Vehicle Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present a great example of this
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 Door Hardtop in its original 'India Ivory
over Nassau Blue' (color code 707) on a very straight body and with
its original and matching 'Blue' (trim code 581) interior with a
350 V8 engine with power brakes which was recently acquired from
its long term southern California owner. The car had a body off
restoration some 8 years ago and the replacement 350 c.i. V8 engine
was fully rebuilt with new bushings, wiring system, painted frame,
350 turbo transmission, electric ignition, 4 Barrel Edelbrock carb,
new correct color factory paint and interior, White Wall Coker
tires, power front disc brakes. The car has some 1700 miles on it
since the rebuild and was owned by the same southern California
family since 1956 from whom we recently purchased the car! Always
garaged, purchased by the sellers parents in Merced, CA from 'John
Roth Chevrolet' in 1956 and never in an accident, all original
bumpers which have been rechromed, side moldings and original
hubcaps and wheels.One of the USA's most recognized classic cars
ever, the top-of-the-line Bel Air series, introduced for the 1953
model year, replaced the Styleline DeLuxe series. It was to become
the most desirable Chevrolet model of the 1950's, offering a
balance of style and luxury appointments unavailable in the base
150 amp; 210 series and offered in a wide range of body styles,
including a convertible, Sport Coupe hardtop, two- and four-door
sedans and four-door station wagons.As the American public began to
prefer posh to economy, the Bel Air began to outsell the lesser
series, including both 150 and 210 models. As a partial answer to
this, Chevrolet re-introduced the Two-Ten Sport Coupe hardtop in
the middle of the 1955 model year, and also added a four-door
Two-Ten hardtop Sport Sedan for 1956. Neither achieved the sales of
their Bel Air counterparts, however, even though they were only
about $100 cheaper than the Bel Airs, which provided some more
luxury and premium exterior trim. Today, the Bel Air series of
Chevrolets from 1953 to 1957 are considered the most desirable
models for collectors and well maintained and preserved models such
as this particular example have the ultimate appeal. Indeed there's
no better example of GM's styling and engineering prowess in the
fifties than these Chevrolet's.The Chevrolet Bel Air was introduced
as a sporting 2 door Hardtop Coupe powered by a 6 cylinder engine
and using a smooth Powerglide transmission. The Bel Air range was
expanded in 1953 to sedans and a very desirable convertible and by
1954, a station wagon, the Nomad was added to the range of models.
By 1955 a comprehensive restyling arrived at its definitive classic
shape and the Bel Air was the flagship model of the entire
Chevrolet division.This particular 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 4 Door
Hardtop example is a very fine surviving example with one repaint
in its original factory color and with no rust and its original 265
V8 engine - a wonderful example of America's favorite 1950's
classic car and a wonderful driver for any American classic car
enthusiast!
