The owner of this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop states that it has been in dry storage for 30-years, but that it has been revived, and is ready to head to a new home. There is no doubting the popularity of these old Bel Airs, and this one has certainly generated some interest since it was placed on the market. The classic Chevy is located in Akron, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. With 29 bids and 145 people watching the listing, the price on the Bel Air has pushed up to $16,500. I’m sure that you won’t be surprised to learn that the reserve hasn’t been met at this stage.
The paint on the Bel Air looks quite presentable, but it is probably past its best. This is particularly true of the Grecian Gold, which has developed a matte appearance. The Calypso Cream does have a fairly respectable shine to it but if I was going to perform a partial repaint with a focus on the Gold, then I think that it would be worth the effort to undertake a full repaint instead. However, before I did anything, I would probably talk to a paint expert, as a wet sand and polish might really make a difference. There are no signs of any rust issues, and the owner doesn’t mention any problems that might be hiding under the skin. The owner describes the external trim and chrome as being very presentable, and I don’t see any obvious problems with it. In addition, all of the glass looks to be free of cracks, scratches, and chips.
After sitting for three decades, the Bel Air needed some work in preparation for it to hit the road once again. A new fuel pump and some fresh fuel saw the car’s 265ci V8 roar back into life. Backing the 265 is a Powerglide transmission, which sends the engine’s 170hp to the rear wheels. As well as reviving the engine, the owner fitted the Bel Air with four new wheel cylinders and fresh brake fluid. Now the vehicle both runs and stops. However, it will still need a pretty thorough check before it could be considered to be roadworthy. But at least the completed work means that it can be easily loaded onto a trailer for the new owner to take home.
Everywhere that you look around the Bel Air you find a car that is extremely tidy. While the exterior would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, there are no such concerns inside the car. There isn’t a lot to fault, with everything looking nicely preserved. Believe it or not, the interior trim is claimed to be original. I find this feasible, although I suspect that the carpet has been replaced at some point. The upholstery on the front seat base is slightly stretched in one spot, but the rest of the trim and upholstery is free of any rips or tears. There is also some minor edge wear on the driver’s seat, but this should be able to be fixed by a good upholsterer. There are no obvious seam separations or stains, while the original radio is still fitted to the dash.
There is no doubt that the prospect of performing a cosmetic restoration on this Bel Air’s exterior would be very tempting, and I wouldn’t blame the next owner if they did this. However, it is not something that they would need to rush into, as the car still looks tidy as it currently stands. If you bought it, would a repaint be on the cards, or would you enjoy it with its current aged appearance?
Outstanding! Original powertrain. That perfect dash…..You are now traveling
Bel Air!
That is one beautiful car!! I wouldn’t change a thing!! Not even the (yuck) whitewalls!! They actually look good on this car!!!
Hi TimM. What is it with you guys and wide whites? You guys invented them and I love them. I even fitted a set to my red Austin Healey BN 7 and my white ’51 Buick Super and it looked great. (To my mind anyway)
Wide whites are like any other cosmetic addition to a classic car; on some they look terrible, on others it will look just right. Wide whites look good on a lot of pre-1960 cars, not so much on later ones. However, my take on any cosmetic changes/upgrades? It’s your car, you can do whatever you like to it.
Back in the 50’s, most of the cars had wide whites. Especially a car like the ’56 Buick Road master, with three tone paint. Skinny whites would look terrible on that car. To this day, IMO, all ‘Vettes look great with fat WW.
And then the mid 60’s rolled around & everything went skinny whites. Some didn’t like whites at all. So people would turn the whites inside. My new ’65 GTO came with Uniroyal red lines. If I’m not mistaken, they came with 2 ply tires.
One early Sunday morning, I was running late to a Nat’l Guard meeting. I was on the Santa Monica Fwy.doing 110. The hwy was empty.
Wouldn’t you know it, I blew a right rear tire. Good thing it was on the rear & not the front. By the time I pulled over & stopped, I walked around to find the tire looked like rubber bands on the rim. No sooner, a Hwy Patrol cop pulled over to see what was going on & if I needed assistance. He took one look at that tire & looked at me & he wasn’t smiling. Good thing he wasn’t right behind me with his radar. He told me to have a nice day & left..
I’ve just never been a white wall guy!! I’ve always been into the muscle cars but the 50’s and earlier cars I’ve always liked slammed on the ground where you almost couldn’t see the tire and in most cases the white walls would stick out like a sore thumb!! Just my personal preference but they do look good on this car in a grandfather type of way!!!
That was 162 hp in 1956 with a 2bbl, 180 hp with a 4bbl.
That gold is more than likely a single stage metallic , I wouldn’t recommend wet sanding it. Just a wheel out with rubbing compound might do the trick.
If it’s a solid color then wet sand away .
Nice car. Someone should jump on it if the reserve isn’t on another Planet.
We read about so many cars like this stored away for decades. I wish we got the story of WHY that were stored away. I bet there are some really interesting stories to be told.
Keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and opinions. First, I’m the minority and love the 56 best of the Tri 5s. Here’s the part where some will think I’m completely nuts. I love this one but truth be told I’d rather have one just like it but a 4 door version. It goes back to when I was 15 and a 16 year old friend had one for sale. I drooled over that car like most 15 year-old boys would drool over a girl. I had the money, remember, it was just a 18 year-old used car at the time and was very affordable. Unfortunately my parents shot down the idea. I still remember that car as the one that got away.
Sold for 26K, probably a good buy ,if its as nice as photos. Its interesting hardtops are bringing less than 2-door posts. I think this car could be very nice with TLC and just a few dead presidents.
Two-Door Post was the model of choice over the Hardtop
I owned one of each, and drove them in the 60’s…..
I thought the post was quieter, and the appearance just looked so right.
IMHO