Vehicle Description
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan Gasser
Thanks to an August 2022 Hagerty article, we can trace the use of
flames on race cars such as this '56 gasser to the early 1930's
when they first appeared on the 1934 Indy car entry of Kelly
Petillo. Flames then started appearing on hot rods being raced in
the California desert, and by the late 40's would make their way
onto street driven jalopies. The artwork and flames have evolved of
course, and realistic flames hit the scene in the 90's while
traditional broad flames with curling licks still find a home on
today's restorations.
For consignment, one hot car featuring some of the most realistic
flames you'll ever see in paint. This '56 Bel Air Gasser, with
tilted nose and haunched rear looks like it's moving even when it's
standing still. The 1965 NHRA rule book for "gas coupes/sedans"
states "cars in this section must be capable of being driven on the
street and starting under their own power, however return to the
pit area by use of push car is permitted.". Good to know, although
you might want to reserve this one for car shows, cruise nights,
and gasser meets thanks to some help from the 377ci V8, Doug Nash
transmission, California frame, and all with the added bonus of
power steering and power brakes. Wait for the hankie drop!
Exterior
No matter the angle of the body, the '56 Bel Air is unmistakable
and classically American. Glossy black paint brings out the silver
body trim and the flames that are so realistic, you can almost feel
the heat. Detached licks of flames are sent rearward, and the
entire presentation is impressive. The nose is set high to help
with weight transfer during launch, while following this car from
the rear would only hint of the unusual stance. Thick trim lines
the window frame which is separated by a post, and all rear windows
are tinted. The chrome is in excellent condition and a purely
aesthetic small fuel tank is mounted on the front. Cat eye
headlight covers/shields shine brightly over the headlight lenses.
The hood is louvered for heat dissipation while the roof is glossy
black. 15-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in black with
polished lips are wrapped in staggered tire sizes look great. Some
paint imperfections were noted upon close examination including
some chips, scuffs, scratches and bubble, none really detectable at
ten feet.
Interior
The radical race exterior gives way to a more pedestrian interior
beginning with the door panels which are standard 1956 fare in
their black and white pattern of vinyl and plastic. The split bench
seats also represent some originality with their tuxedo white vinyl
and black cloth construction, repeated on the back bench. Back
seats and standard seat belts hint that this car may be suited for
street rather than strip. An aftermarket steering wheel appears
racy, but the dash is standard tri-five with the embossed Chevy
bowtie in the dash face and standard instrumentation. Hold the
phone, there's a massive SunPro tachometer and shift light mounted
on top of the dash and three auxiliary gauges in the center of the
dash. Strip, not street! A Long shifter is floor mounted in an
accordion style boot looking very serious. The thin black carpet
looks good protected by Chevy weather mats and the stitched
headliner is intact. The trunk is clean and barren with the
exception of a fitted rubber mat and battery.
Drivetrain
Our consignor tells us this is a 377ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel
carburetor sitting on a Weiand intake manifold. A Doug Nash 5-speed
manual transmission with a McLeod clutch and flywheel take in the
RPM's and send them to a Ford 9" rear. This Chevrolet is equipped
with power brakes, disc in front, drums in rear. Finned valve
covers, a polished alternator and heat wrapped headers add a little
pizazz under the hood, while a power steering unit is a welcome
bonus.
Undercarriage
Up in the air we encountered some surface rust and typical road
grime underneath. The dual exhaust runs from the headers to
Flowmaster mufflers then exit in front of the rear wheels. Leaf
spring suspension is found up front and make a repeat performance
out but and are equipped with traction bars for a little extra bite
in the track. We note some oil drops on the front axle and some
residual oil on the rear diff. Otherwise, an unremarkable and
straightforward underside with a garage kept California frame
providing the backbone for this shower/racer.
Drive-Ability
With our eyes to the sky, we rolled this high hooded beast out of
the garage and slipped into second gear. Good acceleration is met
with a great sound and decent ride quality. The power brakes are
nice to have and the power steering is too!
Great straight line car with a ton of presence but still retaining
enough manners to be street driven on a regular basis.Gassers are
part of American motorsports history, and their unusual stance
makes them immediately recognizable. If you didn't have a gasser
toy car as a kid, you probably made one! They're just that cool.
This one has a stunning paint job and enough room for the family
for those Main Street cruises! We will await your call!
VC56L058389
V-V8
C-2400 Series Bel Air
56-1956
L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant
058389-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 56 1011D-1956 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO VN2521-Los Angeles Body #
TRIM NO 573-Charcoal & Ivory Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 721D-India Ivory, Dawn Gray
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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