1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe
265ci Power Pack V8 • 4-Barrel • 3-Speed Manual • Collector Provenance
Stunning 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Sport Coupe for sale. Finished in its factory-correct Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige two-tone (Paint 700D) over a Tan and Copper interior (Trim 618), and equipped with a 265ci Power Pack V8 with four-barrel carburetion and a 3-speed manual transmission. This beautifully restored Bel Air retains its original Fisher Body and VIN tags and includes period ownership and sales documentation, vintage photographs, a 1956 Chevrolet Owner’s Guide, an “Everything About a ’56 Chevy” reference book, a vintage Spivey Chevrolet leather key holder, a Spivey dealer badge, and a clear California title. A pair of period-correct California yellow-and-black license plates is included, although the plates are not currently assigned to the car.
The documented history of this Bel Air dates to November 2000, when Erman Thomas of Lawrenceburg, Indiana acquired the car. Thomas, a Classic Chevy Club member, later advertised it as a restored, award-winning show car before selling it in April 2004 to noted California collector John B. Mumford. Period correspondence, titles and transport documents show the Chevrolet was shipped directly from Thomas’s Indiana home to Roy Brizio Street Rods in South San Francisco. The car has remained in California since. We have written to Thomas and his family seeking additional information about its earlier history, restoration and show awards, and any additional documentation received will be included with the car.
The 265ci Power Pack V8 starts readily, runs and idles smoothly, and delivers strong, responsive power. The engine carries a T56GL stamping, consistent with a 1956 Tonawanda-built 265ci four-barrel Power Pack application with manual transmission. It is paired with a Saginaw 3-speed manual transmission carrying an S1026 code, consistent with a Saginaw-built transmission assembled October 26, 1955. Even the Delco-Remy generator is appropriately dated, carrying model 1100321 and date code 5K11, indicating October 11, 1955 production. Together with the car’s early St. Louis production, these codes present a remarkably coherent and period-correct mechanical configuration. While we do not have records detailing the mechanical work performed during the restoration, the engine compartment was beautifully restored to a highly original presentation, and the car starts, runs, drives, shifts, steers and stops exceptionally well.
The factory-correct Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige two-tone paint has a deep, lustrous shine and presents beautifully. This is an unusual and seldom-seen factory color combination that sets the car apart from the more commonly encountered red, turquoise and black examples, while perfectly complementing the distinctive lines and abundant brightwork of the ’56 Bel Air Sport Coupe. The glass, chrome, stainless trim, emblems and other exterior details show very well throughout, while the painted steel wheels with factory-style full wheel covers and wide whitewall tires complete the period-correct appearance. The older restoration has been exceptionally well preserved and continues to present as a striking, high-quality example from every angle. The tires show good tread depth but are aged and should be replaced due to age rather than wear.
The factory-correct Tan and Copper interior (Trim 618) is comfortable and welcoming and remains in very nice condition throughout, beautifully complementing the unusual Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige exterior. The upholstery, door panels, carpeting, headliner, dash, brightwork and trim all present very well, with the large factory steering wheel, original-style instrumentation and column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission preserving the wonderfully authentic mid-century Chevrolet character. The spacious pillarless Sport Coupe cabin is bright and airy, and the overall presentation remains faithful to the car’s original 1956 configuration.
This is a unique opportunity to own a beautifully restored and exceptionally well-preserved 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe in an unusual factory color combination, equipped with the desirable 265ci Power Pack V8 and 3-speed manual transmission. Its remarkably coherent, period-correct mechanical components are complemented by documented ownership history that includes noted California collector John B. Mumford and a direct connection to Roy Brizio Street Rods. With its striking presentation, wonderful road manners and accompanying period documentation, this is a special ’56 Bel Air that can be driven, shown and enjoyed with pride.
Be sure to check out all 300+ photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com.
Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos at 707-332-8331.
