Custom 1967 Chevrolet Bel Air with a Powerful Engine
American car culture easily recognizes the Chevrolet Bel Air. Although the model has changed significantly over the decades, excellent examples can still be seen on the streets or at exhibitions today. However, you are unlikely to find one as flawless and impressive as this.
Before you is a completely reworked 1967 Bel Air wagon. Its modifications concerned not only the power under the hood but also the exterior, ensuring the car always attracts attention.
The wagon will be auctioned at Mecum in January as part of the sale of the Day family’s classic car collection. There is no preliminary estimate yet, but considering the scope of work performed, it is safe to assume the price will be significant.
The Heart of the Car is a Powerful V8 Engine
What makes this car special? First of all, a new 502-cubic inch (8.2-liter) V8 engine is installed under the hood, paired with a modernized automatic transmission.
There are no official power figures for this engine, but similar engines can easily produce over 600 hp without turbocharging. This brings it close to the performance of modern powerful wagons like the Audi RS6 Avant, but all this power is packed into a mid-1960s wagon, the size of a small yacht, which is both impressive and a little frightening.
Bright Exterior and Updated Interior
The Chevrolet’s exterior has also been completely updated. The car is painted in a custom color combination—orange and gold pearl. The original door handles have been removed, and the front and rear bumpers have received new chrome plating.
Chrome is also present on the wheel rims, which are mounted over updated SSBC brakes with four-piston calipers. The ground clearance has been reduced, giving the Bel Air a more aggressive stance than any factory version.
The interior is finished in a combination of orange and cream leather, with new seat belts installed. The audio system has also been updated—a custom head unit and improved speakers have been installed.
Mileage and Overall Impressions
The car’s odometer shows just under 8,000 miles (12,800 km). It is unclear whether this is the original mileage or, more likely, the distance traveled after the engine replacement.
Whether you love vintage wagons or simply adore power in a body with rear doors—this Bel Air doesn’t play around. It’s loud, low, and undeniably orange.
This car is a vivid example of how a classic can be reimagined by combining retro design with modern technology and power. Such projects often become subjects of heated debate among car enthusiasts: some believe originality should be preserved, others argue that such modifications give old cars new life. The sale at the Mecum auction will show how highly such work is valued in the market, where customization craftsmanship meets the model’s historical value. Wagons from the 1960s have been gaining increasing popularity among collectors lately, and this example certainly stands out from others due to its radical appearance and technical equipment.