This 1953 Chevrolet promotional film THE MAGIC TOUCH showcases the rear wheel drive Chevy cars of this era, concentrating on the power trains including the Powerglide automatic and Synchromesh manual transmissions. The 108 hp Thrift-King engine is also seen at the 3 minute mark. The high compression 115 horsepower “Blue Flame” is also seen at the 5 minute mark, teamed with a Powerglide automatic transmission.

Chevy introduced automatic transmissions in 1950, so this film gives an explanation of how they work at the 6 minute mark, for drivers who may have never encountered the innovative fluid coupling drive system.

This film was made by Jam Handy, one of the great industrial film production companies of the 20th Century.

00:00 – 1:04: Introduction to the pursuit of power, performance, safety, ease of handling, and economy in American motorcars, with Chevrolet highlighted as a leader in this field for 1953 models.

1:04 – 1:57: Describes the “magic touch” of Chevrolet engineering for 1953, offering new standards in performance, braking, and economy through innovative engineering.

1:57 – 3:43: Details the new conventional power team for 1953, including the Thrift King engines, synchromesh transmission, and new rear axle ratio, promising significant improvements in performance and economy.

3:43 – 4:26: Preliminary test results from General Motors proving ground show the conventional power team could offer up to 40% greater performance and 25% greater economy.

4:26 – 6:27: Introduces the new automatic power team, available on Bel Air and 210 models, with the Blue Flame high-compression engine, Powerglide automatic transmission, and Economizer rear axle, enhancing performance and economy without needing premium gasoline.

6:27 – 7:30: Further details on the Powerglide transmission, explaining its operation for seamless gear changes and improved fuel efficiency, all without adding extra gears.

7:30 – 8:58: Discusses rigorous testing at the General Motors proving ground to validate the automatic power team’s performance, showing up to 30% better performance and 25% better fuel economy in city driving.

8:58 – 9:51: Emphasizes that both power teams provide new driving joys and pleasures across different driving conditions, ensuring a magical driving experience.

9:51 – 10:57: Highlights advancements in braking and steering for 1953 Chevrolets, including improved hydraulic systems for brakes and new needle bearings for steering, plus an optional power steering for easier handling.

10:57 – 11:23: Concludes by reiterating the “magic touch” of Chevrolet’s engineering, offering unmatched quality in power, performance, safety, handling, and economy, promising a revolutionary motoring experience for 1953.

This text is essentially a promotional narrative for the 1953 Chevrolet models, focusing on the advancements in engine technology, transmission, steering, and braking, all designed to enhance the driving experience.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com