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Two Tone Original: 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

The dry and solid southwest finds are always a treat, just like this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. Found in Texas about 10 years back, this Chevy was moved to the Chicago area where it has been stored in a pole barn most of that time. With a mostly original appearance, and a relatively solid body, this Chevy is an excellent candidate to put back on the road. With a wealth of restoration parts included with the sale, this Bel Air’s asking price is $11,500. Find it here on ebay out of Chicago, Illinois.

Despite the empty bay, the seller has the 265 V8 with a 3 speed manual transmission. The seller believes the drivetrain to be original, but cannot verify for certain if this is the case. Covered in dirt, grim, and age, the engine bay and cross member could stand the help of a power washer. It is quite clear that the original paint color is Sherwood Green and Pinecrest Green. There looks to be little rust in the engine bay, other than some surface rust near the brake master cylinder area.

Remarkably complete, and in fair condition, the interior of this Bel Air has some hope. The factory carpeting is missing revealing some pin holes in the driver side floor area. Despite the rust, the floor looks solid enough that it would not collapse under a person’s weight. The dash looks excellent with no cracking, and still sports vibrant coloring. The door panels are in okay shape, suffering from some rips on the door pull/arm rest area. Within this ocean of green, the seats appear to be wearing covers, although baring the original upholstery beneath.

With a lovely aged original finish, this Bel Air is mighty solid when it comes to the topic of rot. The biggest concerns are minor, as there are 3 significant rot areas, located on the lower portion of the driver fender, and both rear quarters aft the rear wheel. Otherwise the rockers, wheel arches, and other various areas of concern are solid.  There is obviously a great deal of surface rust on this fairly straight body, but none of which looks compromising to the body itself. The passenger front fender has been replaced at some point, but it appears it was replaced long ago. Lacking a windshield and needing a passenger side vent window, the remainder of the glass is in nice shape. Overall this Chevy looks like a great start to someone’s dream Bel Air. With a slew of restoration parts included, is this the two tone Chevy of your dreams?

Comments

  1. Avatar packrat

    At 11k, not sure that this one is a better starting point than the engine-in-car, complete one you featured recently, that finally closed at 4900 on ebay. http://barnfinds.com/patina-queen-1956-chevrolet-bel-air/ Fender patch panels are a nuisance, but are they six grand worth of nuisance?

    Like 0
    • Avatar scooter8

      everything costs more in chicago. nuff’ said!!

      Like 0
  2. Avatar MathieuB

    Very nice car, a perfect candidate for a full restoration and also an cool looking color combo.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Had 2

    Another Bel Air with a window post! This one in Chicago.
    That big old oil bath air cleaner is original, likely the 265 V8 too.
    Did all Bel Airs come with two-tone paint?

    Like 0
    • Avatar al8apex

      no

      Two tone was a popular option though

      Like 0
  4. Avatar al8apex

    Kind of a funny statement:

    “The dash looks excellent with no cracking, and still sports vibrant coloring”

    Although a thinly “padded dash” WAS an option is 1956, very few were ordered. This car does not have one.

    So the all metal dash has “no cracking” … that is a good thing I guess

    The vibrant color is likely original considering that most of the rest of the interior is as well

    Like 0
  5. Avatar LilAbner

    Any body think it’s priced a little high?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Woodie Man

      Just what I was thinking. I’d like to find an original one with an engine for 11K!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Had 2

    Amazingly original. That hood ornament was the first thing to go on a hot rod.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Steve

    The seller has almost as much money in parts as what the car is worth. Still no engine, though. A hard sell. Figure another $10k minimum if you want a nice paint job… or stick with the “patina” fad. Too bad its not still in Texas. I might be interested.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar JW454

    That list of included restoration parts is impressive. When I was in the parts business, twenty four years ago, the ’56 was the most expensive of the tri-fives to redo due to the cost of the all the trim.
    I think I’d just go with rebuilding the 265 and 3 speed. There are enough hopped up shoebox Chevies out there.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Marty Member

    If “patina” is cool for old trucks and station wagons, it should be for two door sedans as well. My opinion is that this one is too neat looking to re-paint, I’d repair the rust holes and leave the rest of it original looking.

    The patina look can no longer be considered a fad; it’s here to stay.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Loco Mikado

      Patina, patina, patina I now hate that very overused word. To me it means either the body is so rough as not being worth the effort and expense of a decent paint job or that the owner is either cheap or broke. Back in the 50’s-60’s rust(is what is now called patina) was a big turn off. Asbestos suit donned.

      Like 0
      • Avatar John P

        So sick of a word.. Why’d you type it so many times in your response?

        Add me to the too cheap and likely tasteless crowd..

        Like 0
  10. Avatar ACZ

    Makes me wonder what happened to all those 55, 56, and 57 Chevy two doors that once belonged to the Army. They donated a few to my high school auto shop, years back.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Rustytech Member

    For 11k I would think one would at least get a complete car. For me this would top out at $6500.

    Like 0

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