Vehicle Description
1956 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
The Sedan Delivery (also sometimes referred to as a Panel
Delivery), for the uninitiated, is a relatively obscure body style
of a van built on a car chassis. Typically, these take the form of
a station wagon body, but with steel panels where the rear windows
would be. Historically, sedan deliveries had two doors, but modern
versions typically have four. In the beginning, back when it was
enough just to have four wheels and an engine, all light duty
trucks were essentially sedan deliveries. A Model T with a car body
was a car; one with a truck body was a truck. Even up until the
1940's, light duty trucks were basically beefed up versions of
their donor car chassis (Model TT, AA, and BB, continuing the Ford
analogy).
For consignment, in truth this merely looks like a 1956 Chevy as
the body was dropped on the frame of a 1969 Chevelle SS396, giving
it the moves of one of the greatest muscle cars of all time without
affecting its utility. Blackened side windows now panels, some
snappy 15 inch Cragar matte grays on all 4 corners, and a lack of a
lot of chrome bling trimmings, it's a bit scary to think this car
will deliver, but it does in many ways!
Exterior
Cloaking it in black is exactly the right choice, because this car
doesn't want to take prisoners, and the finish work ensures that
nobody thinks it's still working for a living. A ton of money has
been spent on this project, and while it's a few years old now, the
black paint still shines up well and the flat surfaces that would
ordinarily advertise your business are reflective enough to shave
in each morning. All the original '56 Chevy trim was retained, and
the restrained look of this particular panel delivery is a big part
of its appeal. Bright chrome bumpers, a nice-looking grille, and
just a single strip of stainless trim on the flanks gives it a
traditional look that's helped by the slight rake and old school
Cragars. Delivery!!! Delivery for Classic Auto Mall!!!
Interior
When you climb inside, you'll find swiveling 1977 Monte Carlo
bucket seats wrapped in black and silver that certainly contribute
to the muscle car vibe. Matching door panels work well with the
slick monochromatic look, and the dash is a mixture of old and new,
with original 1956 gauges augmented by a dash-mounted tach and
auxiliary gauges built into the dash. Cold A/C helps make this a
cruiser you can truly take anywhere, including cross-country and an
AM/FM/Cassette stereo helps to pass the time. A tilt steering
column and what looks like a vintage Tuff Wheel add a racy look, as
does the T-handle B&M shifter which is ideally placed for gear
changes. The cargo area is fully upholstered, offering black
carpets on the floors and custom silver Chevrolet bowties on the
side panels, along with nicely integrated speakers for the stereo
system.
Drivetrain
The stout 396 cubic inch V8 power plant already with plenty of
chutzpah, it's augmented with a new Summit Racing 750 cfm carb,
Edelbrock intake, and a set of long-tube headers that bolster its
already robust torque curve. Aside from the tall air cleaner, it
looks fairly OEM in there, right down to the Chevrolet orange paint
on the block and chrome valve covers. It's backed by a 700R4
4-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end so it was
clearly designed to be driven.
Undercarriage
As previously mentioned, underneath it's all 1969 Chevelle SS396,
including the Chevelle's front suspension, power disc brakes, and
coil-spring rear suspension, it rides and handles better than you'd
expect. Some patina but all looking very solid and rust free under
here.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and a surprising amount of power which seems to go
on and on with this engine. It was definitely not expected, and
handling and bias free braking was second to none. A smooth
cruiser, head turner, and all functioning interior accoutrements,
return to sender!
All buttoned up and modified to handle like it's on rails with the
Chevelle underpinnings, although above looking the mild mannered
1956 Sedan Delivery. No phone booth necessary to turn this everyday
delivery into a Superman...Look up in the sky!!!..actually on the
test track at Classic Auto Mall...
VIN DECODE
D56F179513
D-1508 Series Sedan Delivery
56-1956
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
179513-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
