“Startlingly New! Wonderfully Different!” is how Chevrolet described the new models for ’53. This 1953 Bel Air Convertible with green leather interior is a loively example of the new look for that year. The new, redesigned look for ’53 looked fresh and exciting compared with the models that had served from 1949-52.
The reality was it wasn’t a totally new car and shared some internal parts and the chassis was the same. Looks wise there was a definite nod in the direction of its predecessor. Nevertheless it was a move in the right direction.
Bel Air now indicated the level of trim rather than a body style as it had previously, and it was top-of-the-line! Standard features included; rear fender skirts, chrome gravel shield and rocker panel trim, front and rear floor carpet (the 150 and 210 rubber matting), twin sun visors, two-tone cloth upholstery.
![](https://www.carsandstripes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1953-chevy-bel-air-convertible-rear.jpg)
More distinctive, more glamorous than ever! The beautiful, new upholstery harmonizes with a variety of solid colors and two-tone combinations, is how Chevrolet described the new interiors in the Bel Air.
![](https://www.carsandstripes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1953-chevrolet-bel-air-convertible-interior.jpg)
Presented here in Surf Green, guitarists among you will know this is an iconic color that appeared on guitars back in the fifties and is still popular today.
![side view of a 53 Chevy Bel Air convertible with the top up](https://www.carsandstripes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1953-chevrolet-bel-air-convertible-side.jpg)
Power comes from the original 115 horsepower, 235 inline six paired with a powerglide automatic transmission. The latter would have cost the original owner of this car an additional $178 as the standard transmission was a 3-speed manual.
![235 cubic inches chevy engine from 1953](https://www.carsandstripes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1953-chevy-235-engine.jpg)
1953 saw the introduction of one-piece curved windshields. Previously they were flat and made from two pieces and joined in the center.
The 1953 Bel Air had a wheelbase of 102″, an overall length of 167.3″ and width of 69.8″.
There were now 13 Chevrolet models available spread over 3 series; The 150, 210 and the Bel Air.
SOME AVAILABLE CHEVROLET OPTIONS IN 1953
Option | Price |
---|---|
Power steering | $178 |
Heater and defrosted (under dash) | $40 |
Air-Flow heater and defroster | $90 |
Windshield washer | $12 |
Autronic-Eye headlamp dimmer | $50 |
Push-button AM radio | $65 |
Signal seeking AM radio | $135 |
For the 1953 model year, Chevrolet produced 514,760 Bel Airs with 24,047 convertibles (model number 2434) at a base price of $2,175.
This ’53 Chevy is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)
I own an all original ‘53 Bel Air with 42k actual miles. It’s the most comfortable seating and ride of any of the other classics I’ve owned.