Enthusiasts seeking an affordable candidate for a straightforward restoration could do far worse than consider this 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. The photos confirm it is rock-solid, while the seller states the paint is new. There is scope for someone to make their mark on this classic without facing hours of panel repairs and welding. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Bel Air listed here on eBay in Gray Court, South Carolina. The seller set their BIN at $10,000 with the option to make an offer. It is worth noting that the seller is highly motivated, so they may be very flexible at the negotiating table.
Chevrolet introduced the Bel Air as part of a post-war blitz of new cars in 1950. The First Generation remained on sale until 1954, with our feature car leaving the line in 1953. Its history is unclear, but it shows promise as a project candidate. The panels are straight, and the seller states that its Juniper Green and India Ivory paint is new. It holds a nice shine, suggesting that some work with a high-end polish would make it really “pop.” I wish that I could say the same for the bright trim, because many pieces require a trip to the platers. However, with those shortcomings addressed, this Bel Air would present quite nicely. The seller supplies a single underside shot in their listing, confirming that this old Chevy is rust-free.
Although the Bel Air’s exterior doesn’t require much work from a big-picture perspective, its interior is in dire need of restoration. It would be serviceable if the buyer installed slipcovers on the seats, but the deterioration is bad enough to justify a retrim. Kits to achieve a factory-fresh state retail for around $1,700, although refreshing the painted surfaces is also required for a high-end result. There are no aftermarket additions, with this Bel Air’s dash housing the factory radio.
Powering this Bel Air is Chevrolet’s venerable 235ci six, teamed with a three-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers a factory-quoted 108hp when bolted to the manual transmission, though the output would have climbed to 115hp if the first owner had ticked the box beside the Powerglide option. We’ve reached the greatest mystery with this Bel Air, because the seller provides no information about the car’s mechanical condition. The drivetrain components are virtually bulletproof, so revival may not be difficult if the motor turns. However, budgeting for an engine rebuild would be wise to cover all bases.
There are typically two factors that limit an enthusiast’s choice of a project candidate. The first is cost, because any classic is usually a luxury purchase. The second is the scope of the required work, and whether it falls within the buyer’s capabilities. If not, the cost of those tasks can significantly increase the project budget. This 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air could be extremely affordable, and the fact that the buyer doesn’t have to deal with a mountain of rust or panel repairs is a bonus. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this classic Chevy further?
I’m not sure what makes this seller “highly motivated” with regards to this Chevy. Check out his other items for sale, he has hundreds of listings.
I live a few miles from Gray Court. This guy has had a lot beside I-385 for a lot of years. Most of his stuff was almost junk yard quality, and he priced them pretty high. In the last few years as I’ve driven by it seems that he’s got more presentable stuff. As I understand it he’s getting out of the business entirely, and he’s got a LOT of stuff to get rid of, so should be…shall we say “flexible”…on prices.
I agree, his asking prices do not indicated “highly motivated”. An Opel GT for 20K, the ugliest ’86 Vette convertible ever for 12.5K. He’s gonna have to try harder than that to convince an educated buyer that he is offering “getting out of the business” pricing.
Reminds me of the terminally “Going Out Of Business” furniture store that you see all over the place.
Glorified junk yard. He has 462 item listed with 13 sales within the last 90 days. As Rex suggested, what makes him highly motivated? There are a lot of these sort of places that have been “for sale” for years, it’s often a ploy to get someone that hasn’t done their research to make a hasty decision.
Steve R
Clueless. The man is retiring and selling everything. That’s why he’s highly motivated.
With all due respect. I’d be interested into looking into $11K or maybe less as mentioned. Simply if one put another $5-10+K where you going to buy another such new vehicle for $25-30K as nice made out American hand forged stamp steel that dents upon leaning on it or completely made of plastic.
If this is the exact car you want, it might be an option, it all depends on what others just like it are selling for. If you are looking an old/older American car you can do much better. There are 1950’s through 1970’s American cars featured on this site nearly everyday that are turn key ready for this cars asking price or less, let alone the additional money you think this car will need. For potential buyers that are willing to broaden their search, the more cars they will find and the better deals they can get. If someone will only accept a specific year, make or model they lock themselves out of most of what’s available for sale.
Steve R
Note in the picture of the engine compartment that there is no oil filter visible. The noted H.P. difference between the stick and the Power Glide is because they were two different engines. The engine that came with the standard transmission had babbited bearings and a splash oiling system. The engine with the Power Glide had bearing inserts and a pressurized oiling system. In 1954 the “new” 235 with the pressurized oiling system became the standard for all models.
I believe the stick shift version of the 235 had solid lifters during this period.
Yes, they did. I wonder how many of today’s “wonder mechanics ” know how to adjust the valves on a hot engine?
Had. ‘53 BelAir convertible. Replaced tail lights with ‘54’s. Looked better. Topped it off with ‘56 Oldsmobile “flipper” hubcaps, and cherry bomb glasspacks. Sounded so fine! Was a fool, and traded it for a ‘53 Ford wagon.
It’s a decent car. But with the 6 and the bad interior. Also most of the chrome will need to be replated. It’s going to cost a bunch of cash. I’m thinking closer to $5k.
This looks more like a ’51 to me.
Sorry, my mistake, it’s a ’53. The taillight threw me.
Ok, please correct me if I’m wrong. The 235 wasn’t available in the car line until 1954? The valve cover on this car is a 216 engine. (which would be stock from the factory) So I’m thinking that this could be an original 216 (babbit pounder) engine. (Not a 235)
I like this car, but seems over priced to me by a about $3,500.
I think the 235 was only available with the Autotrans.
The Std Trans in 53 was still the 216.
Are those rear bumpers original? I don’t recall those end pieces below the tail lights. I had a ’51 MT – a really different car I admit, but both of these revved like crazy on the road. At 70 mph you felt like you were tearing it up. OTOH, they were pretty snappy from 0 to about 45 mph. Of course I know the answer is an SBC, but short of that, were they still using the 4.11 rear ends In MT ’53s? For pleasant interstate cruising, would a 3.55 be a good choice? I think they had options as hight as 3.08. Or, what else?
Personally, I think the trim tweaks made in ’54 (grill and tail lamps) produced an alarmingly better-looking car. But that’s just me…
I agree. That’s why I put the ‘54’s tail lights on my ‘53.
this seller has been retiring for the last few years. i think he likes to say that to try and motivate buyers
My understanding was that the 235 was originally the truck engine, that they brought in (circa 1950?) on the Powerslide cars only. My ’51 was a 3-on-tree /216. IIRC, the Powerslides were 2-speeds and real dogs. You didn’t measure acceleration with a stopwatch – but with a calendar. The 216 just wouldn’t push it, hence the 235 – which they had handy anyway. There must been some point at which they scrapped the 216 altogether but I don’t know when it was.
1953 was the last year for the 216. It was still available in low end models, say the 150. You could get the 235 with stick and Powerglide, but the stick had solid lifters, if I’m not mistaken.
Allen…. You are right about the acceleration. When I was 16 I had a ’53 235/powerglide and was drag racing my buddy who had a ’53 straight 8 Pontiac. It took a long time to get through the 1/4 mile. But I did nose him out. If it was flat ground I could get up to 97-98 mph in abut a mile.
I don’t see in the eBay add anything about the displacement. I might have missed it but I only see “6 cylinder 3 speed”?
I like this era of automobiles and I hope this one finds a suitable buyer. I found it interesting that the seller is offering what amounts to a ninety day lay away plan. It seems like the seller is approachable and you never know what they will accept unless you make an offer. I already have my 1952 Plymouth and I have recently done a lot of work on it. So at least I know what I have. You have to do stuff like this because you want to. I will never be able to sell my car for anywhere near what I have in it.
I know this lot as I live nearby. The majority of his stuff falls into the category of “Large Project” , But he seems to have a decent sales turnover? This car would take a very good look over and then negotiate like hell with him.
I can’t find it right now but I have a picture of my mother holding me as an infant next to their brand new ’53 Chevrolet 150. In ’53 they bought a brand new Chevy, I was born and they bought a house. They were busy.
I know that ’53 well. Played in it a lot. Base engine, 3 on the tree, only options heater and radio. Color black
Well Angel, it sounds like we are the same vintage! So 1953s are the way to go!
Hey, Angel.My folks had a 1953 Chevy as well. It’s the first car I remember. I still have a picture of the car with my parents and me and my brother when we were on a vacation to Kitty Hawk, NC in 1956. It was light blue with a white top as I recall. The photo is black and white of course.
Hi Carbob,
Your parents ’53 sounds nice. Was it a 150, 210 or Bel Air? My father was very frugal and we had the base 150. Black, dog dish, no whitewalls of course. I don’t remember when it left. Cars around our house came and went mysteriously. One day it’s parked down by the barn and the next day it’s gone.
Ive always liked the 51s and 52s better as the 53 through 57 were boxy and square.
@ Wayne
We are a very good vintage. Remember, the Cadillac Eldorado was premiered in 1953.
The reason chrome is so bad on so many original early 50s cars & trucks of because of the Korean war. I am guessing zinc but probably wrong.
The reason chrome is so bad on so many original early 50s cars & trucks of because of the Korean war. I am guessing zinc but probably wrong.
The problem with chrome on most original early 50s cars and trucks was the Korean war. There must have an ingredient in short supply.
‘Think the missing element was copper. Carbob: you and I think alike. Doing this stuff because you want to = entertainment. Entertainment of any kind costs something. I love wrenching in my shop. The cost of the parts I’m wrenching on is the cost of my entertainment. It’s a big plus that over the years, and the miles I drive that car, my hourly costs diminish as the pleasure is spread out over more and more time. Proceeds from the eventual sale of the car will diminish those costs further – but I already have what I paid for: hundreds and hundreds of hours and many thousands of miles of pure pleasure – none of which can ever be taken away from me.
Ya wanna go underwater on a car? Try buying a new one! Carbob and I have another passion in common: Flathead six-cylinder mopars. My first car was a ’37 Plymouth. Over the past 40 years, my passion has been MGBs – also incredibly simple cars – with an engine design inspired by the Chevy stove-bolt six, BTW… I keep my collector cars off the road in our salty Michigan winters. The other three seasons – I use them, every day.
All this Chevy needs is for somebody to spend enough time and money on it to make a good useable pleasure car. It gets prettier every time I look at it…
That puppy needs a reto fit. 327 or 350 4 or 5 speed manual. Put in bucket seats and upgrade to wheels.Seems to be a little heavy at 10k.
That rear bumper is the ugliest bumper I have seen. If I remember correctly. These cars look really cool with the bumpers removed. I missed a 150 2 door sedan here in town a few years ago. No rust and very straight. I keep kicking myself on that one. I had planned to make it an early hot rod. With a 235 engine, dual carb intake, split exhaust with lakes pipes, etc. I might still do one if another comes around.