My first car, owned 40 years today, a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air

Bought the 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 door sedan, 40 years ago today. It was March 12th 1978, when I bought the Bel Air for $75. It had 58,000 original miles when I got it. A high school friend's grandfather bought it new at Merollis Chevrolet in Eastpoint for $2440 new... Back in 59 Eastpoint was called East Detroit.

Merollis Chevrolet is still in business, if you wish to do the Google maps to check the dealer out the 59 Bel Air sold from new.

The last repaint the Bel Air had was 1982... thats 36 years ago, and it still looks great! It is single stage enamel.

The Bel Air has a 250hp 348cid engine. The trans. is a Muncie 318 three speed manual, on the column. The axle ratio is 3:36 to 1. The Bel Air has power steering and power brakes... that was a option back in that era.

The Bel Air is getting close to 200,000 miles. Dad and I took it for a ride when it turned 100,000 miles. In a couple years it will probably turn that 200,000 mile mark. Hopefully dad and I can go for a ride for the second time around.

I have replaced all the steering joints and both front and rear control arm bushings. I have gone threw the brake hydraulic system a couple times over the past 40 years... it still has the single master cylinder system.

How I earned money to put into the Bel Air back then. I was in the co-op program in high school. I went to classes first threw fourth hour, then went to work for 2 classes of credit in the afternoon. I worked at the school bus garage for Romeo Community Schools, doing oil changes, tune up's, brake jobs, and other maintenance on them. It was a fleet of 60 busses, a couple dump trucks, and a few tractors. All the busses were Ford B-700 and B-750 chassis. They all had the 361 V-8's, five speed manuals and air brakes.

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[canyonboatman]

My dad told me to get a few clients and mow lawns. By the time I turned 16 I had owned 3 cars ( including a '59 chev for $75). When I turned 16 I found another and drove in high school.

[superjim]

Hi Howard, that’s so cool you have owned that car for 40 years now! I really want a 1959 Chevy Bel Air for my first car. I have become obsessed with them from your channel so thanks. Anyway can’t wait to see you cruising this summer in that beautiful Chevy.

[roosty]

Love those 'batwing' Chevies. I remember riding with my uncle in his 59 Pontiac StratoChief many years ago.

[abodea]

That right there is a rare ol gem, tqke care of it

[pmr]

Hey Howard, I think it's great that you kept your first car all of these years. I wish I still had my 1st or 3rd car. The '59 looks really nice and they are made to enjoy. Thanks for sharing...Pat

[mitchf]

Well, that car beats my 71 LTD being a first car at 16! Dang, and you still own it! I sold the 71 LTD back in 86, but always wish I still had it.. Brings back nice memories for sure.

[randydaniel]

Hello Howard, congratulations on your 40th anniversary of ownership with your '59 Chevy. I wish we could still buy old cars for 75 dollars today. I had the chance back in 1989 to buy a 68 Chrysler 300 for 250 dollars. I'm still kicking myself for not buying it!

[williamdorsey]

I started watching your Catalina videos recently and applaud your efforts.
If I had the cash, I would make a bee line to Michigan ASAP.
My first car was a 1967 Buick Skylark purchased on Oct.24 1971.
That was the same day the Detroit Lions Chuck Hughes collasped on the field and died at Tiger Stadium in a game against the Bears.
Sunday auto sales are no more in Chicago.
It's a long story but the car was totaled 2 years later.
Just sharing a few of my car memories.

[ncautoman]

Very cool you still have the 59 Chevrolet. My Dad didn't buy my first car either or any car for me. I earned my money and purchased a 64 Chevelle in 1972. Take care and thanks for sharing.

[dotell]

Thanks for the ride.. It reminds me of my first car it was a two door hard top 1955 Chevy . I gave 35.00 dollars for it.. The only thing wrong with it was a smached front fender... Went to the junk yard a got one for 10.00 dollars.. It had a 265 ci. 3 speed .. The year was 1965.. Am 70 now wish I still owned it .. Take care.. P.S. I live in Michigan too ..