Investment Grade Bel Air Convertible 265 ci/225 HP Dual Quad V8 Powerglide

Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 1956 Description

If you've followed our email blasts lately you probably know all about the 502-powered pro-touring Bel Air we featured a few weeks ago for $120K. Sure it's nice. But what about folks who want the very best representation of 1950s automobilia their money can buy? Fear not RK Motors Charlotte has a car for them too! The beneficiary of a professional frame-off restoration this super slick drop-top is a high quality tri-five that you can invest in drive around and win some serious trophies with. Featuring an equal emphasis on both show and go it combines a correct 265 cubic inch small block V8 with a smooth Powerglide transmission and rare two-tone interior to create one seriously cool cruiser! If you've been searching for a striking 50s showpiece but want something that's a heck of a lot more unique that some mail order hot rod this spectacular Chevy's excellent combination of vintage style and timeless class simply can't be beat!

This exceptionally clean tri-five is a no-compromises build that combines everything great about '50s Americana with a correct drivetrain and unmatched aesthetics. Rolling into the shop as a simple '56 street queen this pristine convertible was completely stripped and given a 3-year rotisserie restoration that ensured every one of its tall body panels were returned to their rock-solid factory appearance. Once the car's new rockers were mocked up its ripple-free body was blanketed in correct Matador Red base accented with a correct India Ivory topcoat and buried in durable clear. And today it sits as a fresh spin on a traditional look that combines the visual punch of a classic Ferrari with the visual swank of a vintage Cadillac.

As a collector car owner you really can't go wrong with any '50s Chevy but I think GM's designers perfected the division's styling statement in 1956. Take a look at this gorgeous Bel Air and you'll see detailing that walks a fine line between the conservative appeal of its 1955 ancestors and the exaggerated overwrought appearance of its '57-'59 offspring. At the front of the car a trademark bumper hangs below a pristine grille clear parking lamps chrome-trimmed headlights and a showroom-fresh Chevrolet crest. At the sides of that crest classic tri-five stainless which visually connects the car's fenders with its fins is accented by Bel Air-exclusive emblems. At the edges of that stainless dent-free rocker moldings combine with traditional chrome door handles to lend a finished look to the car's classy profile. At the top of that profile a jetbird hood ornament leads the eye to spotless stainless trim which combines with a new chrome mirror and clean white vinyl to frame like-new glass. And at the back of the car a second body-width bumper reflects clear tail lights above a second showroom-fresh Chevrolet crest. That's it.... Just classic lines clean trim and no need for pounds of peaked metal or extravagant visual gimmicks.

Since this killer tri-five is more parade queen than stoplight warrior it should come as no surprise that the correct small block V8 living behind its grille is essentially a gimmick-free exercise in factory accuracy and antique showmanship. Hoist the car's glossy red bonnet and you'll find a 265 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 which props a 1956 model (56) Powerglide-backed V8 (FH) assembled in Tonawanda New York (T) build stamp above a correct 3720991 casting code. Glance between those numbers and you'll find reliable Carter carburetors that mix oxygen from a 'bat wing' air cleaner with gas from fresh stainless fluid lines. At the sides of that carburetor stamped and silver-detailed valve covers hang over fully restored exhaust manifolds that are piped into free-breathing stainless tubes. Behind that carburetor a traditional points distributor shoots fire through fresh Radio GM TVRS wires. And in front of that carburetor a tagged radiator circulates coolant through fresh GM-branded hoses and authentic metal squeeze clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant this Bel Air offers a fully detailed engine bay that comes complete with dual horns a Delco-Remy generator a Delco-Remy voltage regulator and even a reproduction Delco yellow cap battery. And aesthetically the car's Satin Black fenders perfectly complement both its deep red engine paint and Matador Red firewall.

This Chevy's stout small block is backed by a correct 2-speed Powerglide which hangs a familiar 3708134 casting number above what appears to be a March © 16th (16) of 1956 (6) casting date. That smooth transmission sends power to a factory Bel Air rear end which enjoys long cruises down the highway. That rebuilt drivetrain is housed in a completely restored suspension which along with the car's tight manual steering and firm drum brakes provides a great combination of ride and handling characteristics. That clean suspension rolls on painted steel wheels which spin 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around spoked stainless covers. In accordance with tradition this Bel Air's newly welded floors have been sealed in a thick layer of Red Oxide primer. Completely fresh hardware is present and accounted for all the way from the car's stainless fuel tank to its silver chassis components. An authentic 'snap crackle pop' engine note is provided by a free-breathing true-dual exhaust system that barks through traditional turbo mufflers. And all this stellar hardware and expert craftsmanship adds up to one road-ready classic that'll provide years of carefree cruising and stacks of well-earned trophies!

Featuring a stunning array of White and Charcoal accents this tri-five's restoration-fresh interior is one of its most impressive traits. At the center of the car firm bench seats wear taut vinyl skin that's highlighted by bright chrome hardware. On the doors two-tone panels which almost look custom hang chrome handles stainless trim and sculpted armrests below glossy black toppers. At the floor fresh carpet looks as crisp as the day it came out of the box thanks to rugged rubber mats. At the front of the cockpit a pristine dash hangs spectacular bowtie-branded gauges next to an old school AM radio. The driver is connected to the road by a glossy black steering wheel which spins a full chrome horn ring around a cool Chevrolet centerpiece. And the passengers stow their essentials in a fully restored trunk that anchors a full-size spare tire between a correct jack a fresh fender decal and new rubber mat.

The sale of this glowing Chevy includes a bound book of restoration photos.

From the show to the strip this impressive Bel Air will stun even the harshest critics. It's a highly desirable tri-five that's been carefully restored with all of the right stuff to be one serious investment piece. If you've been dreaming of the perfect blend of classic design and old school style wake up! It's time to claim your car.