Monday, November 6, 2017

A Drive Through History With The Chevy 53

By Mark Carter


The American automobile industry has grown in strides since pioneers such as Henry Ford invented automobiles that were affordable for average Americans. When the modern assembly line style of manufacturing came into being, cars started being produced en masse. One car that stood out and has acted as a symbol of American dominance in vehicle manufacturing is the Chevy 53.

A vintage car today, it used to be the creme de la creme of the Chevrolet brand name back then. It was introduced into the market in 1950 as the Bel Air model. Many decades after its introduction, it became highly favored by millions of car owners in the US and beyond. To date, it dominates vintage car shows year in year out.

The model came in two generations that filled production lines from the years 1950 to 1957. In 1950, the company launched the first car in the series. It was originally meant to satisfy demand at the high end spectrum of the automobile market. While most competing manufacturers had attempted to make similar models before, they did not get picked up quickly by consumers.

The success that Chevrolet enjoyed was to a large extent as a result of good timing. This is because during the time leading up to the Second World War, a period when other manufacturers focused heavily on production, many Americans were suffering economically due to the great depression. The Bel Air came at a time when the economic situation and political stability in the country had normalized.

Generation one Bel Airs were produced from 1950 to 1954. Many advanced features were introduced owing to the superior manufacturing technology that came after the war. For example, chrome molding strips got infused into the body. The molding strip at the rear bumper and fender bulge is what essentially gives the car its signature look.

A myriad of changes to the interior also came into the fold in 1953 when the model got the name 53. To begin with, a diverse range of high end upholsteries were put in place. Many people also took note of the stylish decor and design of the horn ring and steering wheel. Other great introductions were wheel covers and standardized carpeting.

There were four major body styles that came with this generation. They include the popular 2 door coupe, 4 door station wagon, 4 door sedan, 2 door convertible and 2 door hardtop coupe. They all came with standard 3.5 Liter and 3.9 Liter engines. A buyer could also choose between a 3 speed automatic or manual gearbox.

The second generation, in production between 1955 and 1957, brought massive style improvements. For example, the hardtops had chrome fender spears and headliner bands plus stainless windows. If you were a driver back then, you would feel like you were in a Ferrari. First time features such as air conditioning and V8 engines also got introduced.

Love it or hate it, this car has stood the test of time. Luckily, there are vintage car dealers who have them in stock. If you are looking to win a classic car show, you should definitely get one.




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