Vehicle Description
An unassuming Bel Air Convertible that's hiding a brand new GM
350ci V8, fully independent Corvette C4 front suspension with
aluminum control arms, power rack & pinion steering, power disc
brakes, 700R4 automatic transmission, air conditioning, Dakota
Digital gauges, Chrome wire wheels, and more! Every so often in our
industry you come across a unique vehicle that grabs you attention
for its good looks, but continues to draw your amazement for the
characteristics it possesses under closer inspection! That was
certainly the case for this 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible we
have offered here. As most are already aware, the 1954 Chevrolet
was only offered with a 6 cylinder engine, whether you bought a
Corvette, or entry level One-Fifty sedan. By todays standards, the
Chevrolet V8 has prevailed as the go-to engine for classic car
enthusiasts truly wishing to utilize their investment, particularly
on modern freeway systems. The execution of this Bel Air to become
a modern custom underneath was done in such a tasteful manner! This
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible was treated to a complete
restoration, and refinished in a Gloss Tuxedo Black exterior with
Cameral Tan Ultrasoft Leatherette interior, and beautiful Haartz
Stayfast Black canvass convertible top with matching boot cover!
With the original 6 cylinder engine and 3-speed transmission slated
for replacement, the front end needed to be prepared to receive a
new GM crate 350 HO V8 engine and 700R4 4-speed overdrive
transmission. To accomplish this, a Corvette C4 front end was
selected which now provides excellent structure & enhanced handling
through aluminum upper & lower control arms, power rack & pinion
steering, RideTech adjustable coil over shocks, and power assisted
disc brakes! The rear axle has been lowered 1 to create a very nice
ride height. The new performance power plant has been fitted with
an Edelbrock aluminum intake, Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel
carburetor, and electronic ignition providing approximately 333
horsepower and 381 ft. lbs. of torque. It maintains standard GM
exhaust manifolds exhaling through Magnaflow stainless steel
mufflers for a perfect 1950s street sound with throaty undertones!
To allow smooth shifts and lower RPMs on the highway, a 4-speed
overdrive transmission does the job with ease! The cooling system
is now managed with a Griffin aluminum radiator with electric
cooling fan The overall balance of the car retains a very original
appearance having all factory chrome and exterior trim. It also
showcases factory style front & rear bumper guards, door handle
paint protectors, rear fender skirts, fender rock guards, dual
outside rearview mirrors, and chrome wire spoke wheels with BF
Goodrich Radial wide whitewall tires measuring 185/70R14 up front
and 225/70R15 at the rear! Inside, you have air conditioning, an
audio system enhanced with a Custom Autosound AM/FM/iPod sound
system, custom Dakota Digital gauges in the stock location, a
center console with dual cup holders added, all-season rubber floor
mats, and a power folding convertible top! The engine shows off
plenty of chrome for a worthy presentation when parked at the car
shows! It started with complete ease with a flick of the key, and
hits the road just outstanding! It has traveled only 3,056 miles
since completion, so you can rest assured this Bel Air is ready for
many more years of enjoyment!
