THIS IS AN EXTREEMLY RARE CAR ! ONLY 1,031 PRODUCED !
This is a 1959 Canadian Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop.
I bought this Canadian Bel Air in Montreal several years ag, it is now titled in New Jersey. It is a 2 door hardtop ( same body as the Impala but in Bel Air trim ) 1 Of only 1,031 made.
The United States did not make a 2 Door hardtop in 1959. The U.S. Bel Air roof line is much taller and longer and has a window post. The larger roof also makes for a much smaller trunk on the U.S. Bel Air . This Canadian Bel Air body style is exactly like the Impala "Bubble Topâ€.
It has a seemingly original Catalina interior which would not be out of character for GM of Canada to use Pontiac interior in a Chevy platform ( as they did with the Beaumont and Acadia ). I cannot find a reproduction Catalina interior which leads me to believe this interior is original . The vinyl and cloth are still very pliable but the seat covers and door panels show age in some areas.
I purchased documents from Vintage Vehicle Services Inc. in Canada because GM of Canada does not possess files from this era. The car is incredibly solid and is correct Satin beige. It was born with a 235 6 cyl but now has a 1988 GM Tuned Port Injection engine mated to the original Powerglide and original 3:08 open differential. It has Front power disk brakes and power steering.
The vehicle appears to have one repaint most likely during the 1990's judging from the drive train/front brake swap. The vehicle appears to have all its original panels .The paint is driver quality but shows pretty well. The firewall maintains its original paint. The trunk appears to have the original trunk mat in it. I gently pulled most of it up because it is very brittle. The trunk is in amazing condition.
I did not spray or under coat the undercarriage. I left it looking weathered because you can see the paint peeling on the floor pans exposing shiny metal.
Lights, hor, radio etc. all function properly. The windshield wiper motor only clears approximately 30% of the area . They do not reproduce these motors, it would have to be rebuilt.
I have a rebuilt 348 available for an additional cost . I was going to swap the engine but this little TPI small block runs so smooth and clean, I was in no rush. I have taken a handful of 3 hour trips to Wildwood NJ and Lake George NY. I have had no issues and averaged 22 miles per gallon. Contact me with any additional concerns . Matt 973-229-6266