Vehicle Description
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
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
sport coupe 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 50's 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. "Jazbo", as
this car is known, was purchased new in 1954 by the present owner's
sister in Wichita, KS, then passed to him when the sister passed
away in 2007. Since then the brake system was rebuilt, the
transmission was gone through, a new fuel tank was added and the
top end of the engine was redone, including the cylinder head. What
we now have is essentially a 2 owner car, mostly original, and
waiting for you in our West mallway.
Exterior
Finished in Romany Red and India Ivory, the body is showing some
age with inclusions, chips and overall wear, but is still retaining
its shine. The chrome is in usable condition, but does show with
some pitting,delamination and rust,especially on the front bumper.
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 chrome trimmed
headlamps. As we move back, we can highlight the stainless-steel
trim on the windows, although the glass does present with some
delamination and cracks, with the passenger's door glass being the
worst. 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 vertical cats-eye tail
lights. The roof line needs a shout out as it uses wrap-around
glass with a forward design B pillar, all bathed in India Ivory.
The wheels are finished with standard chrome caps with a bit of red
steel wheel shown through, and all these are wrapped in wide
whites.
Interior
Matching the exterior with two tone red cloth inserts with white
vinyl bolsters the front and rear benches, (front split), create
the feel of a 1950's drive in. The door panels carry the colors and
patterns to either side and make their way up to a Romany Red 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 supporting gauges and a clock.
Moving over to the passenger side, a large area of vertical chromed
ribs form the fronting for where the speaker would be 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 radio delete panel. A white column protrudes from the
gauge area and has an original red steering wheel. Red carpet and
carpeted floor mats cover the floor below the dash and seats and
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
holding the correct 235ci.5 inline 6 cylinder with a rebuilt
cylinder head and carburetor. A rebuilt Powerglide 2-speed
automatic transmission is attached to the back of the engine
sending power to a 3.70 geared axle.
Undercarriage
A mix of patina, surface rust, road dirt, and undercoating in black
cover the bottom side of this car. A solid black painted steel
framing provides the backbone for the independent coil spring front
and leaf spring rear suspensions. A single exhaust system is in
charge of the exhale and drum brakes on all 4 corners bring this
mass of 50's steel to a stop. During our tour we also note a new
fuel tank as well as a new starter.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key started the car and it came 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 wonderful opportunity
to drive a fairly original car with only the heater blower not
functioning and the heater core being bypassed.
This car shows the 1954 Bel Air line in its true form. A 2 owner
car, holding its own but not without a few faults, ready to whisk
you away in real 50's style, a great Bel Air that has had a life
well lived.
C54K044483
C-2400 Series Bel Air
54-1954
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
044483-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.