Vehicle Description
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
The 1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air provides an excellent example of a
popular practice in the 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
convertible, (the most expensive offering of the line), 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 the 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. This car has plenty of
convenience options like spotlights, dual mirrors, and even a
tissue dispenser.
Exterior
Paint number 552 translates to Turquoise Blue, and it is here in
its full glory. Very nice and high-quality paint job with very
smooth paint and a nice glass like look. Chrome is in good
condition with no pitting. 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. Traditional bumpers have an added extra bar for just
a bit more bling in front and back. Dual spotlights, some
wrap-around bezels for the signal lights, rounded fender accenting
as well as some stainless-steel trimming for the rockers, and the
lines of this car are now fully accentuated. Even the fuel filler
door has trimming around it! A white convertible canvas top is on
and is nearly perfect with a like new rear plastic window. This top
glides up and down electrically and has a white tonneau covering
for hiding it when it's down. Wide whitewall tires have dog dish
wheel coverings which are all polished and nicely preserved.
Interior
Matching the exterior with two tone Turquoise Blue inserts with
Cream 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 white field oval with a simple cluster of a round
speedometer, horizontal temperature, gas, battery, and oil pressure
gauges, flanked by a second smaller round clock. 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, wipers, heater and airflow levers, and a retro
style radio. A white column reaches for the driver from the gauge
area and has an original turquoise blue steering wheel. Black
carpet and turquoise rubber protector mats cover the floor below
the dash and seats. Also seen are a high beam sentinel to drivers
left on the dash, a compass in the center, and the shiny tissue
dispenser under the dash. Also, a windshield washer system is from
the factory and of course on this car.
Drivetrain
The original "Blue Flame" 235ci Inline 6-cylinder engine can be
viewed within the restored and clean engine bay. A 2-speed
automatic Powerglide transmission is attached to the back of the
engine, and on top is a 1-barrel carburetor with an oil bath air
cleaning system. The rear axle weighs in at 3.55 ratio.
Undercarriage
The X frame is strong and devoid of any rust. Suspension appears
well maintained and shows 4-wheel drum brakes. Body mounts are
sturdy and stable, also with no rust. Some faded blue paint
appearing original covers the steel floor pans and rockers, spare
tire holder and trunk liner.
Drive-Ability
She fires right up and is a smooth runner and great cruiser. Good
handling for a large car and all functions are working very nicely.
The consignor has included lots of manuals, color chip card, dealer
brochure and some wiring diagrams
Cars like this awesome first-generation Bel Air are very special,
and they represent incredible value to buyers. With a high-quality
restoration that's beyond reproach, and a color combination that
makes it a complete knockout at shows, THIS is the kind of build
you simply can't touch for our asking price. Just imagine heading
out in this Turquoise Blue and Cream cruiser on a warm summer
evening; the burble of the Blue Flame behind you, the smooth open
road in front of you, and nothing between you and miles of
happiness. Oh, and don't forget all that chrome blinding you and
your onlookers!
VIN DECODE
C54J099591
C-2400 Series Bel Air
54-1954
J-Janesville, WI Assy Plant
099591-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 54 1067DTX-1954 BelAir Convertible
BODY NO L14470-Lansing Body #
TRIM NO 337-Turquoise & White Imitation Vinyl
PAINT NO 552-Turquoise
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.