Vehicle Description
This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is a gorgeous, V8 powered
Tri-Five Chevy Convertible with great options and it's ready to
become your next summer cruiser! Few makes and models define a
decade of automotive manufacturing quite like the Chevrolet Bel
Air, especially during the 1955, 1956, and 1957 model years. The
trifecta of these years has become known as the Tri-Five Era and
consist of some of the most iconic American-made classic cars of
all time. Starting in 1955, Chevrolet completely redesigned its
passenger car lineup from the bodies, to the interiors, and even
the mechanicals and drivetrain. The bodies got flatter, wider
stances that generated a more modern looking automobile. The
interiors were also considerably updated with the resulting design
remaining a quintessential representation of American car design.
Chevrolet also introduced 12 volt electrical systems for the first
time in 1955 along with debuting its new 265 cubic inch overhead
valve V8, that would become the backbone of Chevy's small block
lineup for nearly the next 7 decades. In November 1955, Chevrolet
introduced the 1956 passenger car lineup to its extensive dealer
network following up one great design with another fantastic
looking set of cars. While the 1956 Chevy design clearly built upon
the 1955 look, it was also clear that the 1956 Chevrolets were
entirely new cars. Up front, the '56 hood looked even flatter and
longer, and they were capped off with the iconic and accentuated
"V" treatment. Sitting just below the restyled hood is a new-look
full width chrome grille that further stepped up the luxurious look
of the 1956 Chevy. Looking from the sides, the '56 Chevy was
redesigned as well with new chrome side trim that surrounds a
painted insert and then stretches nearly the full length of the car
at the beltline and sweeps down on the rear quarter panel towards
the rear bumper. From the rear perspective, perhaps the most iconic
change in 1956 was a brand new taillight assembly that famously,
and in true 50s fashion, tucked a hidden gas cap filler behind the
driver's side tail light. In Chevrolet's 1956 passenger car lineup
the Bel Air was considered the highest, most luxurious trim level
sitting above Chevy's entry-level 150 and intermediate 210 models.
By just looking inside a '56 Bel Air, it is abundantly clear that
the Bel Air ruled Chevrolet's hierarchy in 1956. The upholstery
looks extremely high-end and was considered the plushest, most
luxurious for any Chevrolet and more ornate than even perhaps any
Chevrolet ever produced. Yet it wasn't just the upholstery that
demonstrated the high-end, luxury nature of the Bel Air as the Bel
Air came equipped with numerous luxury-oriented options as standard
equipment including a clock and lockable gloveboxes. In total,
Chevrolet produced nearly 700,000 Bel Airs in 1956, of which just
41,268 were convertibles which makes this convertible a pretty rare
collector car. This particular 1956 Bel Air comes to us from an
established collector who cared for this wonderful Tri-Five
Convertible for over 15 years. Under hood on this '56 Bel Air is a
"Power Pack" 265 cubic inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel
carburetor that together were said to have created 205 horsepower
when new. The Power Pack Chevy small block is backed by a 3 speed
manual transmission that is shifted using a three-on-the-tree
shifter setup. Exhaust exits the 265 V8 via a dual exhaust setup
that generates a terrific throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes.
This '56 Chevy comes loaded with fantastic options and upgrades!
Power steering is a welcome addition on any full-size vintage car
as it makes maneuvering in and out of a tight parking space at the
local drive-in or ice cream parlor a total breeze, and on this Bel
Air steering feels almost effortless. Further aiding parking
efforts are a pair of chrome outside mirrors that greatly improve
visibility while parking or even while changing lanes. The light
blue power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it goes up
and down with the simple flick of a switch. The 12 volt electrical
system has been upgraded from a generator to an alternator,
providing improved and more reliable electrical performance.
Additionally, the braking system has been upgraded with power front
disc brakes and power rear drum brakes, further supplemented with
an upgraded dual master cylinder, so not only is the braking power
greatly increased but also the entire system has become much more
reliable. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on
painted steel wheels and accented with correct full wheel covers,
this 1956 Chevrolet has a fantastic upscale look whether you're
cruising down the road or just showing off your baby at the local
car show. The rear wheels are also tucked behind a set of
color-matched fender skirts that add to the 50s allure of this
wonderful collector car. The body on this 1956 Chevrolet Belair has
been refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting of
Harbor Blue and Nassau Blue, that complete the exterior appearance
of this car. The interior of this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
Convertible is absolutely gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats
have been reupholstered in light blue vinyl with medium blue fabric
inserts and accented with silver-trimmed buttons. The color-matched
upholstered door panels, blue carpeting, Harbor Blue painted dash,
and Harbor Blue steering wheel are all remain in fantastic
condition and retain a nice stock appearance. Color-matched front
and rear seat belts were added under previous ownership as well.
The instrument cluster comes equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer,
temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with an odometer and a
couple indicator lights. The dash is finished off with a
push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, clock, and integrated
speaker with Gold "Bel Air" trim. Whether you're looking add a
terrific Tri-Five Chevy to your existing collection of classic
Chevrolet cars or you're buying your very first classic car, this
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would make a great choice! Give Ellingson's
a call today at 763-428-7337!
*265 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*Dual Exhaust
*Power Front Disc Brakes
*Power Steering
*Blue Vinyl Power Convertible Top
*Nassau Blue/Harbor Blue Exterior
*Two-Tone Blue Vinyl/Cloth Bench Seats
*Wide Whitewall Tires & Fender Skirts
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 46,658 Miles
