Big Block 348

M21 4-speed

Fresh build

Here for sale is this dialed-in '60 Belair Bubbletop. Sold new at Ed Lee Chevrolet in Mineral Springs Texas, it started life as a 6-cylinder Powerglide car. Extremely solid and original, in 2007 it was sold to a restorer who specializes in 58-64 Chevrolets, he used his years of experience to perform a seamless transplant of big block power mated with a manual transmission. While he was at it he added 605 power steering, all new brakes and suspension, and a posi 3.55 rear for good measure. The result is a very understated sleeper that has more than what meets the eye.

Click to enlarge any of the images, OR click here to view a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

The car has had one careful repaint in its original color of Cascade Green. The paint and prep were done very well, this is nice paint. On close inspection you'll find some touched in chips scattered about, but overall the car stands tall. The body panels are very straight and the car is extremely solid with no rust issues or signs of previous repair. Tires have good tread and the wheels and hubcaps are all in nice condition.

Straight bumpers with good chrome. All of the trim is original and still looking great, with just a few small flaws here and there.

All of the glass are the original E-Z-Eye tinted pieces from new, including the windshield. It's picked up one small chip (visible in the 2nd photo below), otherwise all of the glass is really outstanding.

Straight grill with good center emblem. T3 headlights.

Tail-light lenses are all crystal clear. The chrome on the wing trim pieces is excellent, with no pitting or tarnishing.

Clean trunk with good weatherstripping.

With the exception of the seat upholstery, this interior is all original. From the flooring, to the headliner, to the door panels, to the weatherstripping - it's remarkably well preserved for being 56 years old. The recovering of the seats was done with first class workmanship, the fit and finish is terrific.

Very nice steering wheel with no cracks. A correct 4-spd steering column was installed to replace the automatic. Vintage style Sun tach is operable and all of the gauges are working as well. An authentic radio-delete plate was added.

The mileage reading of 36K is interesting to me, on one hand it seems pretty impossible to be original, but on the other I look at the original flooring, original glass, condition of the sills, wiring, etc. There's lots of original aspects of this car, but due to its age it's sold mileage-exempt.
The 2nd photo below shows the original key fob from Ed Lee Chevrolet in Texas. Further below is an old ad for their dealership, click to enlarge.

The door jambs still have original paint. The windlacing shows some fading, a new reproduction set in pale green is included. The headliner shows some staining but is original.

Undisturbed footwells and kick panels.

Original door panels and weatherstripping - hanging in there after 5+ decades.

Most folks would have been content with a basic 350/350 swap when doing this transplant. It takes a special person to keep it period correct, and what a killer job they've done here. The 348 has about 2000 miles on it and runs perfectly. Starts at the flick of the key and runs beautifully. The M21 moves through the gears precisely, the car brakes well, handles well, basically does everything it should with no issues.

605 power steering makes around town driving easy. Rebuilt Rochester 4Jet carb. All new fuel and brake lines. Undercarriage looks just as good as the top, this car's ready to show and go.

Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

$28,000 or trade up or down for quality collector cars