1953 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210

Description

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Bel Air
,
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Specs:
​
​
235 Cubic Inch 6 Cylinder
Power Glide Automatic
Transmission
Factory Power Steering
Manual Drum Brakes
Vacuum Wipers
Correct Generator
Original 6 Volt Electrical System
Single Exhaust
Oil Bath Air Cleaner
Power Top
AM Pushbutton Radio
Fender Mount Antennae
Dual Outside Mirrors
Fender Skirts
Wide Whitewall Radial Tires
Clock
Under Dash Vents
Heater
Dual Sun Visors
Factory Gauges
Bumper Guards front and rear
Chrome Fuel Door Guards
Dual Horns
Tinted Windshield
The Bel Air was given a facelift in 1953. The pre-war technology, such as torque tube drive, six-cylinder splash feed engines, knee-action suspension, and split windshields of the early models was phased out and the foundations for the first post war modern Chevrolet passenger car were finalized. The Bel Air series featured a wide chrome strip of molding from the rear fender bulge to the rear bumper. The inside of this stripe was painted a coordinating color with the outside body color, and "Bel Air" scripts were added inside the strip. Lesser models had no model designation anywhere on the car, having only a Chevy crest on the hood and trunk. 1953 was the first year for a curved, one-piece windshield.
In the July 1953 issue of
Popular Mechanics
, a tested 1953 Bel Air went from 0-60 mph in 19.6 seconds.
Bel Air interiors had an optional massive expanse of chrome across the lower part of the dashboard (most were painted), along with a deluxe Bel Air steering wheel with full chrome horn ring. Carpeting and full wheel covers rounded out Bel Air standard equipment.
During these years, there were three engine choices, depending on the transmission ordered. Both 235 cubic inch engines were "Blue Flame"
inline six
cylinder
OHV
engines, featuring hydraulic valve lifters (in 1953 with automatic transmissions) and aluminum pistons. The 106 hp (79 kW) 235 cubic inch displacement engine was standard on
stickshift
models, with solid lifters and splash plus pressure lubrication including babbit bearings.
Powerglide
cars got a 115 hp (86 kW) version which had hydraulic lifters and full pressure lubrication.
In 1953 and 1954, Bel Airs could be ordered in convertible, hardtop coupe, two- and four-door sedans, and, for 1954, the
Beauville
station wagon which featured woodgrain trim around the side windows. Many new options, once available only to more expensive luxury cars, became offered starting in 1953, including power steering and the
Guidematic headlight dimmer
in 1953; and power brakes, power 2-way front seat and power front windows in 1954. All 1954 models equipped with the standard transmission used the 1953 Powerglide engine.
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.
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