Stock Six: 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible – SOLD!

April 5, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

I pity the dowdy 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air.  Overshadowed for decades by its very popular “Tri-Five” younger brethren, the 1954 Chevrolets were mostly forgotten among Chevy purists. Inline-six power plants and six-volt electrical systems generally meant most restorable examples fell into the hands of customizers who prefer the look of the first-generation Bel Airs over later models.

A notable exception is this red 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, last listed in March 2023 on Craigslist in Thorndale, Texas. The seller reports their Bel Air is originally a California car benefitting from a full restoration in 2012.  Desirable options include power steering and power seats in addition to the addition of fog lights, a continental kit, and fender skirts.

Last offered for $49,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well above the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for first-generation Chevrolet Bel Ais of all body styles produced between 1950 and 1954.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $39,200 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $60,200.

Chevrolet launched the “Bel Air” brand name on its stylish new two-door pillarless hardtop body style for the 1950 model year. For the 1953 model year, Chevrolet marketers renamed its three trim levels of full-size car offerings. The “150” designation replaced “Special” as the entry-level trim. The former “Deluxe” mid-level trim was now called the “210.” The “Bel Air” moniker was now the top trim available on all Chevrolet body styles for 1953.  For 1954, the Bel Air stayed essentially the same, except for a revised grille and taillights and a revised engine with insert bearings and higher oil pressure, needed for the full-flow oil filtration system available prior to 1954.

The What’s It Like YouTube Channel features this modern look back at the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air:

This red 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is a nicely restored, well-optioned example. We like that the restorer kept the stock inline-six powerplant and the six-volt electrical system in place.

If you are serious about buying this Chevrolet, you can start the conversation by contacting the seller directly through their Craigslist ad contact information.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their restored Bel Air featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this restored 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible?  Please comment below and let us know!