Found here on craigslist, and located in far east central Illinois in the small village of Georgetown, is this 1956 Chevrolet two-door sedan. The seller says it runs, drives and stops, and is priced at $6,500. The days when we can find a decent, complete and running two door Tri-Five project for less than ten grand seem to be drawing to a close. Even better, the tin worm hasn’t entirely made himself at home with this one. In the photos, it appears to have rocker panels, fender bottoms, and at least most of a trunk floor; things often missing from Midwestern Tri-Fives in this price range.

The bright trim for this car is expensive if we have to go out and find it, but most of it appears to be present and accounted for here. The chrome appears to be bright, and it goes without saying what an advantage that is, even if the new owner intends to have it re-plated.

We can’t tell with the front fenders because they’re in primer, but the hood, doors and other body panels appear to be original, except perhaps the trunk lid. This suggests that it has never been wrecked, and would be without the additional problem of a bent frame to have to deal with. The engine is the old reliable in-line six cylinder, coupled with an automatic transmission. The seller doesn’t say if that’s the original cast-iron Powerglide, or a later replacement, but does say the car runs and drives and steers well, and has good brakes.

A peak inside reveals an older replacement steering wheel, but not quite as small and dorky-looking as was the style for awhile in the sixties. The front seat shown appears to be from an early Corvair, but doesn’t look too out of place until the right replacement can be found.

This one doesn’t have a great original “patina” as is currently fashionable right now, but the decent body and trim would be great for a re-paint. The possibilities for two-tone color schemes are practically endless. With some materials for a cool paint job, and some new wheels and tires, a very respectable driver could be had here for less than ten grand. This looks like a very fair price. If my driveway weren’t full, I’d already be on my way to get it. How about you?