350ci V8/Straight Steel/Seating For 6/Rarely Seen Example

1963 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon

Many of us grew up in them. The green 2-door Plymouth Suburban. The red and white Ford Fairlane with the Thunderbird V-8. That slow-as-a-slug 6-cylinder automatic Chevy Kingswood. Like the dog, they were lovable members of the family. If you are less than about 55 years of age, that paragraph likely means nothing. You possibly grew up in minivans or SUVs. Too bad, you missed a sweet spot in the automotive timeline. Then again, hope is not lost. Station wagons are still around...in style and utility if not in name. They were called station wagons because they were originally devised to take people to and from stations. In the beginning, the vehicles often had hand-built wooden bodies. Then steel took over, though homage was long played to the segment's heritage with "woodie" station wagon options.

A relic from the suburbia past, a station wagon taking the form of a 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air version. This 4-door elongated version of the Bel Air complete with rear cargo area, and even a tub below the aft most panel which magically lifts to reveal it. Otherwise seating for 6 and head on down the highway you too can be the Griswolds' and drive over towards Yellowstone park and catch Old Faithful. A slight modification for the engine and a possible sleeper grocery getter, at higher speed than you would anticipate.

Exterior
Bathed in dark green paint, the exterior has a few faults but nothing really overly remarkable. Good gaps, and straight panels abound on this family wagon. Overall nice chrome and trimmings solid rust-free bumpers and correct badges have this Bel Air take on an air of sophistication while hauling the family and all their goods. Long and low, interesting how the designers molded this into a longer version of the ubiquitous Bel Air. Now with 15-inch rally wheels, she's ready for the trip cross country to Walley World, and everything in between....And maybe even a bit of hidden excitement-stay tuned.....

Interior
Upscale tile pattern padded and buttoned black vinyl panels cover the upper doors. Lower is melamine in black with the passenger rear door lower seeing some damage. Inside a pair of benches with green horizontal striped broadcloth inserts and smooth black exterior bolsters, the back being foldable for some hauling if needed. This car is a factory A/C car, and also sports a rare optioned padded black dash. Original dash front decidedly GM scripts, with all working knobs and pulls is present and accounted for. Black carpet and black headliner is down and up and looking good. Noted a small bleed through of original color is seen on the now dyed color changed seats.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is best described as excellent. A like new replacing the original 350ci V8 orange block and nice silver Edelbrock intake atop with a Holley 650cfm double pumper (I bet you did not see that coming!). On back a 3-speed automatic TH350 complete with a shift kit 2800 stall converter and on back a 10-bolt axle. Go get 'em!

Undercarriage
Fully restored and no rust with shiny black surfaces, a turbo muffler system and drum brakes all around. Independent coil springs and a 3 link coil sprung rear keep things on the paved surfaces and your cargo and company safe.

Drive-Ability
Save for the rally wheels, we see an unassuming wagon that most would laugh at but turn the key and you release its inner wild suburban Dr. Jekyll. Great takeoffs, nice cruise, smooth shifting, and plenty of power for this elongated Bel Air. All functions working swimmingly. We noticed some pitting in the windshield, but fear not at the consignor has included a new one that comes with the car. Load 'em up!

Something not seen every day here at the Classic Auto Mall, the early 60's everywhere you turn there would be one of these...a wagon. All looking good and running very smartly with some extra UUMMPH for the 350/Double pumper fed dragon' wagon. Hold on kids we are going to clean 'er out!!

VIN DECODE
31635S288384
3-Chevrolet
16-BelAir 6cyl
35-4 Door Station Wagon
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
288384-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 61 1635-BelAir 4 Door Wagon
BDY SL12050-St Louis Body #
TR 850-Aqua Cloth & Vinyl
PNT 940-Satin Silver

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.