While it’s arguable whether or not the 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air is a true bubble top, the front windshield has some more curvy styling than most, and there’s certainly quite a bit of glass area present. The quarter panels are sculpted with an almost space-age design, and there aren’t very many angles from which the ‘60 model doesn’t look good outside, with this hardtop here on Facebook Marketplace seeming about as solid as they come. Although it’s presently located in Deerbrook, Wisconsin, this one’s said to have originally been a Texas car, and as the seller proclaims, I have little doubt that this Bel Air turns plenty of heads wherever it goes. With an asking price of $18,750, it probably won’t take long for this cool bowtie to find a new home, and we’d like to express our gratitude to reader T.J. for spotting it and sending in the tip here!
This is one of those situations where we don’t get much background information, but the seller does mention that there is no rust present, which the photos seem to confirm. No word either on whether any bodywork has been performed, or if this one’s remained in such fine shape outside since it was new. The blue paint appears uniform and in more than acceptable condition for a driver, with the trim and bumpers also nicely preserved. Although some black tires and fancier wheels would make this one look more sporty, I’m kind of digging the hubcaps and whitewalls here.
This one’s also got a blue interior, but again, we don’t know what’s original versus refurbished components. The condition inside appears just about as good as the exterior, with few cosmetic blemishes anywhere that I could spot. Moving further down, the photos from underneath show a platform that seems just as solid as the rest of the car. A bit of surface rust is visible here and there, but no rot or any areas to spark concern on the frame.
An inline six-cylinder was the standard engine for the Bel Air in 1960, with a 283 being the smallest-sized V8. This one’s got the latter with a 2-barrel carb, and there isn’t any confirmation that this is still the original motor. A 3-speed manual transmission adds to the fun factor here, with the seller stating that this car runs and drives great. It may not be the most powerful example, but based on condition, this seems like one of the nicest 1960 Chevrolet Bel Airs we’ve seen in a while. What do you think?
Look’s like a Bel Air to me.
Hi Troy,
Thanks for your clarification! You’re right, by this time, the Bel Air and Impala had become separate models.
It is. The only difference between the BelAir and Biscayne is the BelAir had two tone paint as an option and came with color-matched interior, not plain gray.
The Impala also has the 3 light treatment in the rear and more side trim. Also, i believe the Impala 2 door was not available as a post. But you could get a Bel Air 2 door hard top.
The differences between Biscayne and BelAir were the trim levels, not color availability. You could get a 2-tone Biscayne.
Biscaynes did not have the chrome strip behind the airplane on the side, had thinner trim along the top of the quarter, no drip rail moldings, and no trim around the rear cove (with no contrasting paint color on the rear cove).
And the Biscayne interior was not only limited to the one gray color, it was a “cheaper” trim versus the BelAir on both the seats and door panels, and had less chrome on the dash. Also a cheaper steering wheel if I recall correctly.
I like these big ol’ gull winged Chevies. As a former owner of the ’59 version, I can tell you they have lots of room inside, though the “knee-knocker” A-pillar lives up to its reputation (I also had a ’60 Pontiac with same). And my ’59 also had stick shift, only with the six. It also had overdrive which helped on the freeway. It’s a car I wish I had today.
My knee still hurts from getting into my ’60 Catalina and I sold that car 50 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Low rider.
Your usual intelligent comment
Gracias!
Once owned by Bob Seger, inspiration for ‘Night Moves’.
NICE!! comment I get it ! This is one clean Chevy that has survived!! He just turned 80 years old this month!
Not arguable at all…it is not a bubble top.
1961 and 1962 only years for bubbletop
MrF…what about ’59 and ’60?
plus bubble tops where 2 door hard tops no post this is a 2 door sedan it has a b or center post
Mike, this car has “wheel covers” not the little “hub caps” . I know, nit- picking. But correct terminology is always appreciated. I believe that windshield is the same as all GM “B” bodies that year. (and the same one a few following years and of course the 1959 also. ) Even my parents 1959 Caddy had the same windshield. Good looking car!
Mr. F….Bubble tops were available in 59 thru 62 throughout the entire GM car brands.
Bubble tops were the 2 door hard tops only , not the 2 door sedans . As already established earlier on here. But worth repeating.
What a steal! 3-on the floor? Very rare.
looks like 3 on the tree
Impala was available as a 2 door sedan in ONLY 1961.
This has a 3 speed floor conversion. You can see the “nub shift coller” if you look real close.
Sold now which isn’t surprising. Nice Chevy that you don’t see all that much in this configuration. Congrats to the new owner.
Perfect candidate for a 348 with tri-power.
I absolutely love this car, and the price seems reasonable by todays standards. If, if, if.
sold.