It's a 348 cubic inch engine. Later (1962) was bored and stroked to become the famous 409. We call them "W" engines....not sure exactly why. Maybe because the valve covers looks like a W or maybe because the cylinders are wedge shaped....maybe both reasons?
The 348 was Chevy's first try at a big block. Very successful but limited with what modification could be used so the hot rod crowd migrated towards other designs that could be fiddled with more. The car in that photo is a 1961 Bel Air with the optional 348 engine and manual trans. Very rare since most 348 engines we're ordered with the higher trim level Impala instead. Rare to see a Bel Air with the big engine. Father in law has owned that car since new. He worked at Chevrolet dealership in town and bought that car straight off the train when it rolled into town. (Built at LA plant...)
Cool car.
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