Jun 22, 2020  •  For Sale  •  13 Comments

Original Paint? 32k Mile 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

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Before the days of long fins and miles of chrome trim, cars had a more conservative look. This ’54 Bel Air is an excellent example of that post-war low-key look, and it’s available here on eBay. Thanks go to Ikey H. for the tip, let’s check out this blue beauty!

Between 1950 and 1981, General Motors (and GM Canada) produced a full-size car that was either a separate model, or a trim level, depending what year and market. They were offered with a dizzying array of drivetrain choices and trim accouterments, and were instantly recognizable on the roads of North America. The first generation, which our featured car represents, could be had with a 215-ci “Thriftmaster” or 235 “Blue Flame” inline six, a manual or automatic gearbox, and your choice of 5 body configurations. According to Wikipedia: “…The 1953–1954 Chevrolet range had a unique and somewhat awkward look about it and much of this stemmed from its role as a transitional model to introduce a raft of changes that were necessary to pave the way for the introduction of the 1955–1957 range that really established the Bel Air as a cultural icon. The pre-war technology, such as torque tube drive, six-cylinder splash feed engines, knee action suspension, split windshields, etc., of the early models was phased out and the foundations for the first post war modern Chevrolet passenger car were finalized in this 1953–1954 model.”

We look now at the car up for bids, and it looks really nice. The seller tells us that quite a bit of engine work has been done,  and that its Blue Flame six runs and drives. We can see a seemingly-original car that has been well-kept over the years, but not perfect. We’re told that over $6000 has been spent in fix-ups, and we can see a few of them in the engine compartment. Short of one small spot on the lower panels, we don’t notice any body rust, and there is a little something on top of the one fender, but overall, it presents well.

I had a 1/24-scale model kit of the same year and model when I was a kid, and in spite of the fact that I had the fine motor skills of a dump truck, I bought the kit anyway. I liked the look of it! Needless to say, the end result was not ideal, but now I am a grown man and would prefer the real thing! Not gonna lie, I dig this car. It looks to be in excellent shape, and I would like to have one like this.

That’s my two cents, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Comments

  1. Joey Machado
    Jun 23, 2020 at 7:38am

    I see almost all original cars scare y’all. What, yo money is better complaining than buying.
    Got work to do

    Like 0
    • Chris M.
      Jun 23, 2020 at 8:36am

      Cool Joe Mochado! The man who makes being such a cool guy look so damn easy!! Lol

      Like 1
      • Joey Machado
        Jun 23, 2020 at 8:45am

        And chris m is really chris hoag, the scammer in Indio. Shut your lying stupid mouth. He makes cars that are not and lies they are real. Ebay got him. Had to pay back for a scammed car. More to come lots.
        He hides under many names as he is banned from selling.
        I know where you are.
        Anybody want his location since he scammed you?

        Like 0
      • Chris M.
        Jun 23, 2020 at 10:31am

        Good one Joey! Lol But that grammar isn’t so cool!!

        Like 0
  2. Tempo Matador Ray
    Jun 23, 2020 at 8:02am

    @Russell,
    👌 Nice bit of information. I too like this particular model, especially how well cared for by its current custodian. This cool cruiser has that certain look that reflects the era when it first rolled off the assembly line. Perhaps not the sleekest design by some, but rather a humble and transitional design that makes it quite unique in today’s world…Someone will most certainly enjoy driving this cream puff…

    Like 9
    • Russell GlantzAuthor
      Jun 23, 2020 at 12:10pm

      Thank you!

      Like 1
  3. Pete Phillips
    Jun 23, 2020 at 10:02am

    Power steering on one of these is rare, and I think I see the power steering pump

    Like 0
  4. Pete Phillips
    Jun 23, 2020 at 10:11am

    Bidders beware. The ebay listing says the car is located in the Seychelles islands.

    Like 0
    • Joey Machado
      Jun 24, 2020 at 12:55pm

      Seychelles is East of Kenya. Island has no google street view.
      Questionable circumstances here.

      Like 0
  5. TimM
    Jun 23, 2020 at 12:22pm

    Nice ride at a decent price!! I would be a player on this for sure it it had the standard transmission!! That blue flame with the three on the tree is an awesome setup!! I’m just not so fond of the power glide!! Just my personal preference!!!

    Like 4
  6. Moparman MoparmanMember
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:07pm

    Here’s a really cool re-imagining of the car by Dan Palatnik, ( a Russian graphic artist IIRC). This car is nice, reminds me of a ’53 sedan that my dad had. We kids named it “Hercules”! GLWTA! :-)

    Like 2
  7. bobhess bobhessMember
    Jun 23, 2020 at 4:26pm

    College car was a 210, same color, fully loaded including the deluxe interior that was one step above this one. One of the best all around cars I’ve ever owned. Did make the taillight lenses solid red and lowered it a little with Dodge wheel covers and a dual exhaust system.

    Like 3
  8. Bob McK
    Jun 23, 2020 at 5:34pm

    Nice… I wonder what it will bid up to.

    Like 0

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