One of the positives for fans of Tri-Five Chevrolets is that they are still somewhat plentiful, with a few good deals to be had on nice drivers if you scour the marketplace carefully. This 1956 Bel Air here on Craigslist is far from original, but it seems ready for the next owner to get behind the wheel and enjoy, with the $24,999 price tag sounding like a fair amount to consider paying here. This is a situation where the owner has gotten too old to drive, and he’s enlisted a grandchild to help find this one a new home. It’s believed to be ready for the buyer to drive home, so head on up to Long Island, New York, to see if this is the right ’56 for you. Rocco B., thanks for the fun tip here!
The post lists this one as a Bel Air, but it’s had much of the identifying side trim removed from the outside, giving the body a smooth and intimidating vibe like this car means business. There aren’t many details provided on what sort of bodywork has been done here, or if this ’56 has always been this smooth and straight. I’m guessing it may have just been the recipient of great care over the decades, as a sign in the window indicates that Grandpa is the original owner, so he could have gotten the car new as a teenager and lovingly maintained it for 70 years. That scooped hood with the tranquil flames is a clue that something other than a factory engine might be hiding in the bay, so let’s take a peek under there and see what’s providing the power.
Two engine sizes were possibilities in the Bel Air for 1956, including a 236 CI inline-6 and a 265 V8, the latter with three available carburetor configurations. There’s no word on what was originally here, but a 350 is now in place, although the seller doesn’t list any performance specs. He does indicate that only 2,000 miles have been covered since the restoration was completed, to the tune of forty grand, and reports that the Chevy runs great and drives like new. The small block is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, and a positraction rear end sits out back, so the mechanicals seem well thought out.
Though the interior isn’t quite a showpiece, it appears to be in more-than-acceptable condition for an occasional driver. There are a few custom touches on or near the dash, including a trio of gauges underneath, a column-mounted tach, and an aftermarket steering wheel. The flamed floor mats look like they belong here, and this one just feels like a fine cruiser all around. What are your thoughts on this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, and the mods that have been applied here?
Sweet ride! Maybe an optical illusion but looks like the exhaust ends at the headers 🤔
In a couple of the undercarriage pictures, #8 in particular, you can see a glass pack on the drivers side.
I’m not buying the sellers grandpa bought it new, or ever owned it. Craigslist allows for unlimited descriptions, you’d figure they’d include some history, no matter how short. That would mean something to a good sized portion of potential buyers and at a minimum make for an easier sale.
Steve R
Its a shame the owner is to old to drive.
I had a 55 Chevrolet Belair two door hardtop in HS with a 327 340 hp four speed tied to a 12 bolt. It was a cool driver and weekend dragger.
Me when I get older just build it faster to remedy any old age issues…😉
Its what I joke about riding motorcycles instead of giving up the adrenaline
I like the car and would hook the headers to 3” pipes with Headers Electric Exhaust Cutout Kits for racing.
The seats could use upgrades but the core is great.