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Vehicle Description
1951 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe
The Bel Air model debuted under the Chevrolet brand name in 1950
and was the height of the Chevy lineup. This would become the
iconic car that would set the tone for the next few decades, which
could be the car that would charm drivers everywhere. The model
first came in under the Deluxe Styleline Bel Air nomenclature.
Models with similar characteristics had previously failed,
miserably, to get any footing, but the Bel Air seemed to come in at
just the right time. The initial production tested the waters of
the revised concept.
The 1940's and that design was a-changing to a more modern styling
and the car for consignment seized upon that in its 1951 Bel Air
iteration. Purchased by our consigner to bring back memories of his
first car when he turned 16 in 1960. This car has undergone a redux
somewhere around circa 1990 and retains its shine and grace. It has
been converted to a 12-volt system and comes to us by way of
Massachusetts. Wonderful styling shows why it became instantly
popular this beautiful car with all its trimmings is a great find,
and due to the overwhelming popularity of the tri fives to come, is
somewhat forgotten, but definitely has a place in Chevrolet
history. Come on in and walk the halls, and while you're here this
one deserves a close look!
Exterior
Among many highlights, the first noticeable feature to catch your
eye will be the unique roofline, in particular the rear B pillar
and the way it plays with the triple curved rear glass, and the
rear passenger window line. Definitely unique and gives the
appearance of being lightweight. Stainless steel trimmings encircle
this roofline, as well as provide framing for all the glass, and it
is not used sparingly. Large steel slab side panels painted in
black with well minded gaps all work together to create the look of
this car. Amazingly even more stainless has been utilized for the
side trim spears and rockers that sport large protective panels
just behind the front wheel well, and at the start of the curved
rear fenders just prior to the fender skirts. Oh, what the heck put
a straight piece on the rockers too! All this and more with the
front and rear bumpers, front grille, hood ornament, side view
mirrors, headlight bezels, cloisonne edged badges and hub caps as
well as even an extra adornment on the fuel filler door. Chrome and
stainless steel were the new black in 1951 and this model takes
full advantage of that fact. Wide whites are on all 4 corners and a
nice blue painted bowtie is in the center of those moon caps. Oh
and I need to mention all this chrome is just excellent!
Interior
In contrast to the exterior tuxedo black, a swing of the doors and
we see a beautiful mixture of tan and taupe vertical ribbed
broadcloth cord working together with red paint, and red smooth
vinyl along with ..yup! more stainless for a border between the red
and broadcloth and chrome for the door actuator and window crank.
For the passengers, a long duo of comfortable benches, again
utilizing the ribbed broadcloth cord as the inserts, and smooth red
vinyl as the bolsters, and even a smooth covered seat tub in the
red vinyl. These seats are in excellent condition and have a split
back for easier access to the rear seat, complete with big armrests
that roll around either side on the edge of the door jambs. All
this floats in a sea of perfect red carpeting. Fronting this
seating area is a nicely restored dash in its original all metal
jacket. We see a rounded red painted dash top, with a silver dash
front where all the action is with the circular gauges, vertical
chromed ribbing that disguises the airflow sliders and radio, and
plenty of knobs and pulls with nicely aged cream bakelite toppers.
On the dash top is a round clock prominently displaying the time,
so don't be late...for that very important date. Above a white
headliner with some chrome ribbing separating each panel which is
just in perfect condition.
Drivetrain
A 1990 restoration never looked so good, and it continues within
the engine bay with shiny black painted bay and a blue painted
block in showroom condition. This is a year correct mill and comes
to you in 216ci of inline 6-cylinder, 1-barrel topper, with the
correct 3-speed manual on back. A chrome 12-volt alternator hangs
off the block, other accessories present well and supple hoses
finish off the bay. The rear axle contains a 4.11 gearset.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift this car shows nothing to be ashamed of as it's all
sprayed black with little to no surface rust, solid frame, floor
pans and toe kicks, rockers, wheel wells and underpinnings.
Independent coil springs are the suspension for the front, and leaf
springs for the rear, and I can see drum brakes on all 4 corners.
Slight surface rusting on a few body hangers, but mostly
unremarkable as to any questionable structural stability.
Drive-Ability
This car started immediately and idled to the point where we had to
see if it was actually running! Off to the test track where it ran
just swimmingly, smooth acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and
not a lot of body roll when being pushed just a bit. A fine cruiser
in which all functions were working just great.
Bought as a tribute to a wide eyed 16-year olds first car, this one
does it proud with all being in nearly perfect condition. A stunner
to look at and it's a pre tri five, not always seen and especially
in this condition. A find for sure!
VIN DECODE
1JK1140160
1-Flint, MI Assy Plant
J-1951
K-Deluxe
I-September
140160-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 51 1037-BelAir Deluxe 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO L31411-Flint Body #
TRIM NO 189-Black Leather, Gray Pile Cord
PAINT NO 453-Mayland Black, Moonlite Cream
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
