This 1956 Chevy Bel Air has been sitting for 20 years, perhaps outdoors. But it seems to be in surprisingly good condition, though we doubt it runs, and we don’t know the status of the interior. But it has the interesting Power Pack option for a little more performance, yet the Chevy was once a family car. Located in Sierra Vista, Arizona, this two-tone Tri-Five comes with original paperwork and is available here on craigslist for $8,500 OBO. Our thanks go to Barn Finder Barney for this tip!
With the popular redesign of Chevrolet’s portfolio in 1955, the GM division had its first V8 engine in 37 years. Displacing 265 cubic inches, the motor was good for 170 hp with a 2-barrel carburetor. But if you ordered the Power Pack option, you got 10 more horses thanks to a 4-barrel and twin exhaust pipes. We don’t know how many buyers went this route, but Chevy sold nearly 282,500 Bel Air 4-door sedans (including this one), the second-best-selling model/body style in ’56.
According to the seller, this car was sold new in nearby Tucson, so this vehicle may have been a resident of Arizona for almost 70 years. We’re told the paint – which I think is Adobe Beige / Sierra Gold – is from the factory, as is the interior that we’re not shown. The odometer rests at 80,000 miles, and none may have been added since 2005-ish. Besides the 265/Power Pack combo, this Bel Air has a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission (not a Powerglide).
Assuming the interior isn’t a wreck, I’d think about fixing it up enough to retain as much of the car’s original charm. The seller has paperwork dating from Day 1 and has even saved a lifetime warranty certificate from Midas Muffler. If you’re looking for a Tri-Five and don’t care about the number of doors, how about this example?
Even though it’s a lifelong Arizona car and probably rust free or close to it, it’s still a non-running 4dr project with unknown engine problems, probable shot interior and the seller admits to sitting for 20 years. It probably needs everything. There is too much downside risk anywhere close to the sellers asking price unless this is someone’s dream car it’s better to pass. There are a lot of turn key 1960’s through 1980’s with better amenities that need nothing for significantly less money.
Steve R
There should be no great expectations about any 70 year old car which has had zero maintenance for 20 years. Everything is an unknown. A buyer should be prepared to inspect and refurbish/replace every part as needed. It won’t be inexpensive. Simply replacing this car’s braking system end-to-end will cost ~$1,000 for all the various piece-parts.
AFA as the asking price I have no idea if it’s too high or not. The one thing this car does have going for it the lack of see-thru ‘patina.’
Add a new windshield for $500 (picture #4 shows two cracks) and a full interior for $4,000 (front/rear seat covers and foam, headliner, front/rear door cards, kick panels, package shelf, wind lace – plus labor costs the upholsterer charges). Once you crossed that bridge, think about weather stripping, window channels, and “smoker window” seals. Ah, well. Best thing is that all parts are mouse-click available – it’s a Tri-Five after all.
Hate to say it, but a 10HP “power Pack” really doesn’t add anything. In fact the 4 barrel is much harder to tune and if out of tune it probably loses 10 HP. The 3 speed is interesting, the 2 extra doors are not. The total package isn’t worth anywhere near the asking price which will get you a pretty good running driving example.
Hi Jay, actually the “power pack” did add something, $32.10. It was the SUPER Power Pack, ( 2-4barrels, cam, I think) that added a whopping $230! It was the 2nd most expensive option, what was the most expensive? Why that be A/C at almost $500!
The glass is all there, the chrome is straight, no big dents. A quad cab ’56 still beats all the cookie cutter SUVs covering the roads today. Joe Average the next lane over is still going to break his neck trying to get a better look at it. So what if it doesn’t run? A small block is a small block. You can get a good running 305 for the cost of a boat anchor. Brakes aren’t expensive, a few hundred bucks. A new fuel tank isn’t expensive either, the tires will cost you more. The interior is probably toast, so that’s where you’ll have to make up your mind what you’re willing to live with. The asking price seems to be the issue here, lol!
The ad states “Or best offer”. So…make your offer.
I had a Great AUNT who bought a stripper 210 56 coupe with powerglide and powerpack motor new. It was a neat car in so many ways, Unfortunately we didn’t realize her mental condition was going down hill and it was totaled, This was almost fitty years and I think we sold it as a parts car as it was wrecked badly,
This 56 is solid it would be nice if it were a 2 door but I have to admit I still like it as a 4 door especially since its v-8 standard.
Nice looking car. 1956 has always been my favourite year for the Chevy. The only problem I have is that there are plenty of exterior pics, but not enough interior pics. I would think that most people would want to see more interior pics in addition to the exterior. How about some engine pics?
Just because it’s a Tri-5 Chevy. Does not mean that it is automatically worth more than $5,000 in this condition. There are alot of good original parts here if you are restoring a more desirable model. (Front clip, trunk lid, bumpers and trim. And maybe mechanical bits. It looks terrible and having seen Arizona interiors, probably the only thing in the interior worth anything would be the dashboard. GREAT PARTS CAR!
Lovely looking car. I don’t mind patina as long as it’s purely surface rust and there’s nothing to compromise the safety and structure of the car.
Is the four door considered an “old man’s car?
I lived in Arizona. Although no rust, every interior is totally gone because of the heat. Not sure how the asking price was derived, but it’s nowhere close to what this junker is really worth considering it’s a two door.