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Chevrolet Bel-Air Townsman
Eclectic Cars

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colourLarkspur Blue/India Ivory
interior colourWhite/Black Vinyl
driveLHD
typeunknown
year1957
price23.659 EUR
VATNo
cityWeston on the Green, Oxon,OX25 3QN
countryUnited Kingdom
This is a Four-Door Townsman Wagon, one of the rarest versions of the legendary Chevrolet Bel Air. Finished in Larkspur Blue with India Ivory this Chevy accommodates 6 people across 2 bench seats, has a split folding tail gate, rear folding seats, acres of chrome, spot lights, Chrome wheel caps, period Chevrolet roof rack with rear lights, interior fan, factory sun visor, rear deflectors and a period push button radio in an uncut dash.

Modifications and Improvements

350Ci Chevrolet V8 running Edlebrock 600cfm carburettor and matching inlet manifold, Holley twin element air filter, Mallory electronic ignition, electric cooling fan, TH350 3 speed automatic transmission, gas shock suspension, front disc brake conversion, power assisted steering (thank God!), a stainless steel exhaust system Modern Pioneer Radio/CD interior and exterior speaker system.

There is nothing that survives from the early history of this car, but it must have been well looked after because the shell is in unmolested condition with no signs of significant repair. Anything that has been done has to have been complete panels and welded in place before the car was restored to a very high standard. The car has had a complete respray to bring it up to the standard you see here today in cellulose Larkspur Blue and India Ivory. The finish is very good indeed and with a day of Dan detailing the body has come up beautifully. All the chrome fixtures and fittings are in a similarly fantastic condition set off perfectly on white wall tyres. One of the cooler features and one that you won't spot from looking at the pictures is the exterior speaker system that is fitted behind the headlamp grills.

The wheels are original spec steels with chrome hub caps. These have a matching set of excellent tyres. The car has had a front disc brake conversion and a dual circuit servo fitted which has vastly improved the braking power giving you far more confidence to use the power of the 350Ci engine.

There is no doubt that this engine has got a serious amount of poke. When I got behind the wheel I had no idea how quickly this old girl could pick up her petty coat and get moving. The engine bay is beautifully detailed with chrome and braided pipes and is in superb mechanical condition. The starting procedure is simple; a couple of pumps on the throttle primes the carb and then with a twist of the key the engine barks into life. During the build the radiator was re-cored and an electric fan was fitted to keep the temperature under control which does a sterling job. The engine idles beautifully once warmed through transferring its power through a 3 speed TH350 automatic gearbox to the back wheels. Power delivery is instant and smooth right through the rev range.

The interior of the car has been completely re-trimmed with original spec items sourced through parts suppliers Ecklers in Florida USA. As such the Bel Air feels just as special inside as it looks on the outside. There is a massive amount of room, indeed it accommodates 6 adults plus a huge amount of luggage in the boot. All of the equipment onboard works perfectly with the exception of the push button radio which has been superseded with a modern unit housed in a hand built pod below the dash. The rear seats fold flat giving an area that 2 six foot adults could quite easily sleep in! There is a period cool box with matching flasks in the boot which come with the car for those weekend picnics with the family.

Although there is no history from the USA the file that the current owner has amassed tells you everything you need to know about how fastidiously this car has been restored. The parts have been sourced from Ecklers Automotive in Florida who can supply almost any part to the UK within three working days and are more than happy to help keep these fantastic cars alive with help and advise. There is over £8,300 worth of parts alone in the history file which does not include anything large like an engine or gearbox! All the MOT's are present since the car was registered in the UK in 2007 and she has just had a full service, MOT and a years tax to get her ready for the up and coming season.


For a full description and over 25 high resolution photographs please visit our website:

http://www.eclecticcars.co.uk

*** Eclectic Cars workshop and detailing bay are now open to service, detail, wax-oyl and protect your classic car call us on 01869 351883 for more details ***

 Petrol

Sold on the 29.08.2012
See all cars
Eclectic Cars
Location:
Unit 4 Forge Works

Northampton Road
Weston on the Green, Oxon,OX25 3QN
Phone
+ 44 (0)1869 351883
Mobile phone
+44 (0)7834 6214 66
Fax
 
E-mail
e-mail
Home
http://www.eclecticcars.co.uk






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