With Tri-Five Chevrolet’s commanding a premium in the classic market, sometimes enthusiasts need to consider alternatives if they crave a project car wearing the Bel Air badge. That is the opportunity presented by this 1954 model. It is a solid driver, and its lack of significant rust could make it an ideal candidate for a DIY restoration. It runs and drives well, meaning the new owner could enjoy it immediately before giving it the attention it deserves. The Bel Air is listed here on eBay in Ringgold, Georgia. The seller set their auction to open at $2,000, although there are currently no bids. They also provide a BIN option of $10,500 for those viewing this classic as a “must-have” proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Wayne W for spotting this promising project.
Chevrolet introduced its First Generation Bel Air in 1950, laying the groundwork for a badge that would eventually achieve legendary status. Changes during the model’s production run were evolutionary, with our feature car emerging during the final build year. It wears a combination of what I believe is Sportsman Red and India Ivory, although the paint shows its age. The new owner will undoubtedly treat it to a cosmetic refresh, but how far they take it will depend on their budget. Stripping the panels to bare metal would seem a logical choice, as this would provide the opportunity to address the few minor bumps and bruises. The new owner won’t face an overwhelming list of rust repairs, with the seller indicating only a few patchable spots in the floors and trunk pan. If the buyer threw caution to the wind, a frame-off process might be worth considering to ensure that the chances of a recurrence are limited. The removed trim pieces are present and come with new clips for reattachment. The bumpers might benefit from a trip to the platers, but the glass looks okay.
Chevrolet offered Bel Air buyers two versions of its 235ci Blue Flame six for 1954, with the power output dependent on the transmission choice. Those who selected a three-speed manual received 115hp, while cars equipped with the two-speed Powerglide produced 125hp. This Bel Air features the second version, and although the six ran out of breath with the needle nudging 89mph, this classic would have happily cruised all day at highway speeds. For potential buyers, it offers the chance for instant gratification. The car runs and drives well and is roadworthy. If the buyer elects to undertake a total restoration, pulling the engine to detail everything to a high standard would not add considerably to the cost. It would allow the car to create a positive impression whenever they lift the hood and should draw praise wherever this classic goes.
Although Chevrolet marketed the Bel Air as the premium offering within its 1954 full-size range, the interior wasn’t dripping with luxury appointments. This car left the factory trimmed in Red and White vinyl, and although the buyer received a heater and clock, there is no radio. The seller threw blankets over the seats to make the interior serviceable, but it requires a total restoration to return to its former glory. Kits to achieve that goal are readily available and would add around $2,500 to the build total. However, this interior could look stunning with new upholstery and the painted surfaces refreshed.
Unlike its later siblings, First Generation Bel Airs don’t pack the same punch in the classic community. If the buyer achieves a high-end restoration of this beauty, it will still struggle to reach a value far beyond $32,000. Perfection could see it nudge $40,000, but that would require a frame-off approach that some may find difficult to justify. However, even at the BIN figure, that leaves plenty of room to move before the financial viability of this project becomes questionable. There’s been no bidding action so far, but it is only early days in this auction. I expect that situation to change, and I won’t be surprised if it is headed to a new home relatively soon.
I agree with your assessment of what this car could be and what it would take. It will take a dedicated buyer, to take it on. But it would certainly be a great car when finished.
A guy in high school had a powder blue/white one. He was king! Thing sounded so fine with twin glass pack mufflers.
I think of the ’54’s as the last year of Chevy’s to build a viable leadsled. Chop the top, extend the fenders, drop it to the ground, fill the grill with Corvette or Desoto teeth and cruise. Fun times.
Stock is for sissies.
This one looks to be fairly easily restorable. Body looks to be sound. Price will probably be reasonable, if the seller is willing to accept a decent offer.
Now at $3800, reserve not met.
IT Will double that number.
Adam great write up.
Another antiquing sanding job. Just show them as they are, old and cool. This would make a great sleeper saturday night driver on the circuits.
Back in the early 1980’s, a friends father was field bird hunting outside the Dalles, Oregon. They came across a old run down farm, very little part of a house on a part foundation, not to far from the home there was a shed, when they opened up the shed there sitting was a two door hardtop 1954 Chevy, baby blue and white. It took a month and a half to find out who owned the property and find the people. My friends father bought the car for $250.00 dollars. They brought the car home and it took all summer to sand it down to bear metal, paint it baby blue and white again. My friends mom was a seamstress so she was the one to make the seat covers. For me, I was the one to rebuild another 235 straight six, the one that was there had a cracked block. It had a powerglide, which it took another almost a month to find a tranny rebuild kit, I also did the rebuild of the tranny. They put white letter tires with chrome reverse rims on it. What a sweet ride that was. A year later while I was out of state, my friends wife kept on bitching about wanting a car, so he drove out to a cheap car lot and traded it straight across for a $1000.00 dollar beat up Subaru. That car was worth at least $20,000.00 dollars. When I came back from out of town and found out what my friend did, I was pissed, I would of bought the car for a $1,000.00 dollars. The car was sold to a collector before the car lot closed that day.
Had a ’54 Bel Air four door. Twin glass packs and could rattle the windows in small town near where I lived. Wore the tie rods and front end out going through an “S” curve going to see a girl that lived about 12 miles from me. What a summer that was. Still have part of a ’53 Bel Air that my brother had. It’s sitting on our old home place.