1953 Chevrolet 150 2-Door Sedan

The Chevrolet One-Fifty, (or 150), was the economy/fleet model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 until 1957.  It took its name by shortening the production series number, (1500), by one digit in order to capitalize on the numerical auto name trend of the 1950s.  The numerical designation "150" was also sporadically used in company literature.  It replaced the Styleline Special model available in previous years.  This model was dropped following the 1957 model year and replaced by the Delray.  The One-Fifty was mainly conceived as a fleet model and little effort was spent marketing it to the average car buyer of the day, although sales weren't limited to fleets.  It was most popular with police, state governments, small businesses, economy-minded consumers and hot rodders.  Chevrolet sold substantially fewer One-Fifties than Two-Tens or the Chevrolet Bel Air in every year of its life.  True to Chevrolet's vision, the 150 was no-frills basic transportation.  It had limited options, stark trim, solid colors, plain heavy-duty upholstery and rubberized flooring.  Small things like ashtrays, cigarette lighters and even mirrors were extra cost options.  Compared to the mid-level Two-Ten or premium Bel Air models, the One-Fifty was stark and bland.

For consignment, the first year of the entry level 150 designation setting it apart from the 210 and Bel Air trims.  This example was treated to an amateur restoration, but stays true to its roots of basic transportation without all the fancy chrome frills.  Always meticulously maintained and stored inside we give you a big rounded exterior fender Chevrolet 150, even with its basic looks this is a whole lot of car right out of 1953. 

Exterior
The first thing you will notice about this beauty is the slow disappearance of the exterior fenders protruding from the sides.  And with the 1950's progress they would be totally integrated.  For now, though, let's enjoy the solid coating of Regatta Blue covering the body, roof, hood and trunk.  In particular, the rear fender is still protruding, and it is sporting the rear quarter panel design that would eventually morph into the swoop spear and panel of the trim fives.  While the higher trim line cars were baking in the late 40's early 50's styling, the 150 series kept things to a minimum, which in this writer's opinion is perfect for the slightly bulbous rear fender.  Wide stainless window trimmings and a triangular B pillar panel frame the roofline which features the beginnings of the wraparound glass which will continue to expand in later years to totally make the corner.  As stated earlier, this is an amateur restoration with inclusions, dings, dents, and evidence of body filler making an appearance on nearly every panel.  Plenty of chrome for the front and back of this car with its crescendo of a big shiny bumper in front framing a 3 tooth grille, and yet another trimming at the bottom of the bulbous hood.  Like new blackwall radials wrap chrome plated steel wheels with chrome moon caps on the 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the vintage design doors reveals a central panel in gray broadcloth with black speckeling and smooth gray vinyl framing it above and below.  A look at the interior seating and we see wonderful gray broadcloth with more black speckeling, and gray vinyl piping and tubs.  The seats front and back are pristine benches with solid padding, and no tears.  For the dash the designers of the day used oval panels with textured aluminum backgrounds and round chrome bezel instruments.  Some elongated oval gauges reside to the right of the speedometer.  The dash top is full metal jacket black and has chrome aplenty for accenting.  A vertical ribbed speaker cover, (no tunes here folks, it's a radio delete car), and glove box door have major chrome bling and it is all pristine.  Another black band runs below the dash, and in the dash central is a Chevrolet badge written in grandmother's handwriting.  The original black plastic rimmed 2 spoke steering wheel is fronting the dash.  Ribbed black rubber matting is covering the floors and a gray broadcloth tight but lightly stained headliner floats above all the 1950's menagerie.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is an original light blue painted 216.5ci inline 6 popper.  It sports a 1-barrel carburetor on top and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. The rear axle comes to this car in 3.70 gear form.  Though unrestored it still retains a great patina original look.

Undercarriage
All bathed in black with an intermingling of surface rust, some random oiling at various stages of the drivetrain, but structurally sound steel for the frame and flooring.  While we note some repairs on the floor pans, the same cannot be said for the inner rockers and a few body hangers that have succumbed to invasive rust.  Independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf springs for the back and drum brakes are on all 4 corners.  That's Amore!

Drive-Ability
A wonderful experience in this like new retro space age influenced interior, and all that exterior Detroit iron added up to a super smooth ride, good acceleration, and bias free drum braking.  All was working order for this 53 Chevy.

A nicely preserved and driven and enjoyed 150 Series, treated to an older cosmetic restoration and it still shines and is mechanically sound.  A spectacle of design and all cool for this cat.  How much is that doggie in the CAM showroom window??

A53K062488

A-1500 Series
53-1953
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
062488-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

STYLE NO 53 1211-1953 150 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO K3388-Kansas City Body #
TRIM NO 246-?
PAINT NO 501-Regatta Blue

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.  This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.