1953 Chevrolet Bel Air

This 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is an award-winning two-door sedan that underwent a frame-off restoration and is powered by a 235ci Blue Flame inline-6 paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. It reportedly spent approximately 50 years in Michigan with its original owner before being acquired by the seller in 2014. The car received a Gold Award from the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and is said to run and drive well. Finished in two-tone green and turquoise over a green and gray cloth interior, this first-generation Bel Air is now offered with restoration documentation, manuals, awards, sales material, a full-size spare tire, and a clear Ohio title in the seller’s name.

The Bel Air was a full-size model that joined the Chevrolet family in 1950 on the General Motors A-body platform. In 1953, a facelift was applied that brought restyled body panels and front and rear ends along with chrome trim. This Bel Air two-door sedan from 1953 remained with its original owner for its first 50 years in Michigan and was later purchased by the seller in 2014. A frame-off restoration was carried out in the early 2000s encompassing cosmetic and mechanical work, resulting in a Gold Award plaque from the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America dated July of 2004. The body showcases window visors, fender skirts, and rust-free brightwork for the bumpers, grille, headlight surrounds, and moldings. The seller notes that there is a small scratch on the driver's door.

Steel wheels with polished Bowtie-branded hubcaps are wrapped in wide-whitewall tires.

The interior is upholstered with green and gray cloth bench seating, complemented by green vinyl door panels and color-keyed lap belts and carpeting. The dash is accented with chrome trim. Additional amenities include a push-button AM radio. The seller states that the electronic features operate as designed and the back seat fabric and carpeting show some wear.

Instrumentation is delivered via a 110-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and auxiliary gauges for the coolant temperature, fuel level, voltage, and oil pressure. The 5-digit mechanical odometer reads approximately 4,200 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 235ci Blue Flame inline-6 was rated at 115 horsepower when new and uses a 6-volt electrical setup. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale will include awards, a binder of restoration documentation, promotional materials, service manuals, and a full-size spare tire. The seller has provided a video with additional details on the vehicle below.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 4/11/22 9:17 AM: A video has been added.