All 1954 models equipped with the standard transmission used the 1953 Powerglide engine. This included power steering and the Guidematic headlight dimmer in 1953, as well as power brakes, power 2-way front seat and power front windows in 1954. Many new options, once only seen in more expensive luxury cars, were offered, starting in 1953. In 19, Bel Airs could be ordered as a convertible, hardtop coupe, two- and four-door variant sedan, and, for 1954, the Beauville station wagon, which featured woodgrain trim around the side windows. Powerglide cars got a 115 hp (86 kW) version which had hydraulic lifters and full pressure lubrication. The 106 hp (79 kW) 235 cubic inch displacement engine was standard on stick shift models, with solid lifters and splash plus pressure lubrication, including Babbitt bearings. 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. During these years, there were three engine choices, depending on the transmission ordered. Prior to 1954, the 235 and 216 cubic inch six-cylinder engines had Babbitt bearings and scoops to create oil pressure at the bottom of each rod, and the oil pressure was standard at 15-30 PSI. For 1954, the Bel Air stayed essentially the same, except for a revised grille and taillights and a revised engine that had insert bearings and higher oil pressure, needed for the full-flow oil filtration system that was not available prior to 1954. Carpeting and full wheel covers rounded out Bel Air standard equipment. īel 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 a full chrome horn ring. In the July 1953 issue of Popular Mechanics, a tested 1953 Bel Air went from 0-60 mph in 19.6 seconds. 1953 was the first year for a curved, one-piece windshield. Lesser models had no model designation anywhere on the car, having only a Chevrolet crest on the hood and trunk. The inside of this stripe was painted a coordinating color with the outside body color, and "Bel Air" scripts were added inside the strip. The Bel Air series featured a wide chrome strip of molding from the rear fender bulge to the rear bumper. 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 was given a facelift in 1953. However, essentially these Chevrolets had similar frames and mechanicals to the 1949–1952 cars. The 1953 Chevrolet was advertised as "Entirely new through and through" due to the restyled body panels, front and rear ends. Two lower series, the 150 and 210, also emerged (as successors to the Special and Deluxe series, respectively). In 1953 Chevrolet renamed its series, and the Bel Air name was applied to the premium model range. The first Bel Airs were available with only the "Deluxe" premium trim level and specification.Īpart from the usual annual grille and trim changes, the 1951–1952 Bel Air differed from the earlier 1950 model with the introduction of the higher and squarer rear guards that were across the whole range. The chassis and mechanicals were common with the rest of the passenger car range, and the overall appearance was the same as the rest of the range, except that the roofline was lower and the unique three piece rear window gave it a longer and more balanced look. The windshield, doors, glass, and trunk were common with the Styleline Deluxe Convertible Coupe, however, the roof, rear quarters and rear windows (3) were unique. The first Bel Airs of this era shared only their front sheet metal ahead of the A pillar with the rest of the range. Front suspension was independent, named "knee-action". It is named after the wealthy Bel Air neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles.įirst-year production reached only 76,662 models built. valve-in-head 92 hp I6 įrom 1950 to 1952, the Bel Air Sport Coupe name was used only for the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range, to distinguish the car from the Styleline and Fleetline models. Van Nuys, California, ( Van Nuys Assembly)Ģ16.5 cu in (3.5 L) " Thriftmaster" 1-bbl. Tarrytown, New York, ( North Tarrytown Assembly) Lakewood Heights, Georgia, ( Lakewood Assembly) Janesville, Wisconsin, ( Janesville Assembly) Baltimore, Maryland, ( Baltimore Assembly)
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