1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is a gorgeous, V8 powered Tri-Five Chevy Convertible with great options and its ready to become your next summer cruiser! Few makes and models define a decade of automotive manufacturing quite like the Chevrolet Bel Air, especially during the 1955, 1956, and 1957 model years. The trifecta of these years has become known as the Tri-Five Era and consist of some of the most iconic American-made classic cars of all time. Starting in 1955, Chevrolet completely redesigned its passenger car lineup from the bodies, to the interiors, and even the mechanicals and drivetrain. The new bodies and interiors generated a more modern looking automobile. Chevrolet also introduced 12 volt electrical systems for the first time in 1955 along with debuting its new 265 cubic inch overhead valve V8, that would become the backbone of Chevys small block lineup for nearly the next 7 decades. In November 1955, Chevrolet introduced the 1956 passenger car lineup to its extensive dealer network following up one great design with another fantastic looking set of cars. While the 1956 Chevy design clearly built upon the 1955 look, it was also clear that the 1956 Chevrolets were entirely new cars. Up front, the 56 hood looked even flatter and longer, and they were capped off with the iconic and accentuated V treatment. Sitting just below the restyled hood is a new-look full width chrome grille that further stepped up the luxurious look of the 1956 Chevy. Looking from the sides, the 56 Chevy was redesigned as well with new chrome side trim that surrounds a painted insert and then stretches nearly the full length of the car at the beltline and sweeps down on the rear quarter panel towards the rear bumper. From the rear perspective, perhaps the most iconic change in 1956 was a brand new taillight assembly that famously, and in true 50s fashion, tucked a hidden gas cap filler behind the drivers side tail light. In Chevrolets 1956 passenger car lineup the Bel Air was considered the highest, most luxurious trim level sitting above Chevys entry-level 150 and intermediate 210 models. By just looking inside a 56 Bel Air, it is abundantly clear that the Bel Air ruled Chevrolets hierarchy in 1956. The upholstery looks extremely high-end and was considered the plushest, most luxurious for any Chevrolet and more ornate than even perhaps any Chevrolet ever produced. Yet it wasnt just the upholstery that demonstrated the high-end, luxury nature of the Bel Air as the Bel Air came equipped with numerous luxury-oriented options as standard equipment including a clock and lockable gloveboxes. In total, Chevrolet produced nearly 700,000 Bel Airs in 1956, of which just 41,268 were convertibles which makes this convertible a pretty rare collector car. This particular 1956 Bel Air comes to us from an established collector who cared for this wonderful Tri-Five Convertible for over 15 years. Under hood on this 56 Bel Air is a Power Pack 265 cubic inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 205 horsepower when new. The Power Pack Chevy small block is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted using a three-on-the-tree shifter setup. Exhaust exits the 265 V8 via a dual exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes. This 56 Chevy comes loaded with fantastic options and upgrades! Power steering is a welcome addition on any full-size vintage car as it makes maneuvering in and out of a tight parking space at the local drive-in or ice cream parlor a total breeze, and on this Bel Air steering feels almost effortless. Further aiding parking efforts are a pair of chrome outside mirrors that greatly improve visibility while parking or even while changing lanes. The light blue power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it goes up and down with the simple flick of a switch. The 12 volt electrical system has been upgraded from a generator to an alternator, providing improved and more reliable electrical performance. Additionally, the braking system has been upgraded with power front disc brakes and power rear drum brakes, further supplemented with an upgraded dual master cylinder, so not only is the braking power greatly increased but also the entire system has become much more reliable. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on painted steel wheels and accented with correct full wheel covers, this 1956 Chevrolet has a fantastic upscale look whether youre cruising down the road or just showing off your baby at the local car show. The rear wheels are also tucked behind a set of color-matched fender skirts that add to the 50s allure of this wonderful collector car. The body on this 1956 Chevrolet Belair has been refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting of Harbor Blue and Nassau Blue, that complete the exterior appearance of this car. The interior of this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible is absolutely gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in light blue vinyl with medium blue fabric inserts and accented with silver-trimmed buttons. The color-matched upholstered door panels, blue carpeting, Harbor Blue painted dash, and Harbor Blue steering wheel are all remain in fantastic condition and retain a nice stock appearance. The instrument cluster comes equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with an odometer and a couple indicator lights. The dash is finished off with a push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, clock, and integrated speaker with Gold Bel Air trim. Whether youre looking add a terrific Tri-Five Chevy to your existing collection of classic Chevrolet cars or youre buying your very first classic car, this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would make a great choice! Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!