Vehicle Description
As the middle child of the Tri-Five Chevys, we get fewer 1956 Bel
Airs than '55s and '57s. Why this is, I can't say, but it does mean
that when an ultra-nice '56 Bel Air convertible like this shows up
everyone takes notice. With a frame-off restoration, awesome
colors, and that famous small block V8, it looks and drives like
America's favorite collector car.
This car has had a cost-no-object frame-off restoration, which will
give you a very good idea of how nice it truly is. It wears new
paint, of course, and it accurately duplicates the original Crocus
Yellow over Onyx Black paint scheme it wore on the showroom floor
in 1956. The sheetmetal is straight enough to wear black paint
easily, with fit and finish that are worth of this car's
high-profile look and A-rated collectable status. The doors open
and close the way only a solid, original car's door can, and since
this car has practically been restored down to the molecular level
there's a spectacular shine to the finish. All the trim is fully
restored, as are the bumpers, which probably cost as much as a
college education to restore. Accessory fender skirts and a
continental kit make it look long and low, and if you're going to
have a high-profile Chevy convertible, you may as well get one
loaded with goodies.
The two-tone interior was restored to factory specs while they had
it apart for paint, and the results are impressive. The funky
materials they used back then were a joyous tribute to the
optimistic '50s and they're accurately replicated inside this
convertible, making it a great place to spend some time. Correct
door panels echo the exterior styling with the swooping armrest
inserts and the bright trim band that runs across the dash glitters
like jewelry against the black instrument panel. Out of respect for
the original design, the factory AM radio still lives in the dash
and it's fully operational. The gauges were likewise restored and
show bright printing on a black background, and there are exactly
zero deviations from stock. There's also a brand new black
convertible top with new top cylinders and pump, and our photo
shoot was probably the first time it had ever been down because it
has zero wrinkles. Finally, the trunk is finished as original, with
a reproduction rubber mat and correct jack assembly (the spare tire
lives in the continental kit, as it should).
To make this Bel Air the ultimate '50s cruiser, there's a correct
265 cubic inch V8 under the hood, fully rebuilt and detailed for
show. Thanks to the Power Pack option, it has a 4-barrel carburetor
and dual exhaust for a bit more horsepower, and with power steering
and power brakes, it's as easy to drive as a modern car. Correct
hardware, fasteners, and clamps make for a show-ready presentation
and they've even included all the original-style tags and decals.
The 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission shifts properly and
feeds the original rear end with highway-friendly gears inside. A
brand new dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers has the
right rumble without being obnoxious, and you can see what a clean
car this is just by glancing at the chassis photos. Four steel
wheels with wire hubcaps and proper wide whites give it a classic
look and an OEM feel.
Beautifully finished, with all the original parts that were already
in excellent shape expertly preserved, this is a high-end Bel Air
that's ready to travel or show anywhere. Call today!