1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

Description

Style never goes out of fashion, which might explain why the 1955-56-57 Tri-Five Chevrolets remain as popular today as they were when they were new-perhaps more so. Next to the convertibles, the car to own is a 2-door Bel Air hardtop, and this lovely 1956 Bel Air is the ideal combination of ready-to-rock mechanicals and a gorgeous but appropriate two-tone paint job.

Starting with a straight car makes it easy to create a stunner like this. The House of Kolor Copper Pearl over Tangelo Orange paint is excellent, and uses the original lines to create a period-perfect look with modern colors. The lights in our studio don't really do it the justice it deserves, because the depth of the orange and copper hue is extremely impressive. What's more impressive is the pearlescent effect that comes from both hues, making it an enjoyable car to look at. And thanks to the striking Bel Air trim which outlines the paint break, the orange and copper paint really pops against the chrome and stainless details. The bodywork was professionally refinished, so there are no ripples or waves in the panels. Sitting on 20'' Foose Nitrous wheels, this is certainly a complete look for a car that brings a complete package.

The interior matches well with the beautiful paint and is completely custom with tan leather and ostrich skin inserts, but the look maintains that classic 1956 shape. The power adjustable front seat looks almost completely unused, which is no surprise considering the build has just under 1500 miles on it. The matching bench seat is just as clean, and up top, the headliner is finished in soft, taut cloth. The door panels are made of the same materials with dramatic sculpting and billet pieces that still manage to capture the 1950s. The dashboard is truly exceptional, painted to match in Copper Pearl with crisp Classic Instruments gauges and bright custom trim. Air conditioning/heat, a tilt column with a leather trimmed 4 spoke steering wheel, power windows, a custom center console, Kenwood AM/FM/CD player, and a B&M ratchet shifter for the automatic transmission are all upgrades that make it a fabulous cruiser. The simple trunk features more custom trim work with a continuing theme to tie it all together.

Under the hood is where it gets really impressive. Centered in the beautifully detailed engine bay is a fuel injected Ram Jet 502 cubic inch crate motor. The valve covers and intake manifold have been painted to match with Copper Pearl, while all of the other bits are polished or chrome. A March pulley system manages the serpentine belt at the front of the engine, and there's a Griffin aluminum radiator keeping everything cool. Mated to that healthy big block is a 700R4 automatic transmission that sends the power to a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.73 gears. A new 3'' dual exhaust system offers a nice aggressive sound, while the frame has been boxed and painted in more Tangelo Orange. Power steering works with chrome coilovers and tubular control arms to maintain smooth driving. Power four wheel disc brakes utilizing Wilwood calipers with cross drilled/slotted discs to help bring the sticky 245/40/20 front and 305/35/20 rear Nitto radials to a halt.

With a very cool color combination, a gorgeous interior and all of the right hardware under the hood and underneath, this Bel Air is a wonderful machine to show and drive. It's a no compromises, no expense spared build, which is what tri-five dreams are made of. Call today!