1959 Chevrolet Bel Air: An American Classic
Step back in time with this 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air, a four-door sedan that captures the essence of Americana car culture. Purchased by the current owner in 2008, this Bel Air is thought to have rolled off the factory floor with a 283ci Super Turbo-Fire V8 engine, paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a nifty Touch-Down overdrive.
No, it’s not just a pretty facade; the car demands attention with its distinctive Highland Green and Snowcrest White paint job. It comes fully loaded with goodies like a PosiTraction differential, 3.36:1 gears, a four-barrel carburetor, and a dual exhaust system. Let’s not forget those stylish body-color 14-inch wheels, wrapped over drum brakes that might have you appreciating that modern ABS all over again. Inside, everything is decked in luxurious green vinyl, complete with bench seating, a heater, a defroster, and a Faria tachometer that occasionally requires a gentle nudge to function. You’ll find comfort in knowing this Bel Air comes with the original owner’s manual, a pile of service records, and a Washington state title with the current owner’s name emblazoned on it.
Exterior Details
Sporting a classic Highland Green and Snowcrest White paint scheme, this Bel Air shows evidence of some re-touching over the years, notably on the driver’s door. Key features include quad headlights, fender ornaments, those iconic chrome bumpers, and a lone side mirror. The windshield, sadly, has a chip, and the washer system isn’t currently operational. But hold onto your hats—chips and blemishes pepper this beauty, a testament to its six-decade grace on the road.
Rolling on Steel and Rubber
Rolling on 14-inch body-color steel wheels and wearing older Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, this sedan’s stopping power is exclusively drum-driven, front and rear. The shocks and brake wheel cylinders have been recently replaced, so at least that saves you a trip to the garage.
Inside the Bel Air
The interior is as eye-catching as the exterior, finished in two-tone Light and Medium Green vinyl with stylish patterned inserts. For those of you who adore the scent and feel of vintage vinyl, this Bel Air won’t disappoint. Dream away those long road trips, even if you’ll have to do it in silence—the radio’s out of commission. But hey, the backlight works!
Driving Essentials
Steering is orchestrated through an original wheel that frames a classic dashboard with all the dials and gadgets. The Faria tachometer, a charming relic of its own, lights up when poked into submission. A five-digit odometer reads 58k miles, with around 3,000 added by the current owner’s adventures on the open road.
Under the Hood
No imposters here; the 283ci V8 was factory-fitted with a four-barrel carburetor, delivering a cool 230 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in its heyday. Fresh off an oil change and boasting a new fuel pump and battery, this engine is practically roaring to be let loose on the freeway.
Transmission and Power
Power is deftly routed to the rear wheels via a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, complete with the factory overdrive unit for that extra push. Adding to its mystique, it features a PosiTraction differential and 3.36:1 gears—ideal for impressing the neighbors.
Final Thoughts
Decoding the specifics of this automotive masterpiece reveals its roots:
- Style: 59-1619 – That’s 1959 Bel Air in a classic four-door configuration.
- Body: KC10847 – Born in the Kansas City plant, this gem is one of many.
- Trim: 822 – Lavish in Green cloth and vinyl.
- Paint: 953F – Sporting the Highland Green and Snowcrest White colorway.
Ready to reignite your love for classic motoring, this Washington state classic car also carries a title that declares its legendary status. Buckle up and take this beauty for a spin—she’s as close to the American Dream as it gets!