1953 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan

The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1975 model years. Initially, only the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952. With the 1953 model year, the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations, and it went from a mid-level trim car to a budget fleet sedan when U.S. production ceased in 1975.

For consignment, the first year of the Bel Air high end designation setting it apart from the 150 and 210 trims. This example was totally restored in the 1990s, and still retains its luster and appeal to this day. Our consigner has driven it in many car tours and kept up on a few mechanical issues that may have arisen since his ownership inception in 1997. Always meticulously maintained and stored inside we give you a big chrome rounded exterior fender 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air so named after the affluent suburb in LA CA.

Exterior
The first thing you will notice about this beauty is the slow disappearance of the exterior fenders protruding from the sides. And with the 1950's progress they would be totally integrated. For now, though let's enjoy the interplay with the two-tone Woodland green of most of the body, hood and trunk. In particular, the rear fender is still protruding, and it is sporting what would eventually morph into the swoop spear and panel of the trim fives. We will bask in the late 40's early 50's styling using a large chromed trim spear, that starts on the front quarter, then streaks rearward where it meets up with the oval bump out of the rear quarter and wheel well. This bump out is adorned with a wider trim spear which goes to the tail, and the front of the oval has wide stainless trim. This coupled with a thin rocker stainless trim and even trimming around the gas filler door adds plenty of bling to the sides of the car. Wide stainless window trimmings and a triangular B pillar panel frame the roofline which features the beginnings of the wraparound glass which will continue to expand in later years to totally make the corner. The roof is painted in Campus Cream as is the wider trim spear on the rear quarter. On the roof there is a dent with slight rust on its edges. Plenty of chrome for the front and back of this car with its crescendo of a big shiny bumper in front framing a 3 tooth grille, and yet another trimming at the bottom of the bulbous hood. Thin white wall tires wrap bowtie badged moon caps and fender skirts are on back partially obscuring the rear wheels and tires.

Interior
A swing of the vintage design doors reveals a central panel in green vinyl looking much like the X-1 Chuck Yeager took over the sound barrier. This has chromed edging which delineates some green fuzzy broadcloth, green vinyl lowers and body matching painted sills. A look at the interior seating and we see wonderful mint green broadcloth with slightly darker green thin striped fronts, and dark green piping and tubs. The seats front and back are pristine benches with solid padding, and no tears. For the dash the designers of the day used oval panels with textured aluminum backgrounds and round chrome bezel instruments. Some elongated oval gauges reside between the two larger speedo and right side clock. The dash top is full metal jacket Woodland Green and has chrome aplenty for accenting. The radio and vertical ribbed speaker and glove box door have major chrome bling and it is all pristine. A lighter gray band runs below the dash, and in the dash central is a Chevrolet badge written in grandmother's handwriting. The original bakelite rimmed with round chromed horn rim steering wheel is fronting the dash. Forest green carpeting is covering the floors and a mohair cream tight but showing some age headliner floats above all the 1950's menagerie.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is an original unrestored 216.5ci inline 6 popper. It sports a 1-barrel carburetor on top and a 2-speed automatic Powerglide transmission on back. The rear axle comes to this car in 3.70 gear form. Though unrestored it still retains a great patina original look.

Undercarriage
All solid and rust free, some random oiling at various stages of the drivetrain, but structurally sound. Independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf springs for the back which have been recently re arched. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners. That's Amore!

Drive-Ability
A wonderful experience in this like new retro space age influenced interior, and all that exterior Detroit iron added up to a super smooth ride, good acceleration, and bias free drum braking. All was working order for this 53 Bel Air.

A nicely preserved and driven and enjoyed Bel Air restored in the 90's retains its shine and is mechanically sound. A spectacle of design and all cool for this cat. How much is that doggie in the CAM showroom window??

VIN DECODE
C53B120552
C-2400 Series BelAir
53-1953
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
120552-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 53 1069WD-1953 2400 Series BelAir Sedan
BODY NO M20064-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 247-Light Green Ladder Pattern Cloth
PAINT NO 512-Woodland Green & Campus Cream

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.