The Chevrolet Bel Air is an iconic vehicle. The Bel Air line was born in 1950 and named after an exclusive area of Los Angeles nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. The car was known for its pillarless roof design, giving the “hardtop” a youthful flair. Several trim levels and body styles were offered; one of the rarer body styles was the sedan delivery, with production over three years from 1955 through 1957 of less than 30,000 copies. Most of these vans were sold to fleet operators. Here on eBay is a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan Delivery, bid to $4,895, reserve met. This vehicle is located in Geneva, Wisconsin. The seller indicates that he has too many projects and not enough time, so something has to go. This photo shows that much of the difficult metal work has already been done. The floors, rockers, and frame are all said to be solid.
The car retains its original 265 cu. in. V8 and automatic transmission. This combination was potent for its day, making 160 to 190 bhp depending on the carburetor setup. In fact, the 265 was actually designed to save the Corvette from the chopping block. The first motor used in the ‘Vette was a 235 cu. in. in-line six-cylinder – just not enough horsepower to satisfy would-be Corvette buyers. The 265 small block V8 saved the day, not to mention acquitted itself very well in a variety of other Chevy’s. No word on the status of the engine, but the seller does say that the car has been in storage for “several years.”
The car comes with loads of parts, but it’s also missing items. There’s no glass, for instance, except in the tailgate. Bumpers are missing as are the inner fender wells. None of this will be too difficult to come by, thanks to the sheer popularity of this model. The seller suggests the car would make a great gasser or cruiser. I can certainly see the possibilities here.
The interior is ready to prepare for finish work. Of course, if the buyer takes the hot rod route, the original gauges, steering wheel, and upholstery are limited only by imagination, as the market offers scads of options. If you need inspiration and have nine minutes, here’s a great video showcasing a 1954 sedan delivery. Note that the car makes a handy advertising vehicle too. What would you do with this one?
Newbomb Turk’s Pie Wagon?
BelAir ? Unlikely.
150 or possibly 210…
The Sedan Delivery model only came in 150 trim. No such thing as a 210 or Bel Air delivery. My dad had a ’57 for many years.
Too many projects” translates to “What the heck was I thinking?” “I need to unload this mess pronto”
This is a Chevy O-mad, the business version of the Nomad.
Here we go again not every Tri 5 is bel air like people think,not every Mopar is muscle car and everything with straight axle is not a Gasser.
It’s a 150 sedan delivery. A had a 57 years back. Everyone would say ” nice nomad”.
Man I would love to get my hands on this little chevy project! The price is still reasonable and I would leave it in red primer, redo the interior add a big block and a 4speed ,ah life would good.
This could turn out to be a really nice project with limitless possibilities and I’ve always found the 56 more attractive
I can emphasize with too many projects. My problem is a 48 year old house needing to be upgraded. Ah the joys of old age!!!
I can relate . Trying 3 Dow size my fleet . 13 cars and my house is 81 years old . Also have a2 door 57 wagon .Price was always good .
To be clear, the HP ratings ranged from 162 to 225 for the 265 in 56.
nota fan of the 50’s bulgemobiles. This one does them a lill justice tho… stretched out some. I can see the utility (locals call me ‘wagonman’ due to the lifetime of ownerships) and would keep my attention thru the long ‘bring em back’ process. Lower than the ‘vans’, may B punch in a curbside (keep it’s window too for intersection traffic view)? Have one of those ‘pull outs’ (the wheeled track-bed) that makes everything accessable in there? Certainly arent gunna climb in a low roof like this.