The 1956 Chevrolet was akin to a middle child. By today’s standards, the first year of the “Tri-Fives” was like the first born, and the third year was like the last born, leaving the middle year to sometimes get overlooked. The ’56 models had a less dramatic restyle than the ‘57s, but still sold more than 1.6 million copies and continued to keep Chevy in first place over Ford. This Bel Air 2-door sedan is original except for an older repaint but should perform nicely for occasional use. Located in Dothan, Alabama, this 2-tone 2-door sedan is available here on eBay where the bidding has arrived at $17,800 without triggering the reserve. Another nice find brought to us by Larry D!
One of the big selling points of the 1955-57 Chevies was the availability of a V8 engine for the first time since 1918. This car has its original 265 cubic-inch “Turbo-Fire” V8 which produced 170 hp with a 2-barrel carburetor. With a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, we’re told the automobile here runs, drives, shifts, and stops as it should at a presumed 75,000 miles. This car has some recent updates, such as a new gas tank, fuel sending unit, completely new brakes, and an aluminum radiator.
The body looks straight, and the India Ivory over Pinecrest Green paint looks okay for an older respray but could use some polishing and there are a few nicks. The chrome pieces look okay all around, and we’re told the floor and trunk pans are in good condition. The interior, which may be original, is fine with a few exceptions, such as the armrests being cracked.
Chevy sold fewer of the Bel Air sedans than they did the lesser 210s, but this model and trim accounted for more than 105,000 cars that year, the seller’s being one of them. If you were looking for a car that you could begin taking to Cars & Coffee next week, this one could work.
Looks nice ,but needs bungee cord on that Rural King Bat-Tree.
What is a “bat-tree”?
Battery harris, battery.
The “Bat-Tree” has a proper hold down if you look a little closer.
Looks like a good “drive as is and fix up as you go along” candidate. Yes, I do remember a time when this year was often overlooked, compared to the 55 and 57s. Times have changed since.
Good looking sedan. Great for the local cars and coffee events.
In ‘56, a pal’s mom let us punks drive her’s around the block. We were impressed that you could peel rubber just by mashing down on the gas pedal!
Decent looking car. My grandfather had a 56. My personal favorite. But I’d be in it at around $4000…maybe. I think that’s real decent money for a car that not too many years ago would sell for $500! A little clean up and such, the. I would drive it as is for a while…..then get ready for the EXPENSIVE restoration!
Gotta buy em right if you are going to afford the restoration cost!
@Mike…I think you are living a dream. $4K won’t come close.
Being a sedan instead of a hard top attracts a different buyer.
The interior/seats are about as original as Cher’s face!
@Chuck..looks like something that came from JC Whitney.
Not bad at all, inspection and road test of course, for the uniformed, back then the drive line , at 75K would usually need attention, valve job, timing chain, axle bearings etc, but some of that may have been done at some point. Cosmetics look good, real possibility for a decent driver, keep price closer to 15 K, based on what’s available in the market.
My Das had an aunt who bought a 56 210 with a Powerpack V 8. She bought it new from a neighborhood Chevy dealer. Outside of the engine and transmission Powerglide I don’t recall any options. One thing very nice was the interior, very nice vinyl. Fun to drive, unfortunately we didn’t see the signs and she didn’t quit driving and it was totaled for a parts car,