If there was a ballot on the most well-liked automobiles of the postwar period, Tri-5 Chevys arguably could be on the high. From the dramatic, clear styling of the ’55, with its Ferrari-influenced grille and wrap-around windshield, to the ’57 with its distinguished fins and air intakes surrounding the headlights, there’s good purpose why these Chevrolets are so desired. So, what concerning the ’56 like this tradition Bel Air convertible? It’s the red-headed stepchild of the bunch, however no much less a member of the Tri-5 fraternity. The Barrett-Jackson Assortment Showroom is providing top-of-the-line for that particular proprietor with a discriminating appreciation for the previous and current.
To understand the greatness of the 1956 Chevrolet, we should revisit the ’55. The 1955 Chevrolet launched a brand new Bow Tie to the plenty, one which featured type and glamor that appeared to have trickled down from Cadillac, everybody’s favourite aspirational model. However excessive type was not the one factor so as as Chevrolet now had its first V8 since 1919. On the time, the variety of cylinders outlined a selected class (with Ford’s Flathead bucking the pattern), so for a Chevrolet to function a contemporary V8 was an image-changing proposition. This Turbo-Fireplace V8 was of a very new design measuring 265cid and supplied as much as 180 horsepower with a four-barrel, with 195 accessible for the Corvette.
As was normal follow in Detroit, Chevrolet facelifted its automobiles for 1956. “Providing a much bigger, brighter selection than ever,” claimed Chevrolet. There have been 19 completely different fashions, together with a brand new four-door hardtop. “Headlights additionally slope ahead in accord with the spirited front-end styling,” supported by a brand new, forward-raked, lattice-pattered full-width grille surrounded by embossed panels that wrapped round and prolonged to the wheel openings. Massive, rectangular parking lights resided inside the grille. Out again, the taillight lens was revised, with a pink projection jutting from the cavity as if hinting at extra Atomic Age goodness that was to come back. Maybe probably the most noticeable replace for 1956 was the good-looking body-side ornamentation design for Bel Air fashions that lent itself properly to two-toning.
Below the hood, the Turbo-Fireplace 265 was upgraded and supplied as much as 205 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor, with 225 horses accessible with dual-quads. If the 1955 was the “Scorching One,” the ’56 was a lot, a lot hotter.
Maybe the stepchild picture begins to wither away once you notice what different 1956 Chevy followers have already identified: it’s not the lesser of the three and, in reality, stands tall amongst them. This practice 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible has aggregated the whole lot that’s nice about 1956 Chevrolets however has taken it to a brand new, fashionable stage. Beginning off with what appears to be all people’s favourite shade, the black hue was sprayed by Poe Brothers, counting on a surprising monotone scheme together with the Stayfast fabric high. Inside, Steve Holcomb’s Professional Auto Customized Interiors created the tan 2+2 leather-based seating that features a full-length console. A Classic Air system, and energy home windows, steering, and high add modernity and luxury. Maybe Chevrolet was not a luxurious model, however this Bel Air screams luxurious — simply take a look at these door panels!
Nevertheless it’s the mechanicals that get the heart beat flowing for decent rod guys and gals. Beginning with an Artwork Morrison GT Sport chassis, the builders transplanted a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 with 640 horsepower within the engine bay. This was the guts of the C7 Corvette Z06, and it holds the excellence of being the second most-powerful engine ever supplied in a regular-production Corvette (and light-years extra {powerful} than its descendant). The four-speed Supermatic 4L75-E automated transmission is as much as the duty of dealing with the 630 lb-ft of torque the small-block dispenses whereas working in tandem with the 12-bold Unusual Engineering differential. A lot go wants one thing to sluggish, which is why Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes reside on all 4 corners. Basic Motors laptop elements retains its finger on this Chevy’s pulse always.
The pecking order of 1950s cruisers has shifted through the years, however Tri-Fives proceed to outlive the battle royale. Fashionable iterations of the previous definitely hold the trio within the hearts of hot-rodding followers all over the place because the artwork of Harley Earl, mixed with the trendy engineering, has given us what solely could possibly be accused of being the final word 1950s sizzling rod. For $265,000, this tradition 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible from the Barrett-Jackson Assortment Showroom is able to admit guilt on that.