1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe

Description

The “Tri-five” Bel Airs and Nomads from 1955 to 1957 are among the most iconic hot rods ever to see the road, symbolizing a turning point in the history of General Motors. For 1955, Chevrolet’s mid-size car received an improved chassis and a restyle and was offered in a variety of body styles. Among the most desirable was the Bel Air 2-Door Sedan. The pillarless coupe was marketed as the sports coupe offering of the Chevrolet line prioritizing handling, looks and performance. This model received the 265 cu-in small block, the option for power pack heads increased the horsepower to 205, quickly becoming the foundation for all great Chevrolet V8 hot rods. The Bel Air was a success not only for its performance figures. General Motors’ styling department perfected the looks, borrowing cues from Italian designs of the time. The handsomely recessed headlamps and rakish rear fender cutouts became iconic styling cues tied with 50’s culture. Some restoration modifications designed to improve the driving experience include an aftermarket exhaust system, sway bars, a custom center console, sound system with a modern head unit, and a General Motors 700R4 automatic transmission, increasing reliability and ease of use. This 1956 Bel Air, finished in the rarely seen two-tone Sherwood Green with white on a cloth and vinyl Green interior captures the decade perfectly and is sure to transport its occupants  to the slick top neon lit streets of yesteryear.

Highlights

• An iconic symbol of 1950’s American car culture

• Desirably equipped with the top-of-the-line 265 cu-in V8 mated to a three-speed 700R4 automatic transmission with overdrive 

• Period correct optional Power Pack heads retroactively installed 

• Finished in (706D) Sherwood Green over a woven Cloth and Vinyl Green interior 

• Custom center console with modern Alpine speakers and double DIN head unit

• Rugged all-steel body structure with unitized side panels

• Outrigger rear springs mounted outside the frame, front and rear sway bars, and two inch drop spindles all for increased stability and handling

• This Bel Air is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just over 57,265 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown

Features 

• Finned valve covers

• Aftermarket custom chromed interior trim pieces 

• Baby Moon hubcaps

• Magnaflow headers and exhaust system 

• Fuel door located under the left tail light

• Aftermarket oil pressure and water temperature gauges under dash

• Twin horns 

• Power steering

• Power disc brakes

• AM radio

• Clock

• Windshield washer squirters

• Electric windshield wipers 

• Dual-side view mirrors

• Fender-mounted antenna

• Fender skirts

• Grille guard

• Chrome exhaust tips

• Rocker moldings with fender trim

• Fingernail guards under the door handles

• Under dash LED lighting 

Known Imperfections

• This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is presented as a well-kept example and is said to be free from all but the smallest of imperfections.

Included 

• Alternative paint matched interior trim pieces 

• Custom ‘56 Chevrolet’ car cover 

• Full size spare 

• Four original hubcaps and rims 

Ownership History

Previous ownership information is limited with the current owner having owned the car for 13 years, during this period he reports an engine rebuild 500 miles ago where the Power Pack heads, exhaust headers and a complete Magnaflow exhaust system. The current owner states a previous owner repainted the car in 2001 approximately 7,000 miles ago, stated to be a $17,250 plus $900 in materials.

Hagerty Marketplace has confirmed a clean title status, the owner maintains the title in hand and will send it to the Hagerty Marketplace team to be reassigned to the new owner after the auction is complete.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $525. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.