Vehicle Description
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air provides an excellent example of a
popular practice in Detroit of the 1950s called reskinning - making
an old car look new without changing its basic structure by
applying different outer panels. Nobody did this better at the time
than General Motors, and the 1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air proved it.
Singer Dinah Shore, Chevrolet spokesperson at the time remarked:
"It's a glamorous new star," pausing, while the camera cut to a
close up, then gushingly asked: "Isn't that about the prettiest
thing you ever saw?"
Looking both modern and classy at the same time, this slick '54
hardtop is proof that Chevrolet's decision to take a curvaceous
fuselage, and decorate it with an ample amount of chrome was an
excellent idea. Unlike most exaggerated 50s designs this car's
proportions are spot-on, there's appropriate use of trim, and the
subtle rear fins that would eventually grow to controversial wings
are fully integrated into attractive, sculpted arcs. No expense was
spared, and it shows for this fully restored 1954 Bel Air, right
down to the shiny Kleenex dispenser.
Exterior
Paint number 563 translates to turquoise blue and white two tone,
and it is here in its full glory. Very nice and high-quality paint
job with very smooth paint and a glass like look. Chrome is all
excellent and all over this car. A toothy grill, reminiscent of the
54 Corvette, presents very good, as does most brite work, and
badging. An early "jet bird" hood ornament with its chrome trail
divides the rounded hood. Flanking on either side topping off the
front quarters, are 7-inch halogen projection headlights. As we
move back, we can highlight the stainless-steel flappers on the
windows, and all glass is in excellent condition. The rear quarters
are a 1950's styling work of art, with their rounded and chromed
trimmed protrusions, fender skirts and the white filled in trim
spear that will eventually become larger and be the signature of
the Bel Air line. On the back is another large bumper, big
cloisonne badge and LED taillights. The roof line needs a shout out
as it uses wrap around glass with a forward design B pillar, all
bathed in white. Wheels are ribbed deep dog dish chrome with an
airplane pointed propeller in its centers. A turquoise steel wheel
shows through, and all this is wrapped in wide whites. Every detail
on this machine is just beautiful.
Interior
Matching the exterior with two tone turquoise blue inserts with
white bolsters the front and rear benches, (front split), create
the feel of a 1950's drive in. Door panels carry the colors and
patterns to either side and make their way up to a turquoise blue
metal dash. Inserted in front of the steering wheel, there is an
elongated chromed oval with a large circular speedometer to the
drivers left, and then a cluster of new gauges peppering the
remainder of the oval. Moving over to the passenger side, a large
area of vertical chromed ribs form the fronting for the radio
speaker, as well as the door for the glovebox. A white bar hangs
below the dash, and contains the knobs for the lights, electric
wipers, heater and airflow levers, and a modified radio to include
MP3 capabilities. A white column protrudes from the gauge area and
has an original turquoise blue steering wheel. Blue carpet and
carpeted floor mats cover the floor below the dash and seats.
Customization is the key as we see the chromed Kleenex dispenser
under the dash, and on the hump below is a custom fabricated
turquoise and white cup holder/storage box and any electronic
tachometer in its corner. Above a tight whitey vinyl headliner has
some chromed ribs in the seams.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood we can view the original but clean engine bay.
Consigner states that a mere 5,300 miles are on the Summit Racing
350ci V8. An automatic 700R4 transmission is attached to the back
of the engine, and on top is now an Edelbrock 650cfm carburetor.
Hooker stainless steel headers are on, and an aluminum oil pan.
This car has even been converted to a power rack and pinion
steering system.
Undercarriage
Not even a hint of any road dirt or splatter so this car is
trailered when it goes somewhere. Solid black painted steel
framing, stainless steel exhaust, new fuel cell, power steering and
power disc and rear drum braking is installed. TCI Mustang II IFS
front suspension, and leaf springs for the rear. Front and rear
anti-sway bars have been added on.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key which opens the doors and trunk as well as starts
the car and it comes to life at a low gurgle. On the test drive it
ran beautifully, handled like a dream, and has good acceleration
and braking. Just a lovely all working high end restoration
driver.
This car takes the 1954 Bel Air, (the top of the Bowtie line trim),
and puts it over the top with its chromed features, beautiful
paint, and high options that are spit shined to a Tee. Every detail
has meticulous attention paid to it, and now it can be your show
piece. Build details with many invoices, and awards won will come
with this cruiser. Hop in and take it to the drive in and watch a
campy monster movie!
VIN DECODE
C540020442
C-2400 Series Bel Air
54-1954
O-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
020442-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 54 1037D-1954 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY NO O1592-Oakland Body #
TRIM NO 317-Turquoise Pattern Cloth, White Imitation Leather
PAINT NO 563-Turquoise & India Ivory
ACC EZI-Easy Eye Glass
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.
