AACA National First Place Frame Off Restored Bel Air Sport Coupe 235 I6

When you think the words “different” and “Chevrolet”, what comes to mind? It's most likely NOT the acres of tri-fives, Camaros and Chevelles sitting at the local swap meet. What about when you think the words “cool” and “Chevrolet”? Well, that's pretty much all classic Chevys, so I guess I need to be more specific. What happens when you think “Chevrolet”, “different” AND “cool”? Chances are something akin to this classy '52 Bel Air rolls through your mind. Being an early '50s bowtie, it's certainly different. And being a numbers-matching award winner makes it super cool. But what makes it both different AND cool is the fact that it's a numbers-matching, early '50s Chevy that's been professionally finished in correct earth tone aesthetics. If you're looking for an awesome weekend cruiser, your custom has arrived. Sign the papers, grab three of your closest friends and head to the nearest car show!

Carefully aged to AACA perfection, this clean Chevy is the kind of sophisticated classic you won't be afraid to show anywhere. Correct Sahara Beige and Saddle Brown paint combine with what appears to be original chrome and stainless to provide serious character. The car's distinctive, pontoon-style body, extremely solid before its high quality restoration, was unbolted from the frame and thoroughly reconditioned. And its profile, which mixes a gracefully arced roofline with a curved windshield, reminds us just how cool vintage metal can be!

Officially jumpstarting the brand's major emphasis on style, Chevrolet's '46-'52 line topper found a solid audience with buyers who wanted more than just utility. For that reason, and GM's willingness to take a few chances with its aesthetics, many enthusiasts cite the car as the beginning of Chevy's golden age of design. At the front of this low-key classic, a broad chrome grille hangs crystal-clear parking lamps between a detailed header emblem, chrome-trimmed halogen headlights and a fully guarded bumper. At the sides of that grille, stylish trim spears and Art Deco rocker guards flow past traditional door handles, small fender skirts and classy “DeLuxe” scripts. Above that trim, pillarless greenhouse glass floats behind a sleek hood topper, dent-free window frames, mirrored wipers and a correct chrome mirror. And at the back of the car, a “POWER GLIDE” branded decklid locks between vertical tail lamps, a second guarded bumper and a bowtie-capped exhaust tip.

Fully rebuilt and completely polished, this coupe's original, 235 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder wears a correct 3835692 casting number under a 1952 (K) passenger car engine (A) built in Tonawanda, New York (Q) assembly stamp. At the top of the traditionally gray mill, a stamped steel valve cover provides excellent contrast to a glossy oil bath air filter. Below that filter, a small Rochester carburetor feeds a correct intake that's siamesed with a correct exhaust manifold. Opposite that manifold, a traditional points distributor sequences spark to six AC Delco plugs via high quality Belden wires. And, in front of those wires, an old school Delco yellow cap battery works in conjunction with a tagged Delco-Remy generator. From the big radiator to the correct screw clamps, a great deal of effort has gone in to creating a factory appearance between the car's fenders. And details like dual horns and stainless fluid lines ensure this Chevy is still capable of safely cruising the strip.

Take a look under this vintage bowtie and you'll see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling and structural integrity. The car's clean floors, heavy duty frame and factory-accurate suspension are all veiled in a subdued coat of Satin Black skin. An original Powerglide 2-speed makes good use of bold, 3.55 gears. In front of that drivetrain, a fully independent suspension remains just as it looked back in 1952. And the same holds true behind that drivetrain, where heavy duty leaf springs and a solid axle maintain ride height and add ample grip. 4-wheel drum brakes bring everything to a stop. There's a correct, single-pipe exhaust system, which utilizes a mid-mount turbo muffler to give the Stovebolt a nice rumble. And everything rides on classy, Chevrolet-branded steelies that spin fresh 6.70-15 Goodyear Super Cushion Deluxe whitewalls around bright stainless trim and small silver pinstripes.

The car's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of boomtown, America, complete with supple leather, tasteful use of fabrics and awesome Art Deco gauges. A correct Tan and Brown cockpit centers on big, heavily bolstered seats that feel soft enough to take a nap on. At the sides of those seats, 2-tone door panels hang correct chrome handles between body-matched frames and classy stainless trim. At the bottom of those panels, heavy duty floor mats protect deluxe Brown carpet. Opposite that carpet, a Tan headliner hangs tight behind chrome roof bows. At the front of the car, a stylish and purposeful dash founds attractive, stainless-trimmed telemetry, an old school radio and correct Bakelite buttons below a neat 1952 inspection sticker. In front of the driver, a 2-tone, aircraft-inspired steering wheel frames a blue Chevy bowtie. And behind the cockpit, a painted and matted trunk conceals a correct jack assembly and full-size spare tire.

Rigid, groomed and completely squared away, this Bel Air is no stranger to prestigious accolades. Here's a short list of the car's major awards:

* AACA National Senior First Prize
* AACA Grand National First Prize
* 12 consecutive AACA Preservation Awards
* Vintage Chevrolet Club of America Senior Award

The sale of this classy coupe includes an owner's manual, restoration photos, three grille plaques and three desk plaques.

If you're looking for something a little different than a run-of-the-mill Chevy, this awesome Bel Air is a fantastic choice. Distinctive, comfortable and professionally built, it's a lot of fun on the road OR at the show. Few cars make us want to just punch out, grab the keys and hit the Carolina backroads. This is certainly one of them!