve R
Part it out, cut off nose and sell, cut off rear, make a cool sofa, dash would sell. Engine etc, recycle it, still would be used by other cars, and in living room or man cave.
My Dad bought a ’60 Olds 98 four door hard top, solid white over maroon. Beautiful car but like the Chevy here, these things were huge.
Not worth restoring as an original car as the cost would far, far outweigh the value. But a stock-looking (spare me the silly custom wheels with rubber band tires) resto with an LS drivetrain, upgraded suspension and brakes, and Vintage Air, would be really unique and cool.
junk
Flat top batwings are great, but this one’s pretty far gone. Get it running, spray it flat black, and go for a look somewhere between Animal House and Mad Max.
Yep! Just gotta cut that roof off!
If it was an El Camino (I would love a 59 El Camino), or a 2dr, or a station wagon it might be worth the sffort, time and money. But a clapped out 4dr?
Nothing against 4drs, some of them look great, but this isn’t one of them.
Assuming it’s all solid, that the “rust” is merely surface rust, I’d keep what I can as original as can be kept original, maybe giving it a paint job, while also upgrading certain things, such as disc brakes up front, safety belts for all passengers, AM/FM radio with CD player with “Alexa” capabilities.
I have a soft spot for ’59 – ’60 Chevys. But THIS is tantamount to selling a pig with leprosy. How far back in the swamps does anyone with a wrecker have to go to find something to sell? The drivetrain isn’t worth much, considering the investment to renew it. Then again, maybe Frieburger and Finnegan can find a use for this.
Looks like someone replaced the radiator at one point. Interesting how a car left to rust is now valued so highly by the seller even if it is a flattop.Oh well….you can always ask
Some pretty negative comments here. The right rear door has some damage but the rest looks pretty straight. That’s a lot of surface to derust but take it one panel at a time. Gut the interior and learn how to make door panels and adapt some seats, who needs a headliner? Drivetrain is the easiest swap in this project.
Parts car.Worth $3000 max