Choosing to part with a classic that has been part of your family for sixty-eight years must be difficult, but it is the decision made by the owners of this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan. It presents beautifully, carrying the hallmarks of a classic that has been a cherished and respected family member. Their loss could be your gain, with the family listing the Bel Air here on Craigslist in Farmingdale, New York. They set their price at $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this wonderful survivor.
The Second Generation Bel Air, which was part of what has become known as the Tri-Five range, first graced showroom floors for the 1955 model year. It remained on sale for three years, and while the production life was short, it remains one of the staples of the classic scene over six decades later. This 1956 Bel Air is stunning, finished in its original Code 702 combination of Sherwood Green and Pinecrest Green. The seller confirms it received a repaint in 2000, and its condition suggests it has led a sheltered life since. The paint shines beautifully, with only the occasional mark or chip to prevent perfection. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. The seller supplies some excellent underside shots revealing the floors and frame are rock-solid. The steel wheels wear their original hubcaps and are wrapped in classy whitewalls. I can’t spot any trim issues, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
The originality of this Bel Air continues when we open the doors and poke around its interior. The seller confirms the front seatcover is new, but the remaining Green vinyl and cloth trim is as it left the factory. There is minor deterioration on a couple of door trims, but I believe careful gluing and stretching should eliminate those problems. The carpet and dash are excellent, and there is no wheel wear. It is refreshing that there are no aftermarket additions, with the interior retaining the original AM radio and clock.
The new owner should enjoy a relaxed driving experience when they slip behind this Bel Air’s wheel. The engine bay houses the mighty 265ci V8 that sends 170hp and 257 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. As mechanical combinations go, that is pretty bulletproof. It is also claimed to be numbers-matching. The seller indicates that the car features an odometer reading of 102,000 miles, but not whether they hold verifying evidence. It is also unclear whether the vehicle has ever received major mechanical work like an engine rebuild. However, the V8 purrs like a kitten, the Powerglide shifts as it should, and this beauty is ready for summer fun with the new owner behind the wheel of a car that drives perfectly.
We will undoubtedly have readers who immediately dismiss this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air due to the number of doors. I accept and respect that attitude because the two-door variants have been historically more popular. They are also the cars which command the highest prices. However, this Bel Air is ideal for someone seeking a practical classic who has a young family. Anyone who has tried to maneuver an infant into the rear seat of a Two-Door Hardtop will tell you it isn’t fun, and this car removes that burden. There is also something attractive about owning a vehicle with a known history. I’m unsure whether the seller will achieve their price, but I believe it will eventually find a new home. Are you tempted?
A beauty of an ugly duckling. Of the Tri-Fives…back a few decades ago, the 1956 models were mostly ignored. The 1955s carried the banner; the 1957s were demonstration of joyous excess. And with some improvements, such as a stylish dash and instrument cluster.
The 1956s? Meh. The annual facelift was more of a faceplant. The basic package was no longer new or novel – it was a move in the wrong direction.
Now, with the Tri-Fives rare and historical, they all have demand. Those who sensed where the market might move, have a win.
This one? It lives in the Salt Belt…while it’s a special-interest historical car now, it wasn’t that way when the family bought it new. If it never saw salt in winter, I’d be REAL surprise.
Having an inspection done would be worthwhile…trust-but-verify, as someone said.
I always thought the 56s were the prize of the TriFives. 55s were okay, 57s were homlier than me if tyhats even possible.
I like the 56’s too but this is ugly 4DR model, 2DR is much nicer !
Me too 👍
That is why the ’56 is my favorite of the Tri-Fives. The ’55 was trendsetting and the ’57 is iconic, but the ’56? Almost forgotten and if I had to chose a Tri-Five, it would definitely be a ’56.
I agree. A car can be “iconic” til the cows come home. But there’s something I’ve always liked about the 1956 Chevy.
I must respectfully disagree with JustPassinThru! First as the owner of several Tri-Five Chevys, I love and enjoy all three years of the classic 50s cars. Yes, the 55 was the “Hot One” and enjoyed the success of a major improvement over the 54. The 56 was “The Hot One is Even Hotter” and kept all of the great features of the 55 – which was a wise move as proven by it’s sales figures. And the gas cap under the taillight gave owners a unique feature to enjoy. The 57 became an icon – maybe due to the tailfins ? And the Sherwood /Pinecrest Green is a beautiful combo. Why pay $$$ more for a 55 or 57 when the 56 is equally fun and desirable!
One major improvement on the 56 was the addition of full flow oil filtration, which the 55s lacked on the v8s.
I respectfully disagree with you with regard to 1956 Chevy being an “ugly duckling”. I think the 56 Chevy is beautiful. Probably more so than the 1955 models.
55 was nice but, not quite there yet. 57 was over the top and WAY too much. Now 56, that was just right!
My thinking exactly! I love GM cars of 1956. My favourite 1956 cars are the Chevy Bel Air, the Buick Special, and Pontiac Bonneville. They’re my favourite cars until 1959 and 1960 for some models.
An absolute beauty for the asking price. Have seen plenty of JUNK on bf’s for 20-25g’s. What’s not to like on this 56?
car nut the Pontiac Bonneville did not come out till 1957 there was never a 1956 Bonneville
It doesn’t matter that it’s a 4 door sedan, this is a beautiful ’56 in great condition, with a lovely color scheme.
It should sell quickly for the asking price.
“The hot one’s even hotter!”
Why lean over the fender to work on the motor when you climb in? Looks like a lot of room in there.
Mike that task was possible for at least another decade. My 65 Stang, 65 Galaxie, (both w/289’s) & 66 Impala w/283 were all easy to work on.
Nice older Chevy but no power steering or power brakes it’s not for everyone, a chore to drive.
The price is dead on for a 4 door mostly original ’56. Great way to enjoy a classic, even better if you can work on it yourself as repair shop pricing has gone through the roof.
Beautiful looking car! 1956 is my favourite year for the tri-five Chevy Bel Air. This car looks brand new, like it just came from a local Chevrolet dealer. Given its like new condition, I’d be willing to pay between $20,000 and $25,000.
That is absolutely stunning, and affordable. A true entry level classic.
I agree. This is my favourite year for the car until 1958. I’d buy one if I had someone to share the experience with, someone who also likes classic cars.
I lean towards the 56. My grandpa had a turquoise and white two door hardtop with a 265 with the powerpack option. They had their first color camera and got to see color photos of it when it was new.
I know that everyones situation is different, storage space can be costly and emotions vary- but… I would never be able to sell a car that’s been in the family for 68 years.
Right? Given how long it’s been in the family, I’d do what I can to keep it in the family forever. I’m sure there’s *someone* who wants it.
We youth referred to 4 doors as “old man cars”. Now, we are ones.
We are now *”Old Men”.* There was a time when I was more interested in cars of the 1980s and early 90s. These days, I also like cars of the 1950s up to the early 1990s. Crazy, huh?!
Wow…I would love to have this car….1956 was a good year…thats when I came into being../.although the car is in better shape..:)
I’ve got to win the lottery soon,at 70 I need another classic to tinker with besides the wife.
I had a 56 4 door back in the 70s wish i still had it.
I had a two tone blue 1956 bel aire convertible powergilde 6 in highschool in 1963 no power steering but had power brakes traded it for 1958 Impala 2 Dr ht 348 3 speed stick
When at car shows I just glance past any 4 door sedan except for stepdown Hudsons. Kind of funny to see this 4 dr Chevy with fender skirts because they make a 2 dr look sporty. But look out of place on a 4 dr. Once again, the exception would Hudson 4 door stepdowns.
I’m not a fan of fender skirts. I don’t know what, if any, functional purpose they serve, but with the exception of either the Cadillac, I’ve always thought they looked tacky. Not very attractive. If one likes them on their car, that’s their decision. I’m just saying that it’s not something I’d want on my car.