1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

Description

Introduced for the 1955 model year, Chevrolet's redesigned Bel Air brought updated styling, V8 power, and a more modern chassis to the brand's flagship passenger car line. By 1956, the Bel Air featured revised front-end styling, distinctive side trim, and continued availability of Chevrolet's small-block V8, helping establish the Tri-Five Chevrolets as some of the most recognizable American cars of the postwar era. 

Acquired by the seller in 2016, this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is powered by a carbureted 265ci V8 paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The car was refinished in India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise over patterned turquoise cloth and ivory vinyl upholstery as part of a frame-off overhaul under prior ownership completed circa 2008. The car is equipped with a power-operated white convertible top, chrome bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, and 15-inch steel wheels with lug covers and whitewall tires. 

The seller reports that the carburetor has been overhauled.

This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is now offered with a spare tire, boot cover, receipts, and a clean Florida title in the seller's name. 

Highlights

• Carbureted 265ci V8 paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission 

• Two-tone India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise paint 

• Patterned turquoise cloth and ivory vinyl upholstery 

• Power-operated white convertible top 

• Frame-off refurbishment completed circa 2008 

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (VC56N041242) decodes as:

  • V – V8 engine 

  • C – Bel Air series 

  • 56 – 1956 model year 

  • N – Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant 

  • 041242 – Sequential production number 

• Split-folding front bench seat and rear bench seat 

• Lap belts 

• Under-dash tissue dispenser 

• Locking glove box 

• 3-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring 

• 110-mph speedometer 

• Fuel level and coolant temperature gauges 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Dual exhaust system 

• 15" steel wheels with wire-style hubcaps 

• Whitewall tires 

Servicing

The seller reports that the car was refurbished circa 2008 and that the carburetor has been rebuilt. The odometer is said to have been replaced and reset at the time of the overhaul.

Known Imperfections

• General cosmetic imperfections consistent with age since refurbishment 

• Radio installed in dash but missing radio installation harness 

• Heater core bypassed due to a coolant leak

From the seller: "The early cast-iron Powerglide transmission is subject to a known characteristic in which fluid can slowly drain past the input shaft sealing ring during extended periods of inactivity. Over time, this allows transmission fluid to migrate into the pan, which can occasionally result in overflow. To manage this, I place a drip pan beneath the vehicle when it is parked for extended periods."

Ownership History

The seller acquired this Chevrolet in 2016. 

Included Items

• Various receipts 

• Convertible boot cover 

• Spare tire 

Additional Information

From the seller, "Extensive off the frame restoration in approximately 2008. Many receipts. Consistently placed in top three of regional car shows in Tennessee."