1962 Chevrolet Bel Air Series Series 1600 HardTop Sport Coupe

Just a handful of Chevrolet vehicles received the 409 cubic-inch V8 in 1961, but the following year it was a viable contender available to any performance enthusiast. This particular Bel Air has the 409 cubic-inch V8 engine with 409 horsepower meaning it provides one horsepower per cubic inch. It has big valve heads and dual-quad intake manifold and a pair of Carter AFB D series carburetors. The engine is backed by a Borg-Warner T10 four-speed transmission with a Positraction rear axle. There is manual steering and brakes, a new dual exhaust system, and 800/14 inch BF Goodrich Blackwall tires mounted on the correct wide wheels.

Many racers preferred the Bel Air platform as opposed to the upscale appointments found in the Impala with Super Sport trim package. As a race-oriented car, this example has the radio, heater and clock deletes. The exterior is highlighted by its straight sheet metal refinished in original Ermine White, with minimal cues on the exterior denoting the power package beyond the 409 crossed-flag front fender emblems. The interior has been restored in the correct red finish with dash gauges, an original Sun tachometer, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a floor shifter topped with a white ball knob.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021