Chevrolet reworked the styling of its cars in 1953 and simplified the roster in the process. The lineup consisted of the 150, 210, and Bel Air, which would continue with the “Tri-Fives” of 1955-57. The 1954 models were largely a rerun of the ‘53s, and the seller has a potentially low-mileage mid-tier 210, which is either a beautiful original or a nicely done restoration. Located in Cheraw, South Carolina, this two-tone family car is available here on craigslist for $23,500. Once again, Mitchell G. delivers in the tips department.
The best way to tell a ’54 Chevy from a ’53 Chevy was the front turn signals and rear taillights. A 235 cubic inch inline-6 was the only engine, but the first Chevy V8 since 1918 would arrive in 1955 as an option. An original copy of the 235 is in the seller’s car, and we’re told the machine has just 32,000 (we’re betting on 132,000 if the white over red Chevy has been restored; why the seller doesn’t discuss this is disappointing).
Sales of the very similar 1954 210 2-door sedan were off by 21% compared to 1953. Perhaps the cars were too similar, or buyers were waiting for the all-new 1955s. As was typical in the mid-1950s, this Chevy has a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. We’re told everything on this car works as it should, and the body, paint, and interior all look ship-shape.
I once owned a near copy of this 210 except that it was a ’53 and had dark blue paint on the bottom. It was original except for the paint, and I only paid $1,600 for it. Of course, that was in 1980, and it was barely considered a classic or collectible ride in those days. Didn’t keep it more than a year.
My first college car except for light blue on the body under the white top. The original owner ordered the car with the top of the line leather looking vinyl in matching white/light blue. Put a few Hess mods on it and drove it all over the country.
My Grandpa, the same one who had the ’66 Impala SS. Had an all white ’54 Bel Air. He didn’t speak about it much other than it was actually the first car he bought after returning from WW2. They lived in the city (as you can see) and used buses and walked. He was proud of that car. This one looks sweet. Really nice. Love it. Thanks for the memories Russ.
I’m sorry, its sideways and I have no idea why.
Got a couple pictures BF turns sideways like yours. Only on BF and don’t know why.
Hey Drives, my first car was a white 66 Impala Super Sport (spelled out on the front fenders) ermine white with blue interior, 327 Powerglide. Paid $350 for it in 78 when I turned 16. Dad and I fixed a couple rust spots and resprayed it with a portable compressor and spray gun. He refinished antique furniture on the side. It turned out very good, great memories—its a $40,000 car if I had it now!
Hey Cooter. Thats funny. In case you didn’t see it, this is a picture of his Ermine white blue interior ‘ 66. 396. ( he was the worlds oldest teeneager in his 40’s drag racing everyone at every stop light back then.) The picture was taken in ’68. Hks favorite color was white with a blue interior.
If I’m not mistaken 54 and earlier Chevys had a 6 volt electrical system. The 12 volt battery in this one suggest this one has been converted.
You’re right…12 volt systems came along in 1955…this one has been converted to 12 v
You’re right…12 volt systems came along in 1955…this one has been converted to 12 v
We had a 53′ Chevy and in 1957 my parents piled us 3 boys in that car and drove from N.J.to Florida for a vacation. I was the youngest at 3 years old.
The red does not look right, it should have been more to the orange, but I could be wrong, or the color of the photo might be off, but who cares, this is a nice car.
These didnt even cost 1600 brand new.Hey,BFers,we got a guppy here
The base price for a 54 210 was $1717. As was common at that time, that price included nothing.
Definitely a nice restoration on appearance. Seller is a little coy on the information. Need to see it up close to verify the quality of workmanship.
I normally hate fender skirts. But they look good here. I really like this car. If it was mine I would slowly (meaning, over time) would upgrade the suspension and brakes. Install wider “stock looking” wheels. And source a factory style overdrive. Install some higher (numericly) gears. And eventually take a walk through the Clifford catalog for some engine improvements. I like this car, I almost bought a ’53 (the year I was born) in very original non-rot condition a few years ago. I wish I had.
My first car, 54 Chevy, black with white top. 2 dr post. $65. 2nd gear gone. Bought transmission from local wrecking for $15. Awesome car. 1966.