1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

The Laguna Seca Auction|13 August 2026, 10:00 PDT|WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
Chassis no. VC56T097539

265ci OHV V8 (see text)
Dual Carter 4-Barrel Carburetors (see text)
225bhp at 5,200rpm (see text)
2-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

* Perfect for any Cars and Coffee or Drive In
* Total time machine for "Doo Wop" fun
* Iconic of the period color combination
* Powered by a 225-horsepower Corvette motor

THE 1956 CHEVROLET BEL-AIR

Few cars epitomize the 1950s in the same way that the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet's do. With their first squared off design in 1955 which truly brought Chevrolet into the Jet-Age, they would continue to refine that design for 1956. By taking the 1955 model and merely altering the trim and external details they were able to sell nearly 1.6 million cars and trucks in 1956. The grilles were extended to full-width, containing sidelights, the side trim was extended to the headlights and including a two-tone color spear and the taillights were enlarged, with the left concealing the gas filler. The range topping Bel-Air, was named for the 'swank' neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The two-door Convertible was the absolute top of the range. With top down boulevard cruising pillarless styling the cavernous interior was made nearly convertible when all the windows are put down. The original cost of this Chevrolet would have been approximately $2,445 in 1956.

THE CAR OFFERED

The 1956 Bel-Air Convertible on offer here was tastefully uprated by the consignor with period hot-rodding parts. Uprated with a 265ci V8 rated at 225bhp, this hot motor was only offered in the Corvette and is topped by a 'Dual-Quad' intake manifold with Carter AFB carburetors, very much hopping up this otherwise sleeper '56 convertible. The exterior of the '56 was sympathetically restored some years ago and this Bel-Air really presents well. The striking original color combination of Siera Gold and Calypso Cream really set off the classic mid-century lines. It is impressively clean and correct and appears to be in good running order. The car is fitted with a Powerglide automatic transmission and dual circuit drum brakes.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
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