1953 Chevrolet Other for sale $54,995

1953 Chevrolet Other $54,995
Car Ad from: Hemmings View Original Ad
Price: $54,995
Contact: View Original Ad from Hemmings
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Details: The very best customs are those where the work is so seamless that you cant tell where things have been nipped and tucked. This stunning 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is a textbook example of the customizers artand#44; a pro-built car that re-creates a 50s mild custom that gets big results from small changes.

The turquoise paint is probably the first thing that grabs your attentionand#44; a perfect 1950s color that resonates with people today as well as it did 60 years ago. The look is always best on a car with finsand#44; and while the 53 Chevy didnt come with any originallyand#44; this cool ragtop now wears a set of Packard taillights that give the little Chevy some big car presence. In factand#44; the list of modifications would probably take up all the space we haveand#44; so lets hit the highlights instead. Firstand#44; there are frenched headlights up frontand#44; a subtle changeand#44; but effective. The original grille and bumper were polished up and reinstalledand#44; but the hood ornament was shaved and replaced with some tasteful pinstripes. The rear bumper is a 1-piece California unit from a 1956 Chevyand#44; and it meets almost perfectly with those Packard taillights. The door handles were shavedand#44; as was the deck lidand#44; and even the back-up lights on the Packard housings are fully operational. This is professional craftsmanship at its very best.

More custom tricks await insideand#44; where a pair of 1964 Pontiac GTO bucket seats were installed astride a 63 Ford Falcon Sprint center console. Everything looks like it was born there and when wrapped in 1957 Chevrolet Turquoise and Antique White upholstery it takes on a period-perfect look. The original Bel Air dash was simply restoredand#44; although new VDO gauges were tucked into the auxiliary gauge slotsand#44; but the look is almost invisible. A/C and a trick audio system were added in the lower dashand#44; which is painted white for a little contrast and to help everything blend in. Carpetsand#44; door panelsand#44; and the back seat are equally well doneand#44; totally blurring the line between stock and customizedand#44; which is just the way its supposed to be. Overhead theres a snug-fitting white power convertible top and it folds effortlessly into the well where its covered by a matching white vinyl boot. The trunk is pure functionand#44; with a rubber mat and mouse fur side panelsand#44; but some would argue thats exactly how a trunk is supposed to look if you plan on using it.

Dont be fooled by the looks of the Stovebolt under the hoodand#44; because the burly 235 cubic inch inline-six makes this Chevy a lot of fun to drive. Bright red paintand#44; some chrome dress-upand#44; and a few period touches like the firewall-mounted AC oil filter keep it firmly anchored in the 1950s. Youll note that the A/C was cleverly hidden down low so it doesnt attract a lot of attentionand#44; and it still inhales through a stock carburetor (a Fenton dual carb setup is available). Fenton also supplied the cast iron exhaust manifolds that feed a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that give the strong-running six a great soundtrack. The head is a later and more desirable 848 casting thats been reworked for unleaded fueland#44; and you wont miss a V8 when youre out cruising. The PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission has been rebuilt and spins the stock rear endand#44; which hangs on leaf springs with air shocks. The slammed stance doesnt affect ride quality one bit and it sits on 15-inch steel wheels with hubcapsand#44; trim ringsand#44; and a set of 205/75/15 Coker wide whitewall radials.

An awesome ragtop that will delight everyone at the show who remembers the good old daysand#44; this Chevy more than delivers on a vintage custom look with plenty of performance to go with it. Call today!