Timeless and classic.

When it comes to the classic cars that we all know and love, each one has a unique story. Those stories usually revolve around why a particular car was built, or things that occurred during the actual build. In the case of this 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air, the story of how the car was built is one thing, but the second part is about how the car is doing a good deed now that it is completed.

509 cubic inches of Shafiroff power.

This ’61 bubbletop has been the recipient of multiple upgrades that all enhance performance, and isn’t that what hot rodding is all about? Underneath, the car has been upgraded with items from Classic Performance Products (CPP). Parts like tubular control arms, 2-inch dropped spindles, a performance-oriented sway bar, and a new, quicker-ratio power steering box definitley enhance the driving experience.

Not only does this classic deliver cool looks and the ability to cruise coast to coast, but it can also handle the twisty roads encountered in between. Originally, cars like these were equipped with a single canister, push-and-pray brake system. Those days are long gone, and braking has been brought into the 21st century with the help of Wilwood disc brakes and 18-inch Falken-wrapped Octane wheels by Schott.

Minimalistic is the style.

Getting comfortable behind the wheel of this Bel Air is easy. Let’s face it, this model was one of Chevrolet’s big cars, and was designed to be comfortable. Keeping things vintage, the restored interior exudes 1961 style and minimalism, thanks to Classic Industries. The only visible deviation from stock is the dash-mounted Auto Meter tachometer and trio of gauges found under the dash. When you’re cruising coast to coast, keeping the driver cool is paramount. Thanks to Classic Auto Air that is not a problem.

Where things get interesting is under the hood. Typically, one might expect to find a 235 cubic-inch six cylinder, a 283 cubic-inch small-block, or even a 348 cubic-inch W-headed engine. But, this car has something you don’t see every day. Motivating this monster is a 509 cubic-inch Shafiroff Racing-built W-headed engine. Although it might resemble an old 348 or 409 ci engine, that is where the similarities end. This behemoth is basically an all-new version of the legendary 409 cubic-inch engine that got a hold of some steroids and an energy drink. Inside of the World Products aluminum block is a Scat crankshaft and connecting rods slinging a set of Diamond Racing pistons up and down. The compression ratio comes in at a street friendly 10.25:1. A Comp Cams’ camshaft and valvetrain control the breathing through the Edelbrock cylinder heads, and a dual-quad intake with twin Edelbrock 600 cfm carburetors. With 556 horses on tap, the Gearstar Level Four 4L80E automatic transmission has its hands full.

Like we said, the second part of the car’s story involves helping others, and you can be a part of that story, and own this car at the same time. This gorgeous Bel Air is to be sold at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida, in January 2017, (lot number S90), and all proceeds of the car’s sale will be donated to The Austin Hatcher Foundation. We asked Donna Gibson of the foundation, what they are all about. She said, “Our goal is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer that are brought about by the treatment.” James Osborn, the foundation’s founder, followed that with “There are several ways we try to help. One is that we have cognitive services designed to help children regain cognitive function after chemo treatments. We also strive to support the family and give them a tune up so to speak.”

Car enthusiasts are generally a helpful bunch, and if you are the lucky winner of the auction, your help is truly appreciated. There are other ways you can help, and you can learn more by checking out www.hatcherfoundation.org.