It's one thing to have a well preserved and restored vintage car, but those of us who want a cut-above classic also look for something we can drive, too. That's what gets us excited about this 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. Not only does it look fantastic with its 10,000-watt chrome smile, but also the original motor is backed up by a modern radiator so it can handle real traffic...yes, the best of both worlds at an affordable price.The top-of-the-line Bel Air added plenty more bright trim, and the place you first notice it on this coupe is on the roof. The full window surrounds and complete bright c-pillar makes for a terrific separating line for the two-tone yellow and white paint scheme. These colors have a great shine that reflects the quality of the restoration, and more importantly, the hues give this classic '50s Chevy a very cool Art Deco feeling. But what you really love about a well cared for American classic is the mirror-like brightwork. Besides the roof trim that we already mentioned, the Bel Air correctly has bright trim running the full length of the side, outlining the lower rear fenders, surrounding every exterior light, and smiling with a shiny toothy grille. Cool period-correct cruising accessories like chrome spinner-style wheels, visors over headlights, and the blue dot taillights and headlights. So this is the kind of Chevy that will let you live out your American Graffiti fantasy.The custom cruiser attitude continues on the inside. The white vinyl tuck-n-roll pattern that's on the seats, door panes, kick plates, and even the trunk would have made you one of the coolest cats around back in the day. Plus, the fresh gray carpeting that matches the trim paint gives this restored classic Chevy a full uniform appearance that has helped it become an award-winner. You sit behind an original wheel with a stylized inner chrome ring, and gaze over a bright and clear original gauge package. The radio might look like an original piece, but it's actually a well-disguised modern digital tuner that also has an auxiliary input. So while Wolfman Jack is no longer on the airwaves, you can easily bring him into your cool Chevy.Chevrolet only had one engine choice in 1953 to rely on for everything from the Corvette to its pickup trucks. The 235 cubic-inch Blue Flame six-cylinder motor provide reliable power, and good torque, to keep its chrome machines cruising down the road. It fires up nicely thanks to the full restoration of what is believed to be the original motor, and the conversion to a dual exhaust even gives this reliable six a distinguished sound, and a hint of the rumble that came from the later Chevy V8s. Best of all, there's only about 6K miles on the engine since its rebuild (and 2K since some major upgrades.) For those who want to get the most out of this motor, the three-speed manual transmission is the best choice to have, and there's just a real retro cool feeling about operating the "three on the tree" column shifter. But just like the radio, this coupe has been subtly upgraded where it counts. It includes a new gas tank, fuel pump, conversion to 12-volt power, and an aluminum radiator. The total package gives it a real confidence that even stays cool in traffic. This go anywhere feeling is furthered by great driving features like power steering and the grip of modern radial tires.We could go on about the level of quality in the restoration, but you already see this one is an award-winner. This Bel Air captures a feeling you'd happily pay twice the price to recapture, and that's why we know it won't be with us very long. Call today!!
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