When the full-sized Chevrolet Bel Air emerged for the first time in 1950, it was somewhat of a departure from previous models. America’s post-WW II exuberance was coming to a boil and optimism for the future was growing by leaps and bounds.

In 1953, the Bel Air lineup was divided into three models, with the Bel Air name reserved for the high end, while the new designations of 150 and 230 filled out the roster. In 1953, the Bel Airs could be ordered in convertible, hardtop coupe, 2- and 4-door sedan models.

All were powered by versions of the “Blue Flame 6,” inline 6-cylinder engine that was also found in that year’s Corvette. When ordered with the manual transmission, the Blue Flame 6 featured solid lifters and 115HP output.

When coupled to a Powerglide automatic transmission, hydraulic lifters and full pressure oil lubrication were standard with the 125HP variant.

It is somewhat interesting and a little confounding to note that it would be another four years before the Corvette could be ordered with a stick shift manual transmission, that was available on the Bel Air for the 1953 model year.

According to the seller, the example shown here is an all-original driver, apparently in rather remarkable condition for its age. The claimed mileage on the car is 16,636 miles which may be due to the car having been in storage for a long time. If so, this must be one of the lowest mileage examples of the model in a long time.

Operationally, we are assured that the car is in driving condition, with original blue and white paint and the interior condition showing the kind of wear and tear that one might expect for a car that is 57 years old. Its not perfect and has its share of spots and stains, but nothing that precludes its immediate use, according to the seller.

Currently located in Williamston, MI, the car is being listed locally for the reserve price of $3,000. It certainly sounds like a little TLC and invested labor might bring this antique up to full survivor status.

Failing that, the description from the seller certainly supports the car as a reasonable candidate for restoration.

For additional information, or to contact the seller, check out the eBay listing here. As always, if you cannot check out the car in person, we recommend you pay for an independent inspection report to be done before entering into any contractual commitments.