Vehicle Description
Over the past few years, many of the world's finest tri-fives have
graced our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. According to sales,
'55-'57 resto-mods are often considered our best offerings. And,
it's certainly easy to see why when cars like this slick '56 sedan,
which combines a professionally-assembled 350 with a carefully
planned restoration, are casting glares in our photo booth. It's
pretty evident that the goal of this Chevy's build was to create
one of the coolest cruisers the hobby has ever seen. And, judging
by initial reaction, that mission was certainly accomplished! If
you're searching for a sizzling custom that mixes fully sorted
mechanicals with great aesthetics, you've found your next
classic.
BODYWORK/TRIM
The essential part of building a jaw dropping show car is knowing
exactly when to hold back. And, with an icon like the '56 Chevy,
even the most subtle touches go a long way. While Cleveland,
Georgia's Designer Street Rods gave this sedan's body plenty of
attention, that work was specifically aimed at creating the most
perfect surface possible. And the result is panels that are
amazingly flat, displaying nary a ripple or wave anywhere. As
expected, those straight panels ensure fit and finish that's
significantly above '50s factory fodder. A glossy combination of
burgundy and silver 2-stage lends the car a sophisticated demeanor
that most pastels simply can't match. And naturally, that rich
pigment, which has been stored in a climate-controlled garage since
its 2009 debut, reflects a spectacular shine that'll equal any
first rate classic at any local show.
ENGINE
Hoist the domed hood and you'll find 350 cubic inches of
show-detailed V8 that, thanks to Leonard Coleman of Gainesville,
Georgia, twists stout 10 to 1 compression into roughly 375
horsepower. At the top of that clean mill, a chrome air cleaner
mixes wind from a reusable filter element with high-octane fossils
that are juiced through braided fuel lines and a small Auto Gage
pressure gauge. Below that cleaner, a coated Demon carburetor
funnels a perfect air/fuel mixture in to a Holley Contender intake
that's flanked by Dart aluminum heads, high quality roller rockers
and polished aluminum valve covers. Behind those covers, an MSD
distributor sequences spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil and
loomed Taylor plug wires. Between those wires, a forged steel crank
pushes flat top pistons at the sides of a Comp hydraulic cam and
traditional hydraulic lifters. Cooling is provided by a beefy
aluminum radiator that's paired with a polished overflow tank and
two quick-spinning SPAL puller fans. Charge comes courtesy of a
polished Concept One serpentine system, which spins a polished
alternator, a polished AC compressor and a coated water pump above
a coated Holley fuel pump. And spent gases travel from a clean pair
of coated Sanderson headers to polished stainless exhaust pipes.
Aesthetically, this sweet Chevy's glossy engine bay is thoroughly
enhanced by items like corrugated hoses, a polished brake booster
and an aluminum core support. Details like trick dipsticks, a
Moroso breather, bowtie-branded bolts and a Lokar throttle linkage
make the car's details as nice as its fundamentals. And, if 375
horsepower seems a bit low, there's a NOS Super Powershot system
that's piped, connected and waiting.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Combining tubular Concept One control arms with small lowering
blocks and fresh Bilstein shocks, this 150 provides a comfortable,
durable ride that's spiced by improved handling. At the center of
that Satin Black skeleton, a proven GM 700R4 4-speed sends torque
from a 2,800RPM stall converter to a stout Ford 9-inch. At the
front of that awesome drivetrain, a power-assisted Concept One
steering box makes quick work of tight spots and sharp turns. At
the corners of the car, modern, power-assisted calipers squeeze a
combination of vented and drilled and slotted rotors. At the center
of the floor, spent gases float from the aforementioned headers in
to a $4K polished stainless exhaust system that follows an X-shaped
crossover with polished Borla mufflers. And all this mechanical
goodness rolls on polished American Racing Torq Thrust IIs, which
spin aggressive 245/45ZR17 Riken Raptor ZRs in front of 255/50ZR17
Riken Raptor ZRs. Designed to display, this Chevy's clean floors
were expertly restored to perfectly match its super slick body. And
everything, from the car's stainless fuel tank and polished
transmission pan to its CVR starter and chrome oil pan, unites to
create one sharp and dependable cruiser.
INTERIOR
Peer through the car's smoked windows and you'll find a custom
leather interior that was installed by Paul Atkins Interiors of
Hanceville, Alabama. Power front buckets and a fixed rear bench don
soft hides that display no significant wear. Between those seats, a
contoured console hides controls for the aforementioned NOS system
behind two convenient cupholders. Above that console, a painted
dash hangs attractive, bowtie-stamped trim over Classic Instruments
telemetry, direct-fit audio and controls for the car's heat and air
conditioning. At the sides of that dash, custom door panels anchor
sculpted armrests between polished trim and an array of polished
handles. At the floor, quality Dynamat insulation balances premium
carpet under billet foot pedals. In front of the driver, a classy
'59 Impala steering wheel spins around a polished, tilting column.
And behind the passengers, a Paul Atkins-upholstered trunk hides a
sizable NOS tank between a small fire extinguisher and Optima gel
cell battery.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An original trim tag
An original owner's guide
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts
Restoration notes
Component literature
With a detailed, frame-off restoration that would probably take a
second mortgage to duplicate, this 150 rolls on the right side of
impressive. It's a highly desirable tri-five that's been carefully
fitted with all of the right stuff to be one seriously cool
cruiser. If you're dreaming of the perfect blend of lavish '50s
style and modern, reliable performance, you've found the ultimate
classic!
SUMMARY
Restored in 2009 / Stored in a climate-controlled garage since
restoration
Professionally built 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Roughly 375
horsepower
GM 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission / 2,800RPM stall
converter
Custom Paul Atkins interior / Air conditioning
Power steering / Power disc brakes
Our sale includes restoration photos, restoration receipts and
component manuals
$4K polished stainless steel exhaust system
Lightly modified suspension
Ford 9-inch rear axle
17-inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels