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.
You referred to this as a 2 door hardtop. This is a 2 door sedan AKA a coupe. I have always known 2 door hardtops as a 2 door with no center post between the side windows. But, what do I know.
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.
I guess I’m fussy, but I don’t like glaringly NEW interiors.
I liked the interior at first glance. But then I took a second look and I see what you mean.
My Grandpa ( the same one who had the ’66 Impala SS) had a ’54 2 door hardtop. This is the only picture I have of him with the car. It got traded in for a Turquoise and White ’56 Bel Air 2 door hardtop with a V8. These are nice cars, this one looks like a really nice restoration. You may have to click on the photo to see the whole thing.
I would to purchase this vehicle for my wife of 54 years who was born in 1954!
I don’t think I have ever seen a ’53 or ’54 BelAir without the side spear being painted white, and usually with a matching white top. Perhaps it came from the factory as a two-tone but the restorer decided to go this route. Anyway, it’s a beautiful car.
In HS, I lusted for a lowered ‘54 BelAir hardtop in white over powder blue. Lucky guy got all the girls!
I do not believe you could restore one to this degree for that price. Alot of great clean cars for sale outta the North West Washington area.
My parents had the Bel Air Sport Coupe which I always thought was the top of the line. Body styled without a B pillar… like this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1954-chevrolet-bel-air-hardtop-sport-coupe-8/
clean ride but shrinking market.
Very nice restoration whenever done. One 54 that didn’t go to Cuba! Did these have 12 volt electrical already? Anyone?
No, 12 volts did not arive until the 55 along with the V8. It would be an great upgrade to whoever buys this one.
No, but this one appears to have an 8 volt battery based on the number of caps. That was an old timer’s trick for a little more cranking power. On the one I had, I used two 6-volt Optimas wired in parallel.
Another reasonably (??) priced entry into the classic car world
Looks like a 2drsdn to me! But nice shape in the restoration.
I could be wrong, but I think 12 volt come in ’55 along with the V8. Anyone else remember differently?
My first car…. a 53 Chevy with auto trans and suicide reverse! We paid $50 in
1968 for it and it needed a carb…..$15 rebuilt! My brother had it up to 90MPH with six guys in the car! It was a tank with some good school memories…….. It was 6 volt and the same 2 door sedan! The sport coupe was the pillar less model. Don’t get you fingers caught when the wheel came back from a turn! It would break your fingers!!
I have always liked these. (Although I prefer the ’53 tail lights and it was the year I was hatched. ) These have always appeared to he very solid cars. (Until ravaged by the tin worms and steel weevuls!) And I would love to have a ’53 as my daily driver. There is one in town that looks to be in very good body condition and hasn’t moved in years. I have been after the guy to sell it to me. But he hasn’t come off the clouds yet.
The family had a 1954 four door, the same color but I remember a mat finish, not shiny. We had a couple of sources, dad’s father and a family friend and we could buy their trade-in for the dealer’s offering so perhaps ours came to us when Grandpa bought a 1955 DeSoto (he was a dentis) of the family friend who bought a 1957 Chevy.
Later on, the late 60’s I got my first car, a 1952 two-tone that had been traded in at the local Rambler dealer, but the family resemblance in power train, etc. was strong. This is nice to see but I don’t care for the roofline.
This is a real beauty. The seller has revised the ad though saying it developed an oil leak, so it’s going to need a little work and he’s open to reasonable offers.
Is the drivers door not shut or is the fit that bad?
Seller found a puddle of oil on floor under the engine trans area (engine oil). Now the price is $12500.
Rope style rear main seal on these. (So thankfully you don’t have to remove the transmission, driveline and slide the rear differential back.) Just drop the oil pan to access the rear main. ( not sure that I remember correctly, but you may have to drop part of the steering linkage to do that)
There is a special tool (I have one) to remove the upper portion of the rear main seal and force the new one in. ) I belive that it can still be purchased in a kit. J.C. Whitney? (are they still around?) I heard of a split neoprene seal that can be installed (possibly for this application) but you still need to get the old one out first. This is not a terribly hard job. BUT, you are covered in engine oil when you are done.