1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

Not so long ago we had a 1954 Chev Bel Air listing placed on www.customcarsales.com.au. I have to admit on paper I would notice this car but disregard as it is not a Tri 5 Bel Air (1955 - 1957) and its the four door version with hard top. So from a cool car point of view it would be one I would have left to the older guys take care of, if you know what I mean.. But this slammed blue four door just has coolappeal (yes I know that is not a real word).

This car remains in fairly stock and just arrived in Australia from Las Vegas Nevada recently.
The obvious unique appeal is the fully remote air bag system it has already. The owner says it has a tiny bit of rust here and there but this is reflected in the very reasonable asking price of $19,500 AUD. And when you take into account the shipping/frieght costs, around $3000 to $5000, you are getting a lot of car for you money. And much less hassle than buying one and shipping it yourself.

After you get past the street appeal of the car you jump in the interior and, to me, it feels like a clean candy store or 50's diner booth.
Again there is no over the top mods but thankfully there is some "fuzz" gracing the dash area to put you in the cruising with your baby mood, be it the car or even a real person..

This car is a great cruiser or head start to your own custom dream..

A bit of history...
In 1953 Chevrolet renamed its series and the Bel Air name was applied to the premium model range. Two lower series, the 150 and 210, also emerged. The 1953 Chevrolet was advertised as "Entirely new through and through," due to the restyled body panels, front and rear ends. However, essentially these Chevrolet's had the same frame and mechanicals as the 1949-52 cars.

The Bel Air series featured a wide chrome strip of molding from the rear fender bulge, to the rear bumper. The inside of this stripe was painted a coordinating color with the outside body color, and "Bel Air" scripts were added inside the strip. Lesser models had no model designation anywhere on the car, only having a Chevy crest on the hood and trunk. 1953 was the first year for a curved, one-piece windshield.

Bel Air interiors had a massive expanse of chrome across the lower part of the dashboard, along with a de luxe Bel Air steering wheel with full chrome horn ring. Carpeting and full wheel covers rounded out Bel Air standard equipment. For 1954, the Bel Air stayed essentially the same, except for a revised grille and taillights.

www.customcarsales.com.au

 

 

 

 

During these years, there were two engine choices, depending on the transmission ordered. Both engines were "Blue Flame" inline six cylinder OHV engines, featuring hydraulic valve lifters and aluminum pistons. The 115 hp (86 kW) engine was standard on stickshift models, with solid lifters and splash plus pressure lubrication. Powerglide cars got a 125 hp (93 kW) version which had hydraulic lifters and full pressure lubrication. In 1953-54, Bel Airs could be ordered in convertible, hardtop coupe, 2- and 4-door sedans, and, for 1954, the Beauville station wagon which featured woodgrain trim around the side windows. Power steering was optional for 1953; 1954 added power brakes, power seat positioner and power front windows. 1954 cars with stick shift used the 1953 Powerglide engine.

To advertise your car or find your next dream ride checkout www.customcarsales.com.au 

Cheers till next time..

Janson Kane

Source: Wikipedia and Custom Car Sales websites