1962 Chevrolet Bel Air
Drag racing was born in the dry lake beds in the California deserts. In the 1930s as engines got better and drivers got braver, speeds began topping 100mph. But it wasn't until after World War II that a bunch of kids with cars, hanging out with nowhere in particular to go, turned into something more serious. Popularity grew steadily but drag racing still remained largely an underground pastime. Races frequently took place on disused military runways with the first organized event dating back to 1949 at the Goleta Air Base in California. Things were simple and low-tech in those days. Cars were driven to the track or towed in makeshift trailers. Drivers raced over a quarter of a mile, the length of a city block, but without the aid of safety barriers or regulated track conditions. The spectators in particular got a raw deal with no proper grandstands or seating. As the decade turned drag racing began to get organized. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) was founded in 1951 by Wally Parks, and within the decade two classes of competition had developed 'Unmodified Stock' and 'Top Eliminator'.
This car for consignment was built as a race car, therefore has no vin. It is being sold on a Bill of Sale. An original Russ Campbell, and Donnie Shaeffer build, meant to run NMSCA/NSCA Pro Nostalgia class. It was then put into the hands of John Holt, who completely rebuilt the car to be NHRA Certified and be able to run 7.50 times. Currently due to consigners license constraints, there is a throttle stop to keep the car from going into the 9's.
Exterior
For weight reduction, front fenders are fiber glass, hood is carbon fiber, and have Dzus fasteners to easily be removed to make working on the car a breeze. Doors, and deck lid are also fiber glass, and all windows are Lexan. All stickers can be easily removed for any changes, and racing tires are on all corners, small in front and large slicks on back.
Interior
Chassis regulations require the car to have some of its original frame, which is requirement met here. The car has been back halved, and tubular A frames were employed, in a funny car cage configuration. Appearing as passenger seat, is actually a fiberglass box covered to look like a seat. This can easily be removed also with the Dzus fasteners. This car is equipped with an Autometer data collection system, which current consigner has documentation for all wrapped up and ready to go. Noted is a fire suppression system for the driver's leg portion of the car.
Drivetrain
A stroked 446ci "W" block with a 3.776 stroke, and bored .30 over is under the hood. Rods inside are big block Chevrolet, pistons are Brooks racing 14 to 1. Dual 750 CFM Holley carbs are atop, headers are 1965 583 Castings, and a distributor and crank trigger. Also, inside is a Comp Cam roller cam, and a Steff's pan buttons up the bottom. This engine has been dyno'd at 647hp @ 7600rpm, when it was 436ci configuration. Attached to the rear is a G-force 101 clutchless transmission (just like the pro stockers, just pull levers) and it has a long inline shifter. Clutch is a Boninfante 10.5 single disc wrapped in a Trick Titanium bell housing, and it puts power to a fabricated Fab 9 with 5.29 gears. An MSD 7-AL 2 provides the spark.
Undercarriage
As with most race cars, it is immaculately clean, and everything is easily accessible for quick work or repairs. Frame is original and strong, and as noted, has been reinforced with the tubular back half and roll cage.
A few scratches and dings, but overall a very nicely presenting drag racing car that will do incredible times if you possess the correct license. A nostalgia class racer that will definitely keep you firmly planted in your seat for a possible 7.5 second ride. That's no small change!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.