It can sometimes be challenging to know where to start on a project build, but there should be no such problems with this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. The seller spent time and money addressing the urgent needs, leaving the buyer to tackle the remaining work as time and circumstances allow. They may choose to take their time, but there’s little doubt this classic would attract attention before the work begins. The seller listed this Chevy here on eBay in Oak Hill, West Virginia. While the bidding has hit $20,100, that figure is short of the reserve.
Chevrolet offered Bel Air buyers an impressive selection of single and two-tone paint combinations in 1956. This car’s original owner selected Pinecrest Green and India Ivory, which provides a fresh but crisp appearance. The paint has plenty of flaws and defects. but should serve okay for a driver-grade vehicle. A refresh would significantly impact the presentation but doesn’t need to happen immediately. The panels are straight, but one of the first things I noticed is the lack of apparent rust. There is none visible externally, with the seller stating it features its original trunk and floor pans. They supply no underside shots, but the lack of surface corrosion across the vehicle is encouraging. The trim is excellent for a classic of this age, with some new pieces. The windshield and all rubbers are new, with the remaining glass looking crystal clear.
This Bel Air’s interior is quite acceptable if considered a driver-grade car. There is some slight wear on the seats, but nothing to cause sleepless nights. The dash is excellent and retains the factory pushbutton radio. The wheel has wear on the rim, but kits are available to return that part of the interior to as-new condition. The seller replaced the headliner but admits that new door trims will go on the buyer’s shopping list. If the buyer seeks a factory appearance and perfection, an interior trim kit will provide everything required for around $2,000. However, many manufacturers produce custom upholstery for those seeking a unique look.
Mechanically, this Bel Air is essentially original. Its engine bay houses a 265ci V8 producing 170hp. Those ponies find their way to the back wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. This combination wasn’t the most potent in the Bel Air’s armory, but it still allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in 19.3 seconds. The seller has spent plenty of money recently to ensure this classic is mechanically sound. It features a new fuel tank and sender unit, a new radiator, new brake lines, new fuel lines, new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes, and new tires on American Racing Torq Thrust alloy wheels. That last item changes the car’s appearance markedly and may not appeal to some buyers. However, it is an easily reversible change, and finding the correct wheels and hubcaps should be possible. The upshot of the cost and labor is a Chevy that runs and drives well. The transmission shifts cleanly, the brakes are strong, and this gem is ready to hit the road with a smiling new owner behind the wheel.
Choosing what path to follow with a project build can prove challenging, and it is a decision not to be rushed. That is what makes this 1956 Bel Air attractive. It has no immediate needs, allowing the next owner plenty of time to devise their strategies. If they are working to a tight budget, it also affords them the luxury of building their bank balance to cope with the financial strain and to shop for high-quality parts at bargain prices. Does that sound like a strategy you would employ, or would you want to get it over and done so you can enjoy all this Bel Air offers? Reading your comments to see how the opinions split will be fascinating.
Nice car. Probably going to bring more money than most of us would pay but at least the car is good enough to support whatever it sells for.
My favorite of the 3!
Not necessarily a 265 because someone says so.
Looks like a 265 to me.
All small block Chevy’s look like a 265,one difference 265 doesn’t have oil filter.
had many 1956 chevys including new one parents bought in 1956 the 265 had a oil filter I was 11 years old in 1956 and a car nut know the car very will even the 6 cyl had a oil filter in highschool had a 1956 bel aire convertible 6 banger
56 and 57 265 did have an oil filter.
55 was optional.
Finally, there’s hope yet. If I was 20 years older, and I truly wish I was and gone by now, this would have been my car. Something about the ’56, kind of the 3 bears thing, the ’55, too plain, the ’57, too glitzy, the ’56, just right. Can’t you almost hear Wolfman Jack hollerin’ out the AM, “Ain’t this XCIB, baby”?( any one know what that meant XCIB?) No P/S, no P/B, no chilled cup holders, but by golly, it had a radio, a V8, a bench seat,, what in the world was ever wrong with that? Great find and a tip of the hat to the builder for keeping it this way.
I like this car, it is hard to say if it is as nice as it appears. If it is and the price stays under 30 K, I would think that is a fair deal for this car.
Are we assuming the 1/4 mile times based on the cars horsepower ? The rear gears will make a huge difference , and we dont know what they are. The transmission also comes into play; a manual and an auto will have different times. It really cant be judged on HP alone , a Chevy 2 with 170hp would be faster , just because of the weight difference.
Same car I had in high school,but with a 3 speed on the tree,that I changed to 3 on the floor.Liked the 2 door post better than the hard top.Always wanted to put a 4 speed in it ,but cost too much back in the 60’s.I would buy this car .