The “Tri-Five” Chevrolets of 1955-57 were incredibly popular, with 4.5 million buyers able to, ”See the USA in Your Chevrolet”. This 1956 edition of a 2-door post sedan looks to have been left in a barn for many years. The seller offers no important details, such as what model it is (150, 210, or Bel Air) and what engine lies under the hood (inline-6 or V8). That may explain why it’s still for sale here on Facebook Marketplace after four months. The asking price is $20,000, so is it worth spending tens of thousands more to restore it after you remove it from its perch in Amsterdam, Missouri?
Since the car wears two-tone paint, I’m going to suggest this is a 210 model, as most base 150s wore single colors. The body probably has rust, but whatever is there is covered with layers and layers of dirt and dust. The interior doesn’t look to have fared nearly as well, perhaps due to windows being left open for small woodland creatures to move in.
If this is a six-cylinder car, a 235 cubic inch “Stovebolt” engine should be there. Or, if you’re lucky, a 265 CI V8 is hibernating in just its second year in the Chevrolet portfolio. Transmissions also came in two versions: a 3-speed manual, or a 2-speed Powerglide automatic. The seller could have popped the hood to answer some of these questions or look for the number of pedals under the dashboard.
At the seller’s asking price, would you take a gamble on this Tri-Five? Or opt for something better presented that is less of a mystery to buy without having to make a trip to Missouri to get the full lowdown? If it were a Bel Air Sport Coupe with a known V8, the decision might be easier to make.
The painted panel on the dash and no Belair insignia indicates this is likely a 210 model. There is also no v-8 insignia so probably a 6 cylinder. Also no power glide selector on the dash indicates a three on the tree.
It’s tough to see neglected, suddenly turned valuable cars of our youth, so prevalent at this site, but rather, for my own sanity,( and possibly others) will reflect on a time many of us can relate to. I enjoy conjuring up these potential scenarios, because they actually happened. That’s right, another war story. Had a friend named Bill, late 60s, had a ’56 2 door Chevy, he called “La Bamba”. It was his love of his life. Upon being called to Vietnam, the night before he left, got wasted and totaled the Chevy. I have a feeling that is what may have happened here. In the 60s, at the height of the war, the ’56 Chevy 2 door( any kind) was without question the most sought after car to be had. And for good reason,they were very common. Judging by the “dustometer”, this car has been sitting for at least that long. They never came back, or in a diminished capacity, and the car sat.
Now, is there the kind of interest there was in the 60s for an old Chevy? Dinah who? Not likely, and cars like this will gather another inch of dust before being hauled away for scrap. It’s not 1968 anymore, sadly. A find like this was every motorheads dream then ,,,and the cost? Maybe $100 or better yet, just take the darn thing,,,yep, for free. How did we ever lose our way?
It’s been a tough week for clean cars as the grungy overpriced junk has taken over. And this one for 20K? Looks like someone tossed a grenade into the interior. Too much junk in the barns. Too many dumb sellers. Give us a break out here.
In 1970 I bought a running/driving 1955 Two-Ten post car for $35.00. It was a 6 cylinder, three on the tree complete car, no rust, no dents and the car’s interior was complete thought a little worn. I purchased it from a girl that drove it every day. Guess those days have just become a distance memories for many of us. This ’56, I probably scraped better cars than that.