409 V8 – 20k Miles! 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air
The Bel Air was a Chevrolet staple across three decades beginning in the 1950s. But it would take a back seat to the Impala which would become the top series in 1959. The 1963 Bel Air was a mid-level choice between the Impala and the entry-level Biscayne, yet all of them could be ordered with Chevy’s monster motor, the 409 V8 (“She’s So Fine, My 409!”). This Bel Air 2-door sedan left the factory with the maximum 425 hp version along with a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller says it has less than 20,000 miles!
We suspect that more of the nearly 17,000 409s that Chevrolet built in 1963 went into an Impala or Impala SS, but things didn’t stop there. You could choose from 340, 400, and 425 horsepower variants of the 409, which was developed through different carburetion setups and other mechanical twists. We’re told the seller’s car has the biggest output, but it’s probably stronger than that given the lost list of mechanical upgrades the seller provides.
The seller also says the Palomar Red paint (burgundy?) is original (61 years old — wow!) though it has a few little nicks and scratches. We’re told the interior has been redone and we wonder if the indicated mileage is truly under 20,000 as the seller says. While the vehicle presents quite well with dog dish hubcaps, a couple of other pics show in the attic of a barn and on the back of a flatbed, so we’re not sure of its history.
This hot Chevy comes with some spare parts and wheels/tires, along with a few awards it appears to have collected over the years. The Bel Air must have spent some time at the track or why would it be equipped with some of the features the seller mentions? From Torrington, Connecticut, this rare beast is available here on craigslist for $51,000 or a serious offer. Videos are available online if you do a search based on the seller’s description of the machine. A nod of the fedora to Mitchell G. for another hot tip!
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Comments
This car was previously featured on this site in May of this year with an asking price if $57k. There was a lot of insightful comments. There is a reason it hasn’t sold.
Steve R
Not original.
However, I am original.
Original 4 speed? Shifter stub on steering column?
Nice looking car!
This was not an original 409 car. Just a simple Bel air that came with a column mounted shifter. Lack of tach in dash so probably a low HP 283 etc.
Cool, if any remember my story of my ex-BIL and I brought back to Wis. from Nashville in the mid 80s, was this car. Okay, it was a 6 cylinder Biscayne 2 door, 3 speed column, with a dented rear 1/4 panel, which a new one was included,,,$300 bucks. I wanted the 2 door ’65 Falcon wagon,( same price) but I think he had visions of turning into this, that never happened. Ah, the 80s,,,
This car? While many may think my references to our wars is pointless, many left behind cars just like this, and never came back. And even though, that song probably did more for sales( song was actually about a 1962, but carried over to ’63), this was the hottest stick Chevy had to offer. I read, this car would do 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and the 1/4 mile at 14.7 at around 95 mph from the showroom. The HP, like all then, was grossly understated and this motor put out 450hp easy. Was it competitive? Well, yes and no. Up until ’63, yes, watching vintage drag racing, ’62-’63 was just the hottest years for Chevy and most had a 409. The R code Ford in ’63 put an end to that and the 426 hemi a year later, spelled doom for the poor 409. Nice car, again, trying for that 1 person that isn’t in a wheelchair yet that might want/afford this, but rest assured, like the song, this type of car will pass too,,,Grampa? Who were the Beach Boys and isn’t 409 a household cleaner? That’s right, it’s coming.
Another dreamer! So much wrong and incorrect in this car.Hard Pass on this one!
Inspired by Howard’s comment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n087-LhythY
The fact that the seller is misrepresenting this car should raise a couple of fairly bright red flags. First off, I ain’t buying the claimed milage. After that is the fact that unless the steering column was replaced, this was not a factory 409. I’m sure that with a little detective work, one could find out what this thing started life as, but I can nearly guarantee you that it won’t be a factory 409/425 4 speed.
“She’s REAL fine my 409” c’mon Russ, you should know this, it’s from your era!!!
“And she’s purchasing a stairway to heaven…”
Always wanted a 409, but since it’s pretty surely a cobbled together “clone-ish” car, this ain’t the one.
Show the cowl tag
“nearly 17,000 409s that Chevrolet built in 1963” and there are only 19,427 left on the road today.
I love the bailing wire exhaust hangers! Ok, the entire exhaust system is wonky.
$30k and it’s a deal…maybe.
I have to believe the bulk of 409s were installed in Impala SS hardtop coupes and convertibles. Some smaller amount in 2-door post Biscaynes for drag racing.
And a minuscule number in Bel Air (all bodies) and sedans and wagons in any trim.
The ’63 F/S Chevy brochure states that both flavors of the 409 were available with manual transmissions ONLY.
Stock classes when these were new were based on advertised horsepower and shipping weight. Sometimes just a few pounds more or less could change your class, giving you a power/weight advantage. That’s why sometimes you see 4 doors or wagons with race motors.
Seller doesn’t actually say this is an original 409 car.
Ad says:
Has correct yr and month
425 + hp
And then he proceeds to say what’s in the motor. Wouldn’t be suprised if it was originally a 6-inline three on the tree chebbie.
Could it possibly be a 348 in disguise??
Which side of the block is the dip stick on?
“Which side of the block is the dip stick on?”
The dipstick is behind the block…in the drivers seat.
348 dipstick on the left, 409 on the right…or vice versa!