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
I completely agree with you regarding the allegedly accurate ownership history. Just doesn’t feel right.
Also, 25k seems like a bit of a stretch.
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.
Beluga whale
It’s not a Bel-Air is my first thought..
Rw, I think you’re right… given the front and rear glass is set in the body with a rubber gasket without any stainless trim, I was thinking 150 or 210. Of course that’s not definitive but, there is little else left to go on. Also, if you’re going to be running it hard enough to need a blow-proof bell housing, I think you’d add a rear transmission cross member.
Definitely the wrong door panels for a Belair and looking at the right side of the dash there ia no evidence that a clock was there. My other concern is, what is the explanation for that weld bead running down the middle of most of the frame rail in the one picture? Doesn’t look factory to me, too many things that don’t add up to me.
you are rt the radio speaker say Chevrolet bel aire said bel aire in gold on the speaker its ia a 210 or 150
It’s a 150.
The phrase “Rode hard and put away wet” comes to mind. It was a Belair. The chrome strip just below the side windows confirms that. 150/210 didn’t have it. White is a great color to make the wavy Bondo less obvious. Quarters have been bobbed- easier than fixing the rust. Someone will want it to continue the flogging- I’ll just avert my eyes.
You’re mistaken, the 56 150/210 did have the chrome strip under the rear windows. The 150’s ran down to a horizontal strip from just behind that piece to the left front fender. The 210’s rear strip ran from that piece to the upper corner of the rear bumper and to the front fender. The Belair had an upper strip that ran from that piece to the front fender and ended in a pointed tip and the lower strip was exactly like the 210 strip.
The chrome strips below the side confirm that it WAS a Belair. Rode hard and put away wet is being polite. White makes the wavy Bondo less obvious. Easier to bob the quarters than actually repair them. No bumpers means not street legal. Someone will buy this to continue the flogging- I’ll just avert my eyes.
So they also removed the Bel-Air dash trim and script Bunky????
Bel Air, 150, 210, C-10, K-20, etc. I see a ’56 Chevy hot rod, that probably will never be brought back to factory stock.
Chopped up turd, pass