1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

Chevrolet began using the Bel Air name in 1950, creating a 'convertible look' in a hardtop format. Initially, it was a trim option on the deluxe series and in 1953 became its own model, taking the spot as the top-of-the-line offering from Chevrolet. By 1954, the engineers and stylists on this model were primarily laying the groundwork for the upcoming 1955 redesign. As this was the era of dazzling chrome and electrifying colors, the Bel Air was well appointed. This was also the era when American cars were getting longer and lower. The 1954 Chevrolets were the culmination of an all-new postwar styling that made its debut in 1949 and evolved steadily and with refinement until 1954 when the model went out with a bang.

The 1954 Bel Air was available in five body styles with the six-cylinder being the only engine option. A total of 66,378 Bel Air Sport Coupes were built. 143,573 two-door and 248750 four-door sedans were built. 19,383 were convertibles and 8,156 were station wagons. A total of 486,240 Bel Airs were built in 1954, accounting for 42.2% of Chevrolet's total 1,151,486 production.

The least expensive body style was the sedan with a base price of $1,685, followed by the two-door sedan listing at $1,830, then the $2060 coupe, the $2,165 convertible, and the range-topping eight-passenger station wagon at $2,260.

The overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine had a cast-iron block, solid valve lifters, a one-barrel carburetor, a 235.5 cubic-inch displacement, and developed 115 horsepower at 3,700 RPM. The standard transmission was the manual with synchromesh. With the optional $178 Powerglide automatic transmission, horsepower rose slightly to 125 bhp.

The Bel Airs wore full-length sweepsear moldings with double moldings on the rear fenders. Within the moldings were the name 'Bel Air' and a Chevrolet crest. Additional brightwork and chrome trim further distinguished it from its Chevy siblings, with body belt molding, window molding, rocker panel moldings, bright metal gravel guards, and double windshield pillar moldings. The rear wheels wore fender skirts.

The Bel Air models came standard with carpeting, an electric clock, full-wheel discs wearing a new design, and horizontally ebbed vinyl door panels. The interior of the convertibles was done in two-tone all-vinyl trims and snap-on boot cover. The sport coupe had unique 'fashion fiesta' two-tone upholstery and rear pillar courtesy lights. Distinguishable exterior features included chrome brightwork for the inside roof garnish moldings, rear window frame, and the exposed roof bows.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019