1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon

Description

After doing this job for a few years, you definitely get a feel for old cars and the market. And with that in mind, we're quite confident that this rare and very attractive 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman station wagon won't last very long on the showroom floor. The restoration was done in the mid-2000s, so it still looks great, and showing up in a wagon like this is always an event.

By 1954, most of the real wood woodies were gone, but that doesn't mean that the look wasn't still very much in fashion. I've been going to car shows since I was 4 years old, and I can't recall seeing one of these...ever! The good news is that the restoration is holding up quite well, and it doesn't look like this wagon needed major surgery to get back into shape. The steel is straight and all four doors fit well, and even the tailgate is in awesome shape. The wood areas aren't really wood, of course, but they do use correct-looking Dy-Noc to create a fairly convincing woody look and the decals aren't sun faded or peeling, so you know they were installed right and the car has been well-maintained since the restoration was finished. Surf Green is a favorite '50s color and looks great against the woodwork, delivering a period vibe that's insanely appealing. Chrome and trim, and there's a lot of it, was restored with the rest of the car and remains quite good overall; not perfect, but exactly right for the overall look of the car. This isn't a trailer queen, this is your next road trip waiting to happen!

The interior keeps things stock with proper two-tone upholstery that matches the exterior. Wagons were getting more luxurious and remained the top-of-the-line models, even at Chevrolet, so they got handsome door panels, a full-appointed instrument panel, and plenty of options. This one features power windows for the front seat passengers, an AM radio, and even power steering, which was introduced in 1953. This car also retains all three rows of seats, which is quite rare as early owners would often remove the rearmost seat to increase storage capacity and it would be lost forever. There's also carpet on the floors, which is appropriate in the Bel Air trim, and the rear cargo are is nicely finished with a durable vinyl material and lots of bright chrome trim.

The only engine available was Chevy's bulletproof 235 cubic inch inline-six, but even with the wagon body behind it, performance is more than adequate. It was rebuilt to original specs when the rest of the car was restored, and it runs superbly, as they all do. Correctly detailed with corporate blue engine paint, reproduction 'Blue Flame' decals, and a proper air cleaner atop the 2-barrel carburetor, it remains a great choice for both economy and a vintage feel. It shows some signs of use, of course, but that only means it's fully sorted and ready for your next road trip. It's backed by an optional automatic transmission, so it really is very modern to drive and effortless around town, just as it should be. Modern wide whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels, which wear shiny stock-style hubcaps.

Examine this lovely Chevy carefully, then look at the price again, but don't hesitate because there's just no way this one is going to sit around. Call today!