Chevrolet was on fire in the mid-1950s when they rolled out a new design that would later be referred to as the “Tri-Fives”. The 150 was the entry-level model, followed by the 210 and Bel Air. Sales were swift, and more than 4.5 million Chevies were sold from 1955 to 1957 (aided by Chevy’s first V8 engine since 1918). This basic 150 2-door sedan from 1956 was a one-family car until three years ago. It retains many original elements, such as the dark green paint. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, this classic survivor is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $25,000.
If you needed non-frilly but new transportation in 1956, the 150 was it. Many of the 82,000+ 2-door sedans may have been built like this one, which doesn’t even have a radio or full wheel covers. A 235-cubic-inch inline-6 was in charge, along with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission with overdrive. This Chevy was in mothballs from about 2008 to 2023 and needed work. The seller or the previous family had the brakes redone, the gas tank flushed, and the carburetor cleaned out. Next was a tune-up, followed by new tires. So, it should be a dependable driver at this stage.
The interior has been refreshed, including new seat covers, door panels, a headliner, and more. The windshield and some exterior chrome bits were also replaced. But the rest of the exterior is from 1956, so it has a few little dings and scratches that you would expect for the automobile’s vintage.
We hope the next caretaker of this old ride will leave well enough alone. There’s no need to shove a 350 V8 under the hood or go with an automatic transmission. Leaving the car as close to its original condition will help ensure the Chevrolet retains its value for years to come. Our appreciation goes to T.J. for the cool tip.
I swear I’ve seen every Tri-5 Chevy on the planet at least twice. There are more ’57 Chevys now than there were in 1957.
They were favorites even back in the day. I was born in 54 so by the time I was really into them they were 10 years old already but I remember then people saying the 55, 6, 7 Chevys were worth more than the 58/59/60. Then my generation made them classics and the few that had been parked behind. barns and sheds were dragged out and put back on the road. Probably the junk to save ratio of the tri 5 Chevys is the lowest of any other domestic vehicle except possibly Corvettes..
Love the 56 Chevies!! Less common than your 55s or 57s…
One of the many Chevies my Grandpa owned was a ’56 ( 2 door BelAir hardtop)
I wouldn’t change a thing on this one. Just wax it, drive and enjoy it.
I agree with you 100%. To me there’s nothing like the “all original cars & trucks”. Some of us folks DID get a little older and now fine it hard to drive the non-power steering and three on the tree vehicles.
I sometimes get tired of seeing tri-five Chevys, but this one presents pretty well. I like that it has the 6 cyl. with a column shifter, seems like it would be a fun driver, a reminder of the “good old days” when a lot of us drove cars like this.
Nice original survivor! Hey , with that 6- cylinder , standard shift , that would be good for ” economy !” By all means , don’t modify it , keep it stock .
I like this one too, but I gotta have my tunes. I’d go with a period correct AM/FM unit for that with
the rear speakers mounted under
the package tray and a good speaker in the original spot on the dash. I remember when these cars were everywhere–mostly at Illinois State University
where they had a fleet of them in
the late ’50s and well into the 1960s. And they even had some
sedan deliveries and 2-door wagons too. Most of them were
painted green, dark blue, or dark
red. How many of you recall the
’56 Chevy 1/25 scale kit by Revell? You could actually build
this car with the trim pieces they
provided you in the kit. You could
build a 150, 210, or a Bel Air. And if you left the back seat out, you
could build the business coupe too. The last time I saw any 150s
at ISU was 1972 when they still had some sedan deliveries left.
Most of what they had were 4-doors that had radios and heaters in them and not much else. And after looking at a bunch of overdone Bel Airs here on BF, This one’s a real treat!
Nice to see a 150 that isn’t hot rodded or turned into a Black Widow, yes, I know those are ’57s, tribute. The color seems unique but not offensive. That period FM radio didn’t come along for a few more years, ’63 I believe.
had a 63 in 66 and sister bought one new in 1963 am only first am fm i remember is in 1967 bought a new Corvette had am fm thinking back i paid $4,200 for that new Corvette and it had 2 tops 327 4 speed
there where no am fm in 1956 was a good 10 years before they came out i was 11 years old in 1956 in highschool had a 1956 bel aire convertible am radio and vacuum wipers
nothing says economy version 150 more than the horn button steering wheel and no chrome “horn ring”. The 56 was the best looking (IMO) of the 55-56-57 series. Nice car
I always replaced the steering wheels in my 55 & 56 Chevys with one from 1959.
I had one of these that was all black and if I had this one I would try to replicate the one from the old days with a solid lifter 327, 097 cam and a few other things. It had the best sound around. Oh and it was fast.
It’s nice to see a 150 with the 6 cylinder, many of these were rodded, or otherwise modified.
Many, if not most 150’s were fleet cars, unloved and used up at an early age. Hopefully the new owner will maintain this car in its original condition. It’s a time capsule.
Yep, like ’69 Z/28 Camaros
Ahh yes the 56 Chevy, my friend had one back in the day, I won some pocket change from my friends betting them that they couldn’t find the gas filler cap on this car. nice car.
Wow… This car has been loved. Time capsule in beautiful shape, and the price seems reasonable. Nice find, and write up.
Always liked the 2 door post. My dad had a 57 2door post. Very solid car. My friends mother had a 57 2 door hardtop that was an absolute rattle trap.
first want to credit the writing of this article for knowing the 55 v8 was not chevy first v8 they had a one year only ohv v8 in 1918 second yes 1956 also my favorite tri five had one in highschool in 1963 was a bel aire convertible two tone blue was a hand me down didn’t like it because it was a powerglide 6 cly I was only 16 traded it for a 1958 Impala 2 dr ht 348 factory 3 speed now that car I liked had it my senior year it was quick all black great car
My Mom and Dad bought a brand new 1956 210, 265,PG, green and white 2 tone. They parted with it in 64. I don’t remember the car all that well. The only memory I have is my Dad pulling it into the garage. I was probably 4 at the time
Simple, basic, honest- as a number have noted- and also the best looking of the Tri-5s. Had a unmarked army ’57, black w/ stick, for my work; clumsy styling that year. Good solid cars with gobs of room. Fun in a brutish way.
For some reason, I am very dubious today of everything I have seen. No doubt I like this car. But when you examine the pictures and read the nartative, you can’t help thinking this car did not look like this, when the current owner bought it. Granted it is a nice car but it has been prepped to appear nicer than it really is! IMHO
it’s really cool and i like it but with the work that was done it really is no longer a survivor, just a clean old 56 chevy.
Maybe change the vacuum windshield wiper system over to electric . That be only upgrade.
Cant stand the 55, love the 56 and 57. 13K overpriced
An aunt of my dad had a neat 56 210 coupe she bought new. Neat car with 265 power pac motor. UNFORTUNATELY, she didn’t quit driving it and was totaled and parted. Nice driving car .
Had a 56 when in high school (way back when). It was modified with some go fast goodies. Loved to drive it until somebody decided they wanted it and stole it from my home. Still wish I had it. Not as many as the 55s or 57s out there. Best of the bunch IMO.