Chevrolet rebranded its cars in 1953, with the 150 and 210 taking over for the Special and Deluxe series, while the Bel Air name was now applied to the top-line models. Since the cars were heavily restyled that year, the changes for 1954 would be minor. This ’54 Bel Air 2-door sedan may only have 32,000 miles on the odometer, looks nice, and runs well, as we’re told. Located in Brook Park, Ohio, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $8,500 OBO. Another great tip from Barn Finder Pat L.!
Besides styling changes, the big news for 1953-54 was the phasing out of pre-World War II technology (like torque tube drive, 6-cylinder splash feed engines, knee-action suspension, and split windshields) were moved out in favor of more modern applications that would carry the carmaker through the balance of the decade. The Bel Air 2-door sedan would be the second-best seller in the line in 1954 at 143,573 units (only beat out by the 4-door version). Brighter colors were coming into fashion, such as the Polo White over Romany Red paint which we believe is on the seller’s car.
We’re not told if this Chevy is an original survivor or the benefactor of a restoration. Although no under the hood photos are provided, the motor should be the Chevy “Blue Frame” 235 cubic inch inline-6 and it’s paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The mileage is said to be quite low but the odometer could have turned over if the car has been restored. No rust is noted but the chrome isn’t as shiny as it might otherwise be.
The interior may give away the restoration theory. The carpeting looks to be new, but its installation wasn’t completed as it seems to be sitting loose on the floor, bunching up in the places. But the red and white upholstery looks great and quite inviting. The seller says the undercarriage is as nice as the rest of the car. Hagerty suggests that a ’54 Bel Air in excellent condition could be worth $20,000, so this one seems a bargain by comparison. Does any of our readers see anything amiss that would drive down the car’s value?
The old “This posting has been deleted by its author.” message on CL.
No horn ring. Is front bumper from a 1955 or other car? Does not match smooth style of 1953 bumpers or the rear view picture.
The bumper is correct for a ’54. Looks out of place b/c the splash panel is painted white, rather than being body color.
I turned in a classified 54 with 32k and it was more original than this one. BF’s never ran it. I still know where the car is setting in a basement in climate control. Not sure what makes the cut and why others do not. It’s somewhere buried in classifieds I guess.
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That six cylinder with twin glass packs, sounds fabulous!