Vehicle Description
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
The 1955-1957 year range represented a lot of effort by GM. They
spent a million dollars in 1956 alone because they wanted to make
the Bel Air look like the more expensive Cadillacs. The result was
extravagant body lines, Cadillac-inspired bumper guards, and tail
fins. Although largely a carry-over model, sales soared in 1956,
especially for Bel Air models. This is thanks to the popular V8
introduced in the prior year. 1956 Chevrolets had hidden gas caps
-they were behind the driver's side taillight! The Chevrolet
advertising slogan for 1956 aptly stated, "The Hot One is even
Hotter!"
For consignment, a beautifully frame off restored 1956 Bel Air with
a magenta metallic, (almost a faint fuchsia tinge), and white
painted exterior, a built 283ci motor, power steering, front disc
brakes and air conditioning all wrapped within a dual fan style
dash. This beauty is ready to go or show, just turn the key!
Exterior
The 1957 version is always the talk of the town, but this writer
feels that the 1956 version offers up a simplified cleaner design
all around. The shiny mirror like grille with its big bumper below
an egg crate silver grille and single headlights framed by fenders
with the beginnings of a trim spear above, it just does not get any
better. Nice use of chrome on the wheel well in front that ends at
thefront of the wheel arch and above there is the ever-widening
spear that takes over the rear quarter panel. Deep end of the pool
magenta metallic coats the front 2/3rds of the car while
resplendent in pearl white which covers the roof, trunk lid, and
tail of this snappy design ride. Rocket-like taillights frame the
trunk and still hide the gas fill cap to boot! A shout out to the
lightly tinted windows and 15-inch chromeCragar wheels which frame
this throwback to the era of Bill Haley and the Comets car.
Interior
Swinging the doors open we shake hands with black and white vinyl
paneled door coverings that have kept their pristine original
cranks, handles and chrome trimmings. Stretching from door to door
in front is a bench seat with a split back which is covered in
black broadcloth for the inserts with white vinyl bolsters. The
rear bench follows suit in design with the front, and floats on
black clean carpeting. The dual fan style dash, (another feature
which will sadly go away in '57), fronts the seats and is very
clean and sporting original gauges and knobs along with an
aftermarket AM/FM radio and the controller for the AC and heater
neatly tucked into the dash and lots of shiny chrome mixes with
black metal paint for this attractive dash. Fronting this beautiful
dash is a tilt steering column with a 1959 Impala steering wheel
perched atop. Up high is a tight ivory vinyl headliner and a shout
out to the trunk with its clean white side panels and black rubber
mat.
Drivetrain
A top-notch restoration under the hood, with all parts gleaming on
this circa 1959 283ci V8. This mighty mill has been bored .030
over, had a L79 camshaft added and had 327ci V8 heads installed
with 2.02" intake valves. It is topped with an Edelbrock 4-barrel
carb and backed up by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Way
back is a fully rebuilt rear axle with 3.55 gearing. Keeping things
cool is an aluminum radiator with a built in condenser for the AC
and dual electric cooling fans.
Undercarriage
As with any frame off restoration, thebody was removed from the
frame and has allowed power coating to be performed to the frame.
All is nicely restored, with nary a spec of surface rust erupting,
just solid pale red painted flooring and rockers with all remaining
structurally sound and all clean underneath. A like new exhaust
system with headers and stainless steel mufflers makes its way to
the back of the car where it ends well in polished straight cut
tips. Disc brakes are on front along with an all new independent
coil spring suspension, and leaf springs with drums have been
mounted to the rear. We note the addition of CPP power steering for
easy handling of tight turns.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and overall good runner. It has great acceleration
from the 283 cuber, nice handling and the disc brakes and power
steering are a benefit and work flawlessly. All controls worked
successfully for our test thanks to all new wiring throughout the
car but we did note the AC was blowing warm.
A very nice restoration and upgrade to the original. Great color
scheme, nicely preserved chrome, and beautiful original looking
dash. One of the top-notch examples of a Tri Five Chevrolet to have
here at Classic Auto Mall.
VC56K105610
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
56-1956
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
105610-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 56 1037D-1956 Bel Air 2 Door Hardtop
BODY K8066-Kansas City Body #
TRIM 581-Blue Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 707D-India Ivory & Nassau Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
