Please take time to watch the “Test Drive” VIDEO
Original appearance / upgraded performance
PURPOSE BUILT for real world drivability while “carefully maintaining” the original “period look” everywhere possible.
This beautiful Surf Green 1951 Bel Air has a near “perfect blend” of being mildly updated to that “just right point” where most of the original limitations have been addressed while, “retaining the soul and classic nature of the car”.
With only 4,000 miles on the BUILD, it shows little to no cosmetic wear. It is fun to drive and has very impressive torque. It will accelerate like a 283 Power Pack V8 and cruise effortlessly at 65 and above…. See Test Drive video above.
NOT an over modified classic built to some individuals unique taste. In fact, to the non-trained eye it looks completely original (which was the goal). To the trained eye it looks substantially original with only a couple of the updates being noticeable only after more critical inspection.
What is unquestionably noticeable is the driving experience. You can drive this beautifully refined Bel Air anywhere with the greatest of ease. Below is a long list of “period performance” upgrades and “modern tweaks” that combine to make a SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in the performance and real world drivability of this car.
Period upgrades & modern tweaks
261 Engine – “Holy Grail” of vintage Chevy inline 6’s !
261 engine has long been considered by many to be the “Holy Grail” of the six’s from this time period. It’s the motor everyone looked for back in day the when beefing up their in-line six cylinder cars to compete against the early V8’s.
The 261 is a true “sleeper”….. although outwardly it appears identical to the 235, the larger bore and stroke and the high-lift camshaft in the 261 makes much better power allowing it run with the V8’s of the period with no problem – including the mighty 283 V8.
The 261 when properly set up and mated to the right transmission and rear-end (as done with this Bel Air) willaccelerate quickly to highway speeds and maintain them all day long with little strain.
The coveted 261is identifiable by its casting numbers AND the “Captain’s Bars” cast into the outside of the block. Being one of the later 261’s it also has the factory large line “full flow oil filtration” system.
Today this rare motor is even more sought after by knowledgeable builders but unfortunately has long been near impossible to find. The good news is that there are many inline-6 specialists that can support any need you may have for this rare platform.
Vintage “Period Performance” Upgrades
Upgrade to 261 engine – rebuilt by former owner approximately 4,000 miles ago
Upgraded with Offenhauser dual Intake Manifold
Upgraded with Dual Rochester Carbs ( …. freshly rebuilt with “ethanol friendly” gaskets and “ethanol friendly” internal components)
Upgraded with Fenton split Header for true dual exhaust system (…. Cherry Bomb mufflers).
Modern Updates for drivability
Updated withTurbo 350 “automatic” Transmission (& transmission Cooler)
Updated with Nova 10-bolt 3:55 gear Rear End, excellent combination with tranny (open driveshaft of course)
Updated with Power Steering and a Rack & Pinion Steering rack
Updated with Power Brakes
Updated with Tilt Steering Column
Updated with modern Heat unit that is further “upgradable” to AC if desired
Updated with VDO gauges – custom fitted…. all working
Updated with 12 volt with new Wiring as needed
Updated with Alternator
Updated to Pertronix electronic ignition
Updated with bright LED tail/brake lights for safety
Updated with Seat Belts (made in America)
Freshly rebuilt “original” Radiator with the correct “look”
Freshly rebuilt Rochester carburetors for TODAYS ETHENOL GAS
New correct Gas Tank & ALL new Gas Lines
INTERIOR is 100% new & correct
The Bel Air was the top of the line model and came with a unique special interior that was much more attractive than the interior in the rest of the Chevrolet lineup. A correct all new, top to bottom “Hampton Coach” Interior was installed. This is an expensive step in correctly restoring the Bel Air and most owners opt to go with a far less expensive customer interior. In my opinion you cannot beat the factory look and charm of the original Bel Air interior.
PAINT & BODY (outstanding in BOTH categories)
The finish on this car is show quality and the “soothing” Surf Green color really makes people smile.
NOT you typical repaint ….. this was a BARE METAL repaint by a 40-year paint man who blocked the body to a LASER straight finish. The end result is truly beautiful with the only notable flaws being the paint reaction on the rear roof pillars at the factory lead seams (common problem – google paint issues on lead seams).
The car lived most of its life in California and has ALL of its factory original metal including the untouched original floors and trunk pan which are rock solid.
PRICE If you have read all the above, looked at all the photos and watched the video then you know that this is NOT a low budget build. Rater, it was a built with very specific goals in mind. It would be hard to find a comparable 1st series Bel Air that is refined and drivable as this one ALL THE WHILE retaining the essence of what we fell in love with from the beginning.
As far as price goes this car is easily worth every penny. If cheap is what you need, I understand …. there are “lesser cars” out there for less money and typically you get what you pay for. On the other hand if you are looking for a well sorted and FUN 1st series Bel Air that you can actually hop in and go anywhere then this little jewel deserves serious consideration. After you have driven all the others, come drive this one. I am located approximately 30 minutes from either of the Dallas Texas airports, fly in and drive it home.
FINANCING & SHIPPING
FINANCING is available through our friends at
JJ BestBanc & Co & others
And, we can coordinate shipping any where in the world.
my eBay “Seller” feedback
Please take time to review the eBay“seller feedback”on meselling NOTHING but qualityClassic Cars. You can see by the price points and the feedback, I specialize in selling premium quality cars. Buy with confidence.
·Bought a $30,000 TR6 from Michael and he is great! Very honest and capable.
·1968 Camaro “as described”, we love it. Michael is very honest (buyer paid$40,000)
·Exceptional car from an exceptional seller. Great father & son team. (buyer paid$38,500)
·It's a pleasure to deal with Michael, excellent communication, great car (buyer paid$59,950)
·The car was everything and more than I expected! Thanks Michael (buyer paid$22,000)
·Great seller, car exactly as described, well worth$38,000- a dream comes true
·Extremely satisfied – Michael is very fair and good with communication (buyer paid$49,950)
· The facility was awesome, the cars were of excellent quality just as described! (buyer paid$59,950)
· Paid$95,000very pleased with car. Michael was very professional and honest.
·Car as described. Paid$43,000andPleased.
·Great Car.$38,500.Car as described. Thanks Michael
·67 Mustang S Code 390,$42,9500, Beautiful Car, Michael is passionate & trustworthy.
·$54,7501969 Firebird 400 Conv. Amazing car & transaction, Michael is excellent.
·Bought a$50,000Mustang. Great car! Excellent communication. Thanks Michael!
·$44,000and 2ndpurchase from Michael. Very Recommended.
·$34,950for 66 Mustang Conv. Incredible service from Michael. I’ll buy more. Thx
·Paid$42,500and the car is PRECISELY as Michael represented it to be. Great job!
·2ndcar I purchased from Michael, always as described. This one for$38,500
·I purchased my car from Michael Chance for$44,950. Love the car. Helpful seller.
·Thanks Michael, well worth the$45,000
·Michael has the BEST CARS on eBay. Paid$58,500for my stunning 67 GT 390!
·Had an AWESOME car Buying experience! Bought a$49,500Camaro & LOVE it!
·Michael went above and beyond to assist me. Very good communication. Excellent ! (….$18,950classic truck purchased by this buyer)
·Traveled from AUSTRALIA, met seller. Unbelievable setup, quality people, quality vehicles, quality service (….$35,000classic truck purchased by this buyer)
·Paid$65,000for my GTO convertible, very pleased, GREAT CAR. Thanks Michael !
·Michael sold me this GEM, for$49,950. It is everything I ever wanted and more.
·My expectations were totally blown out of the water on this$42,000Camaro, EXCELLENT !
·I was Very pleased with car, Great seller to do biz with, paid$41,000
·$65,0001956 Corvett, Amazing transaction, easiest ever, Michael did everything
·Purchased$37,450Car from Michael and he was the best to work with A+++++”
·Purchased$49,950Classic Car from Michael and love it! Topnotch experience
·“Superb to deal with! Had absolute confidence in buying a$45,000classic from Michael”
·“Great to deal with. Michael hasGreat Cars, will deal again, AAAA+”
·
“Purchased a$38,000classic car from Michael, very pleased, highly recommend
*
Michael just delivered my 64 F100, over$20,000grand purchase, hassle free”
·
“One of the best I have ever dealt with on Ebay. I would buy from again” (…..$58,100Trans Am purchased by this buyer)
·“Michael is top notch,$21,000Classic Car is awesome!”
·“fast ship As Described” (….$33,000Mustang purchased by this buyer)
·“What an amazing Impala SS427! U made this a great transaction!! Honest ebayer!” (….$69,950Impala purchased by this buyer)
·“Michael is a honest seller. Thank you for my$59,950Bel Air”
·Great Seller, Thanks (….$42,500Firebird 400 cvt purchased by buyer, his 2nd purchase from me, first was a$50,000L78 Camaro)
·Car arrived as described. Michael was excellent to work with. (….$25,500Grand Prix purchased by this buyer)
·2nd car I’ve bought from Michael. Very helpful & correct descriptions. (….$24,000Mustang purchased by this buyer, his 2nd purchase from me, 1st was$28,000Mustang)
·Easy to deal with. Quick buy now transaction (…..$24,200Mustang purchased by this buyer)
·As described, easy to deal with, good communication, thanks for the FIREBIRD (….$36,000Firebird HO cvt purchased by this buyer)
Terms & Conditions & all the Legal stuff
Do NOT purchase/ make an offer / or bid until you read everything below.
NOTE: You are purchasing this car through a licensed and bonded Texas Dealer. Accordinglyall transactions will be properly and legally documented.
All buyers “outside” of the State of Texas are required to pay a .002408% Vehicle Inventory Tax, plus a $150 Documentary Fee. …. No exceptions
TEXAS buyers will have to pay 6.25% Texas State “sales tax” AND license registration fees, as well as a dealer inventory tax of.002408% and a$150 documentary fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for taxes in their own states.
Although my eBay experiences have been very positive, I am aware that much goes on within the eBay community that is not positive and therefore requires direct language.
Any purchase, offer or bid is a legal acknowledgement and agreement on your part to be bound by the Terms and Conditions put forth below and additionally specified within eBay itself.
This vehicle is sold AS IS where IS - NO WARRANTY, no exceptions.
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, of any kind expressed or implied. It is the responsibility of the buyer and/or buyers agent to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle (prior to the end of the eBay listing), and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to bid or offer based upon that judgment solely.
There is no such thing as a "PERFECT" vehicle...especially when dealing with vintage vehicles. This is not a new vehicle; it is decades old. Even a restored or partially restored vehicle can and will have flaws and normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage. This vehicle may have minor dings, scratches (or, other imperfections) and indications of wear and use because it has been used. It may have existing or future mechanical issues.
Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition. There are many companies and individuals who offer such a service. These services are listed on the internet and can be found in most collector car magazine publications. Of course your personal inspection and scrutiny are suggested and most welcomed. Any and all inspections must occur PRIOR to the end of this eBay listing.
The seller has made a diligent effort to accurately describe any known material defects associated with this vehicle. Additionally, the seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose at the “buyer's request prior to the end of the eBay listing” any additional specific details important to the Buyer. However, any descriptions or representations from the Seller are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. Everything stated in the description is to the best of the seller’s knowledge. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. The Seller does not expressly, or implicitly, guarantee the accuracy of the description including authenticity or genuineness of the vehicle and/or its components and assumes no responsibility for any repairs or defects regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage.
If you purchase this vehicle you have accepted ALL terms and conditions listed in this eBay ad including this …… Any and all claims or disputes arising from or related to this transaction, other than a claim for injunctive relief, shall first be submitted to mediation in Tarrant County, Texas in accordance with the then governing rules of the American Arbitration Association. If the parties cannot resolve their dispute through mediation, they shall have the issue resolved through arbitration with the then governing rules of American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon an arbitration award may be entered in the District Court for the County of Denton, State of Texas. Parties shall bear their own costs related to any mediation or arbitration proceeding.
PAYMENT TERMS
Have FUNDS ready PRIOR to bidding or making an offer. Full payment must be received within five (7) business days of the end of auction/sale unless I agree in writing to alternative terms.
WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US buyers and required for all buyers “outside” the United States.
Cashier’s check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but in ALL cases this vehicle and its title will NOT be released until complete payment is received and all funds have irrevocably cleared BOTH Banks. If paying by Bank Cashiers Check, I must receive an e-mail “copy” of any Bank Cashiers Check in ADVANCE along with your “internal bank contact information” for my confirmation of your Bank Check by my Bank. Bank Cashiers checks MUST BE classified by my bank as having irrevocably cleared both Banks prior to my release of vehicle and title.
Loan checks must be agreed to by me PRIOR to you making a bid or offer. Money Orders are NOT accepted.