Between 1950 and 1952, the Bel Air was Chevy’s top-line automobile, but it was available only as a 2-door hardtop. When the cars were restyled in 1953, the Bel Air name was extended across multiple body styles, like the seller’s 2-door sedan. This example is a restomod, a classic that was restored (to some degree) with modern technology (i.e., V8 engine, 5-speed manual, and more). Located in Levittown, Pennsylvania, we’re told this Chevy is a “nice cruiser and fun ride”. We’re not sure about the body and paint as the car was photographed after it had rained. It’s available here on craigslist for $12,500 OBO. Thanks for the Bow-Tie tip, Rocco B.!
Chevrolet would peddle the Bel Air name in the U.S. for more than 25 years. First as a top-line car, later as a lower-trim model below the Impala and Caprice. 1953 Chevies (and the Bel Air) were advertised as “Entirely new through and through” with restyled body panels, and front and rear ends. But below the skin, they were mostly the same as they had been since 1949. The cars gained post-war features like a curved, one-piece windshield. Carpeting and full-wheel covers were standard fares on these Bel Airs.
This Chevy likely left the factory with a 235 cubic inch “Blame Flame” inline-6 with either “3-on-the-tree” or a Powerglide automatic transmission. But that’s all gone now, having been brought up to the standards of the industry in the 1980s. A dirty 350 V8 with bling sits under the hood with a 5-speed, power front disc brakes, electronic ignition, and a 12-volt electrical system. So perhaps it runs better than before.
The black and white interior seems to be okay, though is nothing special in its execution. We’re told the paint is older and “showing its age” but that doesn’t say anything besides it may need redoing. It’s a well-used car, with at least 176,000 miles as the odometer turned over before it broke. If you’re looking for a pre-“Tri-Five” Chevy that is more powerful and civilized than it would have been in the 1950s, maybe this car is a good starting point for continued customization. Why not, as it will never be original or numbers-matching, anyway.
This is what I never got to do to my ’54. A little refining and you might have a good car out of this one.
It also has upgraded brakes. (well at least the master and booster have been upgraded) It seems like a reasonable price to me. Under normal circumstances I would be very temped to buy this car.
Pretty clear, I’m the “old man” here, it’s okay, I know who I am, but the author doesn’t mention, these were called “high boys”. They never had V8 fame from the factory, but in the late 50s, these “high boys” were the hottest stick at the drag strip, and streets across America. I doubt they ever had a 350, but the Chevy V8 in these was all the rage, until the “Tri-5s” became beaters, and they took over. Auntie Elsies ’53 Chevy, a 283 from a recently wrecked Tri-5, or a 348 from some truck, you had a cheap street racer. Yes sir, THAT was where it was at, and I’m glad I was there. I made this model many moons ago,,,for $1.99!!
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/revell-h-1375-54-chevy-highboy–1155056
Looks like a really fun car. A blast to drive, and go get groceries. Hopefully the seller knows the history of the car, like which 5 speed, what is the disc brake conversion info etc.
The price seems very reasonable, but that scary word RUST is not mentioned, either with or without, so that could obviously be a deal breaker. Somebody might get a great car that could even be a daily driver
not a bel air 210 model
What’s up with those taillights? Surely not 53 oem, look more like 54
’54s with the back up lens taken out and substituted with another red lens. Just glue them together. Did the same with my ’54.
Ha! Got it!
Really a nice blast from the past… I was 11 when the 53 hit the streets and I really liked this car. Those taillights look like the 54 though. This one is one I’d love to have today just to tool around my retirement village… we have well over 300 miles of paved roads, so I could enjoy drives through trees, over hills, by lakes and golf courses.
The more I look over these pictures, the more I see to like, the V8/5speed conversion, the brake upgrades, converted to 12 volt system with alternator, interior nicely done, I think the car is well worth the asking price.
Not a Bel Air it is a 210
I think you’re right! I missed that
Get a driver quality paint job, add air, and a semi decent sound system that can keep your play lists stored and your in the game. You don’t see these done up much and a 53 Belair 2 door sedan is unique enough to stand out in the sea of tri 5 Chevys. The price is Tempting to this old codger.
The amber parking lights/turn signals are also a replacement. I replaced the white ones on my ’56 Chevy when I inherited it in 1969, with amber, and got stopped by a PA state trooper who told me they were illegal, even though they were federally mandated for new cars. With the promise I would put the white ones back in, he let me go without a ticket. The wonders of bureaucracy!
This is the second supposed bel air I have seen recently that sports the 210 trim. Don’t list as a bel air when it isn’t.
An SBC and a 5 speed! That would be great on the open road!
Seems a nice driver for the price. Laughable that if this was a 70 Charger it would be $100k.
I wish it was an automatic as I’m old and shifting is uneventful at this point.
Supply and demand – while this is really a nice ride, most people aren’t into the stodgy looks of pre ’55 model cars , while the second gen Charger, has always been popular .
Rob you definitely know your 53 and 54 Chevys I was fortunate enough to have a friend take me to the Good Guy’s car show this past weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona any how had some lady want to argue with me about them tail lights my first car was a 53 and I loved everything about that car except for those ugly 53 light
Nobody commented on the 6 extra “teeth” in the grill, which stock only has 3.
Yeah, good call! Any guesses what that grill is from?
It’s a ’53 Chevy grill, just added more teeth
My uncle had 55 Pontiac 6 cylinder 3 speed stick, would race neighbors 55 t bird. That t bird could not keep up, the Pontiac could do 110 mph in second gear.
This looks to me to be a very good car. For the price you would have an entry level car and any improvements would just increase its value. You couldn’t find a decent 53 and do the work that’s been done to this car for the asking price.