This 1956 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe is an unfinished opportunity. Since the car was previously modernized in some ways, could this be thought of as the restoration of a restomod? Right now, it’s a roller that was repainted two years ago, so you’ll need more than a flatbed to take it all home with you. Located in Fulshear, Texas, this Tri-Five project is available here on eBay where the reserve is still in play at $10,066.
The 1955-57 Chevrolets was one of the most successful car stories of the decade. Selling nearly five million copies in total, they gave Chevy its first V8 engine since 1918. The 265 was born in 1955 and would lead to the 283 in 1957, the 327 in 1962, and so forth. The more upscale Bel Air model sold 189,000 units in Sport Coupe garb (aka 2-door hardtop). Styling changes from ’55 to ’56 were minimal except for the size of the rear wheel openings. The VIN the seller provides confirms this as a Bel Air, but the “V” code indicating a V8 was in the car when new isn’t there meaning an inline-6 must have occupied the engine bay at one time.
The seller was restoring this car but decided he’d rather be driving one instead of building one since he/she is now 78 years old. So, some assembly and other work will be needed. In the seller’s words, some of the “hard stuff” has already been taken care of, such as new passenger floors, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels. That takes care of parts of the body, but the hood needs work and there are no bumpers, glass, grille, or taillights.
Mechanically, the list of new stuff is equally long: power steering, gas tank, brakes, and conversion to front disk brakes. The Chevy had a 350 cubic inch V8 and 700R4 automatic transmission that was running when removed (how long ago?), but they’re not in any of the photos. When finished, the interior will be new and a departure from stock with bucket seats and a digital instrument panel. Missing are the steering wheel column, carpeting, and headliner. If you have another Tri-Five that’s already done, the seller might entertain a trade.
Sure trade a finished functioning unit for a puzzle box. I am sure a running four door like the decent black 57 on here now might fill the bill along with some cash……dream on
Nice looking car, too bad it’s restomodded, killed value of the car
Anyone bidding on this one needs to find out exactly what trim is missing. The price of Tri-5 trim has gone through the roof.
While in high school, a local hot rodder scored a nice 56 BelAir 2 door sedan from a couple old maids in my home town. Black and white outside, black and white inside. I was already a parts scrounger, so when he somehow broke the rear window, I traded a rear glass for it’s Wonderbar radio. Within a year the trashed remains ended up on the local junkyard. I had bought a decent 55 Delray to get it’s nice original interior. One of my buddies wanted the Delray, so I bought the black and white interior from the 56 BelAir (for $35 if I remember correctly) and put it in the 55. This would have been in 1973. I look back at those days and can only sigh, playing with cars was really fun!
Taking over an unfinished project is a huge and hard assignment. But I see so much potential in this. The right body guy can do it.
Where’s the rest of it?
If you had a ratted out 56 sitting outside your garage this car would be your ticket. Otherwise as stated 56 trim parts prices have gone through the roof.