The Bel Air debuted in 1950 as a 2-door hardtop (the only body style) and was Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line automobile in those days. In 1953, the cars received a heavy facelift, and a full range of body styles would be offered. The 1954s were little changed, with the front turn signal lenses being the easiest way to tell them apart. We’re told this sharp ’54 Bel Air has been restored, including the interior, which is freshly installed. Located in Coburg, Oregon, this sweet ride is available here on craigslist for $22,500.
Chevrolet was still a year away from offering a V8 engine in 1955. So, the 235 cubic inch “Stovebolt” inline-6 was your one and only choice in 1954. The 2-speed automatic transmission, the Powerglide, was gaining in popularity, and the original owner of this car chose it over a “3-on-the-tree” manual shifter. This Chevy has 154,000 miles but doesn’t look like it since somebody poured some big money into a restoration (but when?).
Newer stuff on this old gal is the exhaust system, motor mounts, and some hoses and belts. The tires are fairly new, as well, and they’re radials rather than Coker reproductions. The spare is good, and some extra parts are kept in the trunk. All the lights work except for the interior dome light (did they check the bulb or fuse?).
I owned a 1953 210 sedan way back when, and it was a roomy, solid car. It drove well, though the Stovebolt could be counted on for a little blue smoke. This ’54 is much nicer and looks like it would be a great addition to any collection, assuming the price is right. This is the last year before the “Tri-Fives” found 4.5 million buyers through 1957. Another fine tip from “Curvette”.
I don’t know, maybe it’s my age showing but I like this thing. Price seems fair for a car in this condition. Too bad Chevrolet didn’t come out with the V8 a year earlier.
My ’54 210, same color but white top and the Bel Air interior. Drove it all over the country with no problems. Twin exhaust (the six’s sound great), lowered a bit, and an Olds V8 waiting to be put in when I broadsided an old Plymouth that pulled across in front of me. That old hunk of iron wiped out the whole front end of the Chevy and came out with a dented left rear fender. Hated that as I really loved that car. Nice one here.
I simply must,,,,”See the USA, in your Chevrolet, America the greatest land of all”,,that lady ( Dinah Shore) helped sell a LOT of Chevys, so much so, I believe GM gave her a new Chevy every year she was on the air. To be clear, this IS a Powerglide, and a $178 option then. Somebody checked most of the boxes here but was blissfully unaware that an entirely new Chevy was just a year away. Regardless, Ms. Shore had a profound impact on sales, and almost 1.4 MILLION Chevys were sold in 1954. That radio, a $90 option was a must. Can’t you just see our parents at the crossroads of life, in dads ’54 Chevy, mom close by, listening to Perry Como, Doris Day, Ol’ Blue Eyes, and they never told you, Bill Haley and the Comets coming out of that 8 tube radio,,,Amen to that!
It’s always nice to see a seller on this platform with a very clean car, that knows even though it looks like a million bucks they’re down to earth on the price. Very nice and well presented Bel Air.