Under the Hood of the 1953 Bel Air being restored by an 11-year-old

Many cars have a story, but few have a story that unites generations quite like this Chevrolet Bel Air. 

This particular Bel Air, a 1953, has done more than capture the attention of the young and old, as it has united a great-grandfather and his great-grandson in its restoration. 

Duncan Bishop-Hall, an 11-year-old mechanic and automobile enthusiast, has been working with his great-grandfather, Jack Demars, to restore the car.

"It has had quite a bit of work done to it," said Duncan. "We painted it and did a lot of work to it.

The original badges are still have a little bit of sparkle when out in the sun.

Demars purchased the vehicle over a decade ago, and has had it just waiting in the back on his list of things to do. When his great-grandson spotted it, he said the time for waiting was done, and that they would have to get to work right away.

The vehicle is mostly original. The work being done to it is very much in the spirit of restoration, and learning about older cars.

Bishop-Hall tells Demars what needs to be fixed, and sets about tackling that while Demars ensures he has what he needs.

"I don't spoil him," said Demars. "He is very much a real mechanic."

While these two are separated by generations, the familial bond they share has only grown as they have kept the Bel Air's original in-line 6-cylinder engine purring. 

Out of the box, these 3.9 litre cast iron blocks produced a whopping 115 horsepower. 

An interior shot of the Bel Air engine bay.

This one is accompanied by an original power steering motor and a few other amazingly well-maintained and preserved fixings under the hood. Of note are the restored body panels, mint green interior, and original gage cluster. 

While Bishop-Hall is still too young to drive this vehicle, he enjoys getting it running for Demars to take him to Show n' Shines and other automotive venues. 

Demars has shown his gratitude for the work his 11-year-old mechanic has put in by rewarding him with his own 1960s GMC pickup truck, which he also is responsible for maintaining and fixing. 

"It's either a 65 or a 66," shared Bishop-Hall. "We're not sure, but it is a GMC half-ton." 

For now, Demars is happy to let his great-grandson continue to work on the car. The ability to learn about older cars, and develop the skills needed to maintain them as they approach 100 years old will serve him well in the future, as his practical knowledge will give him an advantage over anyone else in the field. He enjoys rewarding the initiative Bishop-Hall shows and hopes to see him continue his interest in automotive mechanics. 

"This is his project," said Demars. "If it would have been left to me, it would have stayed in the shed."