Some classic cars arrive on our desks here at Barn Finds, and it is easy to guess their fate. However, some can be vehicles like this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. There’s no doubt that it would benefit from some restoration work, but its overall solid nature and tidy appearance make it a prime candidate for retention as a genuine survivor. When the owner purchased the vehicle, he intended to use it as the base for a restomod build. However, upon seeing how original and solid it is, he shelved those plans. He has returned it to a roadworthy state and feels that it should move on to a new home and an owner who can appreciate this classic for what it is. Located in Edison, New Jersey, you will find the Bel Air listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has hit $15,700, but I’m not surprised that this figure remains short of the reserve.
The seller purchased the Bel Air from an estate sale, and his detective work leads him to believe that he is the car’s third owner. It had been sitting in dry storage for more than four decades when it came into his custody. It seems that the environment was close to ideal because this classic is remarkably well preserved. The original Nassau Blue and India Ivory paint still holds a respectable shine, and it is free from any significant flaws or blemishes. The panels look pretty straight, with no dings or dents worth noting and no evidence of prior accident damage. The owner supplies some underside shots, and while there is surface corrosion, there are only a couple of small holes in the floor that the buyer might choose to tackle at some point. There is also one small patch that looks solid. The corrosion does not need immediate attention, but if I were to buy this Chevy, I would address it before it has a chance to deteriorate further. That sounds like a rewarding task to tackle during the colder months when the days seem to drag on forever. Beyond that, the frame is solid, and the exterior shows no rust issues. The exterior trim and original hubcaps appear to be in generally good order, although there is some light pitting that an owner seeking perfection might wish to address. The windshield has a slight separation in one spot, but the rest of the glass looks pretty good.
For the purists among you, lifting this Chevy’s hood should gladden your heart. The original owner ordered the Bel Air with the 265ci V8 and two-speed Powerglide transmission, and these components remain intact in what is a numbers-matching classic. The engine bay looks tired and dirty, but we need to look beyond that to spot this survivor’s inner beauty. After sitting since 1976, the owner took his time to ensure that he revived this beauty properly. He initially coaxed it back to life with new plugs, a battery, and some fuel poured down the carburetor. Once he was satisfied that things looked positive, he got stuck in to ensure that this Bel Air was roadworthy once again. The brakes received new wheel cylinders and a new master cylinder while he flushed the lines to remove contaminants. Every rubber hose and belt went into the bin, with the owner replacing the lot. He had the carburetor rebuilt, the cooling system flushed and cleaned, and replaced the oil and filter twice to remove any nasties. All of that cost and effort was worth it because this classic drives like it did on Day One. The engine sounds great, the Powerglide shifts smoothly, and the owner says he would be happy to drive it anywhere. He also states that he believes that the odometer reading of 84,900 miles is correct and genuine, although he has no evidence to support this. Of course, if the car had been sitting idle since 1976, that claim is plausible.
It seems that one of the few areas of this Bel Air that has strayed from originality is the interior upholstery. The Trim Tag indicates that the car rolled off the line trimmed in Blue & Beige, but what we see is black embossed vinyl. However, the seller has determined that a previous owner fitted the new trim over the original upholstery, so it may be possible that removing the later covers will reveal the original trim in good order. If this isn’t the case, the next owner may choose to invest $2,200 in a trim kit. That isn’t cheap, but kits in this price range not only contain everything required to achieve a factory-fresh appearance, but the upholstery is in the correct colors and patterns. Beyond that, the buyer might decide to restore the wheel themselves and polish all the bright trim pieces. The vehicle still houses its original AM radio and clock, but neither item currently works.
This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air demonstrates that there are still some fantastic classic cars hidden in sheds and barns biding their time until somebody sets them free. This car is an amazing survivor, and it is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. If you were to lodge the winning bid, which path would you follow? Would you treat it to some restoration work, or would you drive it proudly as an original survivor? Of course, you may wish to follow the seller’s original path and create a cool restomod. With this car, the world is your oyster. All you need to do is win the auction. Are you tempted to try?
Never fails to amaze me when modern cars need 7+ speed transmissions, when TWO is apparently plenty :)
I remember renting a seven seater, six geared, diesel ‘people mover’ a few years ago. Did nearly two thousand miles in that car, loaded with luggage, two adults and four children. My average mpg was close on 70 miles and sometimes more on the motorway cruising sections. My whole fuel costs for the entire month was a mere three hundred US dollars.
That’s a benefit; a big one, from a car with six gears. This beauty probably only gets 18mpg on a good day.
My Grandfather bought a new 1956 Chevrolet in this color combo. His howver, was a 210 2 dr sedan. No V*, just the 6. A few options, the 2 tone paint, powerglide,non push button radio, and full wheel covers.
In 1964 or so he stated he would give me the car for my September Birthday. We went to his house in August, and there sat the Chevy. The neighbor borrowed it and pulled out in front of a garbage truck. The car had been hit so hard in the right side that the lert door would not close.
OOh! This is a beauty!
Although not a popular opinion, I’ve always liked ’56 Chevrolet Bel Airs better than ’55s.
How many times have we heard the “I bought it to restomod but it was just too original and solid…” line. Like he couldn’t tell how original and solid it was when he purchased it?
Oh this cream puff is a real beauty. The ’56 is my favorite of the Tri-Five Chevys. I hope this sweet machine goes to a nice home.