Photos: Mecum Auctions

Among the full sized Chevrolets of the early sixties, the Impala certainly garners the most attention, but the downscale Bel Air was just as  capable of producing a collectible model or two. The Bel Air first emerged in 1950 as a name reserved for hardtop models in the Deluxe Style-line series.

For 1953, the Bel Air became a distinct model of its own. By 1961, it had gone through five distinct evolutions. Even between 1961 and 1962, most exterior sheet metal was updated as Detroit continued its love affair with the annual model change phenomenon.

The 1962 Bel Air was available in a wide range of body styles, including a 2-door coupe and hardtop, as well as a 4-door hardtop, sedan and station wagon. Among these, the 2-door pillar-less hardtop was only available for the 1961 and 1962 model years. The lack of a B-pillar, coupled with the wrap around front and rear glass led to the popular, if unofficial, Bubble Top designation.

Powertrain selections were updated for the 1962 model, retaining the 235 cui inline six and 283 cui V8, but introducing the 327 cui V8 in 250 or 300 hp variants. At the high end, the 409 cui V8 became available following its successful introduction in the previous year’s Impala. Available transmissions included a 3-speed manual, the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission and a 3-speed Powerglide automatic.

Despite the 409-equipped Impala being the hot ticket in 1961, performance enthusiasts soon migrated to the Bel Air and Biscayne models given that they were lighter and considered more aerodynamic than the Impala. The big V8 put out 409 horsepower, with its dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors, special solid-lifter cam and lighter valve train.

When the Beach Boys released their chart topping song, 409, the car they had in mind would have been very much like the current example. Auctioneer’s information indicates this car has the full factory 409 package, in 390 horsepower trim (single 4-barrel carburetor) and factory tachometer, along with power steering and the Muncie 4-speed transmission with floor shifter.

Claimed to be unmodified from factory condition, this car will apppear at the upcoming Daytime Auction in Monterey, CA. Now expanded th three days, the event will run at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, from August 18th to the 20th. For additional information, please check out the event web site.