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Chevrolet Bel Air 265 cubic inch V8 1956

General description : High-quality older restoration still in excellent condition. Beautiful color combination. 265 cubic inch “Power Pack” V8 with PowerGlide automatic. Accessory continental kit. A handsome Bel Air convertible that drives as great as it looks!

Everyone has their favorite Tri-Five Chevy, and for us, it’s the ’56. Somewhat less common than their siblings, the clean lines of the ’56 look completely modern without being over-dressed. And when they’re painted in a great two-tone combination like this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, it’s a really special car. Restored in the early 2000s, it remains in outstanding condition thanks to long-term ownership with an experienced collector. It was refinished in its original Matador Red over India Ivory color combination, which is exactly the right choice for a flashy ‘50s ragtop. That long spear that stretches the length of the car and brings the white quarters forward is perhaps our favorite feature of the ‘56s, and the detailing is crisp. Panel fit is very good to excellent and the doors close without the need for a heavy slam. The big clamshell hood snugs down easily with just a gentle push and there’s a deep gloss to the finish that’s at least as good as what you got from the factory in 1956. And on any ‘50s car, chrome and stainless trim is critical, so it’s a relief to see that all the brightwork on this car has been polished, re-plated, or replaced, including the “hockey stick” trim along the rockers. Out back there’s an accessory continental kit that makes the Chevy look a bit more upscale, and a set of matching fender skirts is included with the car.

The two-tone red and white interior looks quite correct for 1956, with textured red inserts and expert detailing throughout. All the soft parts were new when the car was restored and remain in great condition. And for a convertible living in Florida, the red carpets look fantastic with no fading or discoloration, probably thanks to those heavy-duty floor mats. The big three-spoke steering wheel frames the familiar Chevy gauges, and they’re all operational. You’ll note that this car carries accessories like a Trafficator on the dash, a tissue dispenser underneath, and a Wonderbar AM radio that works like it should. Seat belts have been added for safety, which is never a bad idea, and the workmanship is quite good so they blend in and almost look factory-installed. Overhead, a white power convertible top stows itself easily and we believe that’s the original boot, which is in good condition. In back, the trunk is correctly outfitted with a rubber mat and jack assembly, and by moving the spare onto the bumper, there’s a lot more room for cargo!

For 1956, the Chevrolet V8 displaced 265 cubic inches, and when equipped with the Power Pack option, made 205 horsepower—not too shabby! While “matching numbers” isn’t possible with a 1956 Chevy, all signs point to this being the car’s original engine including the FB suffix code that is correct for an early ’56 Power Pack with an automatic transmission. It starts and runs beautifully and pulls the stylish ragtop around without ever seeming to work very hard. It’s also very nicely detailed under the hood so you’ll be proud to open it up and show it off. It’s almost completely stock, including a generator and a single master cylinder, but a modern Saginaw power steering system has been added to make this Chevy feel effortless on the road. The 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission shifts cleanly and thanks to 3.36 gears in the rear end, it’s a great highway cruiser. The underside isn’t detailed for show, but it is quite clean and solid with no signs of rust or other issues in any of the important locations. It appears that the floors have been expertly repaired in the front footwell area, but the rockers, trunk, and floor extensions are completely original and solid. Braking is confident, the suspension rides nicely, and with glasspack-style mufflers, it has a traditional ‘50s sound that’s very appealing. 15-inch steel wheels carry correct wire wheel covers and a recent set of 205/75/15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall radials.

Documentation is extensive, including restoration and service receipts, photographs, and a large binder full of factory service and assembly manuals.

It’s no surprise that the Tri-Five Chevys remain popular year after year. Cars like this ’56 are excellent road cars, they look like a million bucks, and everyone has a pleasant memory involving something similar. That’s what drives the whole hobby. If you’re looking for a great Tri-Five to drive and enjoy, this one deserves a closer look. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 265 cubic inch V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ohio by Harwood Motors for $69900.

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