Vehicle Description
Steinmetz Restorations in Lancaster, OH, completed the
concours-grade rotisserie restoration on this 1956 Chevrolet Bel
Air convertible in 2015. Chevrolet was locked in a sales battle
with Ford in the 1950s, resulting in aggressive and ongoing
developments in styling and performance, both of which influenced
the 1956 models in important ways. In September 1955, Chevrolet
announced its intentions for the new model year, when engineer Zora
Arkus-Duntov piloted a disguised 1956 Bel Air sedan to a new
American Stock Car class record at Pikes Peak. The secret to his
success was the car's 265ci small-block V8, a new version also
available in the Corvette that employed dual inline Carter 4-barrel
carburetors on an aluminum intake manifold for 225hp and 270 ft/lbs
of torque. The Steinmetz restoration has returned this 1956 Bel Air
convertible to factory original condition in every aspect, from the
authentically detailed engine compartment to correct factory
markings and undercarriage. The body was stripped to bare metal and
repainted in two-tone Nassau Blue and Harbor Blue, while the
underside was correctly finished in Red Oxide primer. The dual-quad
265/225hp V8 engine features the correct code 1214 and 1215 Carter
4-barrel carburetors, distributor and Batwing air cleaner, and is
mated to a column-shifted Powerglide 2-speed automatic
transmission. The car's two-tone paint scheme is complemented by a
light blue soft-top and sharp two-tone blue interior, and gets
another touch of elegance in the wire wheel covers and Firestone
wide whitewall tires. Further optioned with dual chromed outside
mirrors, front and rear bumper guards, power steering and a Wonder
Bar radio, this 1956 Bel Air convertible has been driven just under
50 miles since completion. From the Raser Collection.
