1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe

The 1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air provides an excellent example of a popular practice in Detroit of the 1950s called reskinning -- making an old car look new without changing its basic structure by applying different outer panels.  Nobody did this better at the time than General Motors, and the 1953-1954 Chevrolet Bel Air proved it.  Singer Dinah Shore, Chevrolet spokesperson at the time remarked: “It's a glamorous new star,"  pausing, while the camera cut to a close up, then gushingly asked: "Isn't that about the prettiest thing you ever saw?"

Looking both modern and classy at the same time, this slick '54 sport coupe is proof that Chevrolet's decision to take a curvaceous fuselage, and decorate it with an ample amount of chrome was an excellent idea.  Unlike most exaggerated 50's designs this car's proportions are spot-on, there's appropriate use of trim, and the subtle rear fins that would eventually grow to controversial wings are fully integrated into attractive, sculpted arcs.  "Jazbo", as this car is known, was purchased new in 1954 by the present owner's sister in Wichita, KS, then passed to him when the sister passed away in 2007.  Since then the brake system was rebuilt, the transmission was gone through, a new fuel tank was added and the top end of the engine was redone, including the cylinder head.  What we now have is essentially a 2 owner car, mostly original, and waiting for you in our West mallway.

Exterior
Finished in Romany Red and India Ivory, the body is showing some age with inclusions, chips and overall wear, but is still retaining its shine.  The chrome is in usable condition, but does show with some pitting, delamination and rust, especially on the front bumper.   A toothy grill, reminiscent of the 54 Corvette, presents very good, as does most brite work, and badging.  An early “jet bird” hood ornament with its chrome trail divides the rounded hood.  Flanking on either side topping off the front quarters are chrome trimmed headlamps.  As we move back, we can highlight the stainless-steel trim on the windows, although the glass does present with some delamination and cracks, with the passenger's door glass being the worst.  The rear quarters are a 1950's styling work of art, with their rounded and chromed trimmed protrusions, fender skirts and the white filled in trim spear that will eventually become larger and be the signature of the Bel Air line.  On the back is another large bumper, big cloisonné badge, and vertical cats-eye tail lights.  The roof line needs a shout out as it uses wrap-around glass with a forward design B pillar, all bathed in India Ivory.  The wheels are finished with standard chrome caps with a bit of red steel wheel shown through, and all these are wrapped in wide whites. 

Interior
Matching the exterior with two tone red cloth inserts with white vinyl bolsters the front and rear benches, (front split), create the feel of a 1950's drive in.  The door panels carry the colors and patterns to either side and make their way up to a Romany Red metal dash.  Inserted in front of the steering wheel, there is an elongated chromed oval with a large circular speedometer to the drivers left, and then a cluster of supporting gauges and a clock.  Moving over to the passenger side, a large area of vertical chromed ribs form the fronting for where the speaker would be as well as the door for the glovebox.  A white bar hangs below the dash, and contains the knobs for the lights, wipers, heater and airflow levers, and a radio delete panel.  A white column protrudes from the gauge area and has an original red steering wheel.  Red carpet and carpeted floor mats cover the floor below the dash and seats and above a tight whitey vinyl headliner has some chromed ribs in the seams.

Drivetrain
Opening the hood we can view the original but clean engine bay holding the correct 235ci.5 inline 6 cylinder with a rebuilt cylinder head and carburetor.  A rebuilt Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission is attached to the back of the engine sending power to a 3.70 geared axle.

Undercarriage
A mix of patina, surface rust, road dirt, and undercoating in black cover the bottom side of this car.  A solid black painted steel framing provides the backbone for the independent coil spring front and leaf spring rear suspensions.  A single exhaust system is in charge of the exhale and drum brakes on all 4 corners bring this mass of 50's steel to a stop.  During our tour we also note a new fuel tank as well as a new starter.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key started the car and it came to life at a low gurgle.  On the test drive it ran beautifully, handled like a dream, and has good acceleration and braking.  Just a wonderful opportunity to drive a fairly original car with only the heater blower not functioning and the heater core being bypassed.

This car shows the 1954 Bel Air line in its true form.  A 2 owner car, holding its own but not without a few faults, ready to whisk you away in real 50's style, a great Bel Air that has had a life well lived.

C54K044483

C-2400 Series Bel Air
54-1954
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
044483-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.