Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a concours-level rotisserie restoration that's
logged only 696 miles
Correct 265 cubic inch Turbo-Fire V8
Correct Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
Correct India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise paint
Correct Turquoise vinyl and cloth interior
Factory power steering
Factory power drum brakes
Posi-traction differential / 3.55 gears
Sale includes restoration photos
15-inch wheels
Whether it's a rich color palette, or the perpetual sense of motion
ingrained in Chevrolet's timeless Motoramic styling, there's just
something about a 1956 Bel Air that demands attention. Arguably the
most composed of its tri-five siblings, the car sold very well in
its day and continues to be a staple of the collector market. The
beneficiary of a concours-level restoration that's traveled a mere
696 miles since completion, this ornate Bel Air wraps a hot
265/2-speed drivetrain in correct turquoise and ivory aesthetics.
Looking for a show stopping cruiser that's polished and ready to
roll? Look no further!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Delightfully vintage and decidedly fresh, this slick sedan is proof
that Chevrolet's decision to take a curvaceous fuselage, weld it to
a sweeping roofline and decorate it with an ample amount of chrome
was an excellent idea. Unlike the exaggerated designs of the late
'50s and early '60s, the car's proportions are spot-on, there's
appropriate use of trim, and the sharp rear fins that would
eventually grow to controversial wings are fully integrated into
attractive, planar surfaces. Judging by appearances, this hardtop
was an extremely solid piece when its life as a collector car
began. Nonetheless, it was subjected to a concours-level,
rotisserie restoration that was completed by Redhorse Restoration
of Braham, Minnesota. That freshening reflects correct India Ivory
over Twilight Turquoise paint. And today, this Chevy rolls as one
fantastic bowtie that has a habit of turning heads wherever it
goes!
Naturally, this Bel Air's quality pigment reflects a roster of
first rate detailing. At the front of the car, a guarded bumper
founds a polished grille and clear parking lamps beneath a fresh
Chevrolet crest and chrome-trimmed T3 headlights. At the sides of
that crest, requisite 'speedline' spears float Bel Air-exclusive
quarter scripts between small mirrors, guarded door handles and
stylized fender skirts. Above those handles, a proud 'jetbird' hood
ornament leads the eye to tinted glass, which reflects tight
frames, polished wipers and a short antenna. And at the back of the
car, a second guarded bumper splits the difference between factory
taillights, trick exhaust tips and a second showroom-fresh
Chevrolet crest.
ENGINE
In 1956, Chevrolet's 265 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 was the most
common choice for factory GM performance. It made solid power,
created plenty of torque and provided excellent reliability for
everyday errands. Follow this Bel Air's bright turquoise shine in
to its muted engine bay and you'll find a correct small block
that's been fully rebuilt and carefully detailed. At the top of
that legendary mill, a correctly decaled, single-snorkel air
cleaner feeds a big 4-barrel carburetor that's sequenced to a
Carter bowl, stainless lines and an AC pump. At the base of that
carb, a vintage intake feeds proven pyramid heads, which wear
snazzy, silver-detailed valve covers. Factory internals spin a
traditional points distributor, which shoots spark through pliable
Radio GM plug wires. Once the fires have been lit, a tagged and
stamped radiator circulates coolant through "GM" branded hoses and
vintage squeeze clamps. Once combustion is created, a tough V-belt
spins a rebuilt Delco-Remy generator. And once combustion is
extinguished, stock exhaust manifolds whisk spent gases in to
true-dual pipes.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under this classy sedan, a straight and solid chassis is finished
in subdued Satin Black paint, lending instant credibility to the
quality of the car's detailed, body-off restoration. Above that
skeleton, coated floors are spiced with a roster of stainless
hardware. Behind the engine, a tough Powerglide 2-speed twists
torque to a posi-traction axle that's equipped with beefy, 3.55
gears. Cushy turning characteristics are provided by factory power
steering. Confident stops come courtesy of power-assisted drums.
There's a 2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system that pipes spent gases
through baritone turbo mufflers. And power hits the pavement thanks
to Twilight Turquoise steelies, which spin 6.70-15 BF Goodrich
Silvertown whitewalls around full wheel covers.
INTERIOR
Featuring vivid Turquoise surfacing, this tri-five's correct
interior is one of its most impressive traits. At the center of the
car, firm bench seats wear a taut combination of cloth and vinyl,
which is highlighted by polished hardware and neat chrome piping.
On the doors, 2-tone panels, which almost look custom, hang chrome
handles, stainless trim and sculpted armrests beneath body-matched
toppers. At the floor, rugged Bel Air mats protect sleek Daytona
carpet. At the front of that carpet, a painted dash centers ornate
trim on fully rebuilt telemetry and an old school pushbutton radio.
The driver carves curves through a polished and painted steering
wheel. And the passengers stow essentials in a fully restored trunk
that anchors a full-size spare tire beside a correct jack.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
A vintage Owner's Guide
Vintage factory accessory literature
Restoration photos
A few spare parts
Spare paint
Two Chevrolet tags complete with chrome frames
A custom car cover
Color-keyed, Chevrolet-branded towels
Color-keyed tools and gloves
Color-keyed carrying cases for many of the aforementioned
accessories
If you're looking for a premium example of an infinitely
collectible car, this sweet Bel Air is a great choice! Featuring
correct power, correct colors and a fresh, concours-level
restoration, it's the kind of classic that provides an excellent
mix of equity and pleasure. Shopping for the perfect blend of
vintage style and old school swagger? Call your friends at RK
Motors Charlotte!