Four-door variants of classic models tend to generate less excitement when they hit the market than their two-door siblings. This is a shame because they offer versatility for enthusiasts with a young family or those focused on practicality. That makes this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air worth a close look. It probably isn’t the most stunning vehicle at first glance, but there is more to it than meets the eye. It is an original and unmolested survivor, but the odometer reading of 52,000 documented miles marks it as something genuinely special. It is set for a new home, with the seller listing the Bel Air here on Facebook Marketplace in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It could be yours for $18,500, and eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. deserves a big thank you for spotting this fabulous find.
Chevrolet launched its second generation Bel Air in 1955, and this generation eventually earned the handle of Tri-Five. They are legendary within the classic world, and while enthusiasts initially focused on those produced in 1957, cars like this 1956 Bel Air have “grown legs” in the market. The first owner ordered this beauty in the Code 700 combination of Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige. Those searching for a survivor will welcome the news that this Chevy wears most of its original paint. The seller doesn’t elaborate on which areas may have received attention, but the car remains presentable in its current form. There are areas of wear and deterioration, but preservation is a viable option that some purists would find irresistible. The panels are surprisingly straight for a vehicle with over six decades of active service behind it, and rust isn’t a consideration. Typically, areas prone to rust, like the floors and rockers, are solid, and the rust-free frame means the Bel Air is structurally sound. The chrome and trim look acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the glass is crystal clear.
Chevrolet offered 1956 Bel Air buyers its 235ci “Blue Flame” six as the entry-level powerplant, but this Bel Air’s first owner wanted more. They teamed the 265ci V8 with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, creating a car that is an effortless open-road tourer. The driver has 162hp and 257 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot, which is enough for this Chevy to nudge 100mph. However, those not interested in outright performance will be happy to learn the Bel Air should sit at 70mph without raising a sweat. I tend to look at exceptionally low-mileage claims carefully because some don’t withstand scrutiny. That is an area that helps this survivor to stand out. The seller has paperwork dating back to Day One, and the odometer reading of 52,000 original miles is documented. The Bel Air recently received a service and tune-up, with the seller confirming it runs and drives perfectly.
The positive vibes continue when we focus on this Bel Air’s interior. The trim combination of Copper and Tan cloth and vinyl perfectly complements the exterior finish, and its condition is excellent for an unrestored survivor. There is no appreciable wear or damage, with only some dirty marks on the carpet and wrinkling on a couple of door trims as faults worth noting. These aren’t deal-breakers, and careful attention in a home workshop may allow the new owner to address them to an acceptable standard. The dash is excellent, and the wheel has minimal wear. I think a retro-style stereo may occupy the spot typically reserved for the factory radio, but the images aren’t clear enough to make a definite call. Otherwise, there are no other apparent additions or modifications.
The physical difference between a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door and a 4-Door Sedan may seem insignificant, but it counts when cars hit the market. Two-door variants consistently command prices over 50% higher than the 4-door equivalent. That is a significant figure, but it can also mean that cars like our feature Bel Air could be an affordable option for a budget-conscious enthusiast. That begs the question about the new owner’s path when this beauty is parked in their garage. Would you preserve or restore this classic? It will be fascinating to see what the majority decides. So, over to you.
Beauty, just the way it is.In the good old days when I started driving these were easy to find.$180.00 would have been a high price in the early seventies.
It’s almost a rare thing , to locate an original ’55 -’57 Chevrolet in stock or factory condition ! This is a nice example just the way it is ! Over the years , so many of these have been modified or altered in some way which can spoil the originality of these vintage cars . Also many have been parted out , while others were wrecked . Hopefully the next owner will carefully preserve this ’56 Time capsule well into the future ! Happy Motoring
Looks pretty solid. The seller needs to invest in a camera/phone that doesn’t give every picture a fisheye look.
I live 45 miles from this car. It is from my birth year. Nice cruiser, but try keeping up with today’s traffic without getting rammed in the rear by a woman on her 9th cup of Starbucks in her 2024 Kia. Forget it.
I don’t hate more door crew cabs. They enable you to take more people out on a cruise night.
56 is my favorite tri-five. I just love the lines and especially the dashboard (They ruined the 57 dash in my opinion). Not a fan of 4 doors but like that this is unrestored. Although I see two things. Dual master cylinder is an upgrade and a smart one. Also, I have never seen a 56 Bel-air with that seat cover. I tend to think that has been recovered. At least I have never seen anything like that on the two my father and brother restored to original.
mine, grey/white, got 19 mpg, 265 auto…tradedi
in 1st car, 55 3/4 dodge p/u, gulf orange…traded this in for new, stage 5, 61 bugeye sprite, overseas motors, ft. worth…iris blue…be blessed, grateful, prepared
My parents had a 1956 Belair Turquoise and India Ivory and when my oldest sister go married her husband had a 1956 identical to this one. Both beautiful cars!
Dreamer……
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the 1956 Chevy. Assuming all is solid and original, I’d be willing to pay between $15k and $20k.
I always thought the 56 was better looking than the 57. Yes, the 57 gets the most attention, but in my opinion, the 57 grill was out of scale, too big and grandiose for the rest of the car. The 56 was the finer looking car, or so I believe.
My Grandpa had a turquoise and white 56 Bel Air 2 door hardtop. He bought it brand new. It was the first Chevy he ever owned with a V8. 265 4 barrel and a powerglide. He told me it was the first car he was able to hit an indicated 100 mph on the speedometer, he did it on the then new NY state thruway. It was a beautiful car and I have to admit, I lean towards the 55s and 56s more than the 57s. He was a Chevy guy his whole life and he really didnt care for the 57s.
My Dad bought a 56 4 door in the early 70s.
Blue and white. With the inline 6. I think he paid $75 for it. My favorite is the 56 Bélair
My Dad also had a 63 Impala 4 door. I loved those old cars
As you get older the 4-door is much easier to get in and out of the back seat.
Nice car. Four doors make a lot of sense for us seniors wanting to take friends out for a ride. I know that is hard to believe but we aren’t as limber as we once were.
I wrote a lengthy comment, but it vanished when I went to post it. My difficulty with this car, on a 52,000 mile survivor, is the condition of the Adobe beige paint. It is weathered as though kept outdoors and not in a garage — at yet, on the nose and front fenders, everything gleams. Clearly, that is the part which received “some attention”, and now the rest of the car cries-out for it, too. But why is a 52,000 mile garage-kept survivor so terribly “weathered”? Unless Chevy that year made use of some particularly atrocious paint, there is something in the history of this vehicle that we are not being told — my guarded opinion. Then again I n, the price is very reasonable for a Tri-Five. I don’t mind four doors and a post — but I’m a bit leery of this one — and not particularly fond of the ’56 anyway.
Maybe the garage it was kept in was on a 1920s-1930s era house that was too short to fit the whole car and close the door…or maybe even cover the whole car at all.
This ’56 more door is a great find ..great patina..that some pay for at big $$…Love the whole look of getting in it and traveling cross the states….As the years past 2 Dr models have been picked over .leaving more 4 doors…Can’t complain about a 4 door..Because that’s pretty much what the auto manufacturers put out nowadays .even 4 door pickups (at $70K) .This is a TRUE buy…
Hi, I still laugh when people complain about the condition of paint. I had a 58′ roadmaster that sat outside for a few years. the tops of the car are going to fade. how long has this car sat? how many outside? how many owners and where did it spend its life?
I own a 56 four door 210 that was purchased by my parents brand new. It has been in our family it’s whole life. I got it when I was 16 in the late 70’s. Drove it off and on for the next 42 years as mostly original except for a new power plant in the early 90’s. Was able to complete a two year resto mod that was finished 6 days before retirement last year. Now it is one year later and my wife and I have put 20,000 miles on it. We are having a blast. Drove it coast to coast last year and are planning on many more trips this year. We have all the comforts now so we can take long trips without worrying about breaking down.