The 1961 Chevrolet was a standout design, starting out the new decade shorn of tailfins but with a dramatic style that makes it highly desired today among Chevy fans.
The Pick of the Day is a 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door post, a mildly customized example of the model that slotted in below the top-of-the-line Impala. The Bel Air had a less-lavishly adorned body, with just a chrome accent tracing the attractive extrusions on the sides and rear, and four taillight pods instead of Impala’s six.
This Bel Air looks to have had the chrome trim removed, giving it the appearance of the lower Biscayne model, which is a look that’s appreciated by street rodders and cruisers. There is chrome window trim, but potential buyers would be advised to check whether the car was originally a Bel Air or if it’s a Biscayne fitted with Bel Air badges.
The Chevy is fitted with the optional 348cid big-block V8 with Offenhauser valve covers and dual exhaust, linked with an automatic transmission engaged with a tall, floor-mounted Lokar shifter. The V8, rated at 250 horsepower, could be the original factory engine.
The car rides on a set of chrome Eagle Racing wheels in a vintage style, and with stylistic upgrades to the headlights and taillights.
“This is a very nice Chevrolet 2-door post Bel Air that has been well-maintained,” according to the Gladstone, Oregon, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
The Bel Air wears a fairly unblemished coat of white paint, most likely a respray, and gleaming chrome grille, bumper and other brightwork. The blue bench-seat interior looks like it could be original.
“The blue interior is very presentable and looks good with the combination,” the seller says. “The headliner and doors panels are in great condition. Custom extra gauges were added.”
The Chevy seems to show a good amount of ownership pride, judging by its overall condition and the modest custom additions that add to its appeal.
The asking price is $27,950 for a classic Chevy that looks good and could be driven regularly and shown at local meets.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful car! My dad a white an red one growing up. We I had that car now!
Great price, nice looker. Went to the ad, and it doesn’t have one pic of the 348. Hope it was just an oversight. In my world no engine shots … no sale…
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Where can I find a 61 Belair 2 door without post? I had the one with a “moon” window in the back. thanks. [email protected] Sam
Nice looking car. A quick comment on the 348 thing. A well trained eye of impalas would see the flaw of being a 348 car. Just look at the grill and trunk lid emblems…the present emblems denote a v8 opted car ( 283 to be precise) , all 61 348 and 409 cars would have had a crossflag emblem both grill and trunk( expect on the SS). If it was a real 348 car those emblems would be on the car. Its a slippery slope in values and representations. So my friends do your homework. All in all it is a very very nice presentable car for the new owner to enjoy.
John
Hi.Sure,It’s pretty nice..61 wasn’t the prettiest
Chevy ever made by FAR..I’d rather a ’63 or a ’69
Or a ’60..I always thought that the 61 is quite
Homely..If you want a ’61 anything,Go for the
Buicks or Cadillacs,or a ’61 Dodge or Chrysler.
A 61 Bubble top was hardly ugly. Sharp creases and looks were hard to beat. Values are high and deservingly so. I had had one but my dad, bless his soul, sold it while I was in the Marines. Circa 1968. Would buy one today if I found the “right” one.
Well I have a 61 impala convertible all original under 80k miles 283 4 bbl automatic no dents dings or rusted chrome perfect interior spent most of it’s life stored what would be a good price? Pictures available