Review written on 5/1958.
Durack is in a unique position with the Bel Air. The Full Sized Sedan segment rules the Scranton market. While the Altoona Diesel is the worst vehicle in the segment. Where does the Bel Air fit between these two extremes? Should consumer celebrate Durack's new Full Sized Sedan? Or is this just another underachieving vehicle in the Full Sized Sedan segment?
On my first track run in the Durack Bel Air suffered 2 cracked rips and a ruptured spleen. Not from wrecking it, but from the sheer raw power of this Full Sized Sedan. The Bel Air's 184 hp @ 4560RPMs 4976 cc V4 engine drives you into the seats while you accelerate with an impressive 17.211s 0 to 60 mph time and a top speed of 118 mph. The Bel Air is able to keep this speed all the way up to the the top speed of 118 mph. With 170 lb-ft of torque we were able to drag 22 lbs on our test trailer. So it can move your spare junk! On the track you can tell that the Durack Bel Air is above average when it comes to handling and driveability. Most Full Sized Sedan would not be able to keep up with the Bel Air on twisty and windy roads. It can almost put a smile on your face. After my hospital visit, I came to the conclusion that this is the best Full Sized Sedan I've ever tested on the track. Buy IT NOW!!!
The interior of the Durack Bel Air is nothing short of amazing. It is beyond words to say how perfect this vehicle is. Only the finest materials in the greatest possible workmanship ever seen in this type of vehicle grace the Bel Air interior. I can not do anything but recommend the Bel Air for everyone. Durack really outdid themselves.
Above average to good is what a friend of mine said when trying to load some junk into the 41 cu-ft of space inside the Durack Bel Air. He was right! The Bel Air is above average for vehicles in this segment. It is one of the more practical vehicles of this type on the market.
Durack has really put some effort into the production of the Bel Air. And it shows in the construction quality of the machine. Panel gaps are non-noticeable. Nothing shakes or rattles when driving down the road. It's a well-built vehicle.
I imagine it'll be rare to find a Durack Bel Air in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.
Here is a pro-stock tip. If the Durack Bel Air sells any meaningful number of vehicles, be sure to buy fuel stocks! It's that bad! The Bel Air gets an abysmal 15.2 mpg! This is not the vehicle for trying to save money on fuel expenses.
The extra effort from Durack to make the Bel Air feel safer pays off. The reinforced frame makes the vehicle much more impact resistant. Don't go driving into walls your self, just take our word for it.
I was happy with the time I spent in the Durack Bel Air. This car is truly magnificent. I think future generations will look back at this vehicle and think, "I wish I owned one of these." It is absolutely one of the best Full Sized Sedan you can buy. An instant classic that others in the segment will be compared to. I wish I could spend more time with the Bel Air but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.