Vehicle Description
The very best customs are those where the work is so seamless that
you can't tell where things have been nipped and tucked. This
stunning 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is a textbook example
of the customizer's art, a pro-built car that re-creates a '50s
mild custom that gets big results from small changes.
The turquoise paint is probably the first thing that grabs your
attention, a perfect 1950s color that resonates with people today
as well as it did 60 years ago. The look is always best on a car
with fins, and while the '53 Chevy didn't come with any originally,
this cool ragtop now wears a set of Packard taillights that give
the little Chevy some big car presence. In fact, the list of
modifications would probably take up all the space we have, so
let's hit the highlights instead. First, there are frenched
headlights up front, a subtle change, but effective. The original
grille and bumper were polished up and reinstalled, but the hood
ornament was shaved and replaced with some tasteful pinstripes. The
rear bumper is a 1-piece California unit from a 1956 Chevy, and it
meets almost perfectly with those Packard taillights. The door
handles were shaved, as was the deck lid, and even the back-up
lights on the Packard housings are fully operational. This is
professional craftsmanship at its very best.
More custom tricks await inside, where a pair of 1964 Pontiac GTO
bucket seats were installed astride a '63 Ford Falcon Sprint center
console. Everything looks like it was born there and when wrapped
in 1957 Chevrolet Turquoise and Antique White upholstery it takes
on a period-perfect look. The original Bel Air dash was simply
restored, although new VDO gauges were tucked into the auxiliary
gauge slots, but the look is almost invisible. A/C and a trick
audio system were added in the lower dash, which is painted white
for a little contrast and to help everything blend in. Carpets,
door panels, and the back seat are equally well done, totally
blurring the line between stock and customized, which is just the
way it's supposed to be. Overhead there's a snug-fitting white
power convertible top and it folds effortlessly into the well where
it's covered by a matching white vinyl boot. The trunk is pure
function, with a rubber mat and mouse fur side panels, but some
would argue that's exactly how a trunk is supposed to look if you
plan on using it.
Don't be fooled by the looks of the Stovebolt under the hood,
because the burly 235 cubic inch inline-six makes this Chevy a lot
of fun to drive. Bright red paint, some chrome dress-up, and a few
period touches like the firewall-mounted AC oil filter keep it
firmly anchored in the 1950s. You'll note that the A/C was cleverly
hidden down low so it doesn't attract a lot of attention, and it
still inhales through a stock carburetor (a Fenton dual carb setup
is available). Fenton also supplied the cast iron exhaust manifolds
that feed a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that
give the strong-running six a great soundtrack. The head is a later
and more desirable 848 casting that's been reworked for unleaded
fuel, and you won't miss a V8 when you're out cruising. The
PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission has been rebuilt and
spins the stock rear end, which hangs on leaf springs with air
shocks. The slammed stance doesn't affect ride quality one bit and
it sits on 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, trim rings, and a set
of 205/75/15 Coker wide whitewall radials.
An awesome ragtop that will delight everyone at the show who
remembers the good old days, this Chevy more than delivers on a
vintage custom look with plenty of performance to go with it. Call
today!
