Every car has a story, but some are more obvious than others. It seems that this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air was once a stunning custom, but it has been parked in this barn since 1978. Time has not been kind to it, but the owner feels that it needs to go to a new home and somebody who can return it to its former glory. It will be a significant undertaking, but if the photo of this car in its prime is any indication, it should be worth the effort. If you feel up for the challenge, you will find the Bel Air located in Maryville, Tennessee, and listed for sale here on Facebook. The owner has set a price of $15,000, but he may entertain trades for the right vehicle. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Roger J out for spotting this wonderful classic for us.
I mentioned that every classic car has a story to tell, but the one for this Bel Air has a large gap. The owner purchased the vehicle in 1971 and drove it regularly until 1978. That’s when he parked in this barn, but he doesn’t indicate why he did so. He also doesn’t mention why it has sat for more than four decades, largely unloved and ignored. It was once a magnificent car, but those days would seem well behind it. This Chevy wears Matador Red and India Ivory paint that has reached a state beyond being tired. This combination was one of the most stunning available on a 1956 Bel Air and made a bold visual statement. Time has not been this car’s friend, and it will take a fair amount of work to whip the panels and paint back into shape. There seems to be only limited rust in the lower body extremities, but it is unclear how healthy the floors and frame are. I believe whoever tackles this restoration will probably strip the car to the last nut and bolt because that is the only way to do it justice. It appears that all of the exterior trim is intact, but like the panels and paint, it will require a fair amount of attention. The glass looks like it could be pretty good, which is a bonus considering how extensive the rest of this restoration is likely to be.
The interior shots provided by the seller are pretty bad, so it is impossible to tell how badly the trim has deteriorated. If I were a betting man, I would be placing money firmly on the interior requiring a total refurbishment. It isn’t clear whether it features its original upholstery combination or has been treated to custom trim. That will leave potential buyers with some choices to make. There’s little doubt that it would look amazing trimmed in Code 583 Red and Beige, and trim kits are available to achieve a factory-fresh state for around $2,500. Because the Bel Air already features custom touches to the exterior and drivetrain, the buyer may opt for something different. Cloth trim might appeal, or they may find it impossible to resist the lure of leather. It is a matter of “horses for courses” in a situation like this, but completed to a high standard, the interior has the potential to add a perfect finishing touch to this classic’s overall presentation.
Powering this Bel Air when it went into hibernation is a 327ci small-block hooked to a Turbo 400 transmission. The specifications of that V8 are unclear, but the combination would have endowed this old Chevy with respectable performance. It isn’t clear when the car last fired a shot in anger, but it was probably about the time the buyer drove it to its current location. This is another aspect of this project where we’re flying blind. It isn’t clear whether the motor turns freely or if a mechanical malady was the catalyst for it winding up in its current location. These small-blocks are robust old things, so it might be possible to coax it back to life if it turns. However, the need to dismantle the rest of the vehicle for a high-quality restoration would provide the ideal opportunity to treat the drivetrain to a birthday.
As you can see from this photo, this 1956 Bel Air was a stunning car when the owner parked it. It could be magnificent once again, but it needs somebody with the right level of commitment to achieve that goal. With Tri-Five Chevrolets continuing to perform strongly in the classic market, it could be well worth the effort. It is not something that will be achieved in a few weeks in a home workshop but performed to a high standard, any restoration on this Bel Air should see its value appreciate in coming years. After more than four decades in hiding, it deserves a second chance at life. Will you be the person to provide that?
The Facebook listing is down. Your overview and comments must have scared them away! Just as well, because it wasn’t worth $15K+.
How can that last picture be BEFORE it was parked in 1978, with that much later model car sitting right behind it ?? Also not the same wheels.
I too noticed that last photo didn’t fit the timeframe set out by the seller. Another reason why it was pulled as it was probably a bogus listing.
He never said it’s the same car.
That’s a Cadillac SRX behind it in the last photo. And yes, the wheels are different. I’d say that last photo was recently taken, within the last 10 years
They did make a prototype SRX back in 1978, but it was a top secret project that GM obviously didn’t want anyone to know about. Bad pictures and bogus pictures make the ad itself bogus.
I remember when these were just nice used cars. Never too expensive because they made so many of them, but it seemed like everyone had one. When I was in high school, these were coveted as a HS ride, but only the well off kids could afford such a newer car. These were the Honda Accord of their day. I sure hope this particular car didn’t have the window down for 4 decades. Can you imagine the filth in there if it was? I am less worried about moisture than enteric offerings from little creatures that could still be in spore form and infectious.
I remember in my high school days, two kids I knew, one had a very nice ’55 with a six and the other had a ’56 post with the rear end jacked up.
She’s rough but , straight as an arrow and complete . It doesn’t look overly molested either . If the frame is good this car would be worth tackling imo .
You beat me to it Jeff,as you can see photo, with modern vehicle in shot.
What should have been said is the the pretty picture is an example of what it used to look like. No way it is the same car. Its impossible to say from the photos if this is a good buy or not. It is needs a bath and thorough inspection for rust.
Not for 15K
$1,000.00 big money for this Chevy! Would cost big bucks to restore. What it would cost to restore, you could find one on the market in great shape for the approximate amount of money!
No offense meant, but the stock wheels/caps, look better to me.
First, dump those ugly-ass mag wheels!
What kind of trade are you looking for? Thanks Mike
My guess is that the last picture was to illustrate, to those without a good imagination, what the car looked like before it’s long nap. Judging by the rust on the engine & components I’d bet that barn was not a dry place to sit for 40+ some odd years and the inside of the engine, trans, etc. is most likely the same. Not to mention the critters that undoubtedly reside in and around the whole mess. BUT if a person was dead set on a ’56 Chevy 2 dr. hard top and could get the price down into this universe, this could once again be a beauty!
To me, there is nothing more annoying in a car ad than a seller saying the pic of the car is not the car for sale but what it could like or to include a before shot and then another car as an example of what it could look like. Nothing more than a lame attempt to cash in.
I’d keep it the way it is. Restore it sure but keep the 327/400 and the 5 slots. Convert it to discs if not already fitted but just enjoy a great cruiser……. For those who say $15k is too much these tri 5s overseas bring solid money!
I’d like to know where you can buy a 56 Chevy Bel Air 2 door hardtop in any condition for $1000.00. I’ll be on my way with cash and trailer. CFJ if you know of one post it, it’ll be gone before the ink dries.
God bless America
$15k for that? Are there a few gold bars in the trunk? It’s a rusty mess, sorry…
It’s worth 15k if 14k is hidden in the glove box.
Gary. Wash your mouth out!!! To compare a 56 chevy Bel Aire to a Honda Anything is pure blasphemy !!!
Once a stunning custom? Body looks completely stock to me.
For a couple of years I’ve watched comments on how valuable the “tri fives” are, how they’re increasing in value, what a great investment they are. Then this shows up, not that far out of line everything considered, and the seller is chastised for (A) setting such a “high” price, and (B) using a picture of what one like it looks like. Not the first time (B) has occurred on this site, and often by the BF author of the initial write-up.
The author gushes a bit too much for my taste. I’ve got a pretty vivid imagination and I see this as a 1970s-era street rods with brushed aluminum slots and not much else going for it. Unless George Barris took a dump in the trunk or Gene Winfield peed on the the upholstery this to me didn’t, and doesn’t, qualify as a “stunning custom.” On a side note, there evidently are a lot of hidden treasures in Maryville, Tennessee and my sister lives nearby. May have to coax her out to start scouting barn finds in the area.
My first car was a 1956 Chevy 2 door post car. I bought it for 50. and then I sold it then I bought it back and then sold it again and tried to buy it back again, and I missed the deal by a day…
I actually like those slotted mag wheels. I have a set and I happen to think they look pretty cool.