BIGTOYS4LESS

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan

Very REASONABLE Reserve!

A truly exceptional find! This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan is an amazing example of an unmolested, unmodified, true survivor! This car was purchased new in Florence, Alabama, where it has remained its entire life. The ‘56 Bel Air was recently purchased from the second owner, an elderly gentleman that purchased the car from the original owner in 1975. At the time he purchased it, the car had only 10,000 miles. From what he told me, he knew the original owner well and had been offered the opportunity to purchase the car several times over the years, but just didn’t have the extra money. It is understandable that a hard-working man, trying to raise a family in the ‘60s and ‘70s, might not have the extra money to spend on a “toy car”. Ultimately, he was able to buy it and over the next several years, he drove the car back and forth to work, eventually putting another 48,000 miles on the car. The car now has 58,000 miles and is not only well preserved, but very complete. Long since retired, he has a large shop on his property. Tucked-away in the back, under boxes and years of dust, sat a beautiful, completely rust-free example of a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 Door Sedan with its original 265 V8 and Powerglide automatic transmission. Interestingly, the car had been in his storage so long, that nobody locally remembered that he had the car!

Like so many, the owner of the ’56 had a vision of restoring his car. Thankfully, the body sheet metal (quarters, doors and fenders) were never removed, preserving the exceptional fit and obvious lack of any prior damage. With the trim, glass, etc. removed, he did put a coat of primer on the car, which likely helped to preserve this car’s beautiful original sheet metal. The doors, quarters, fenders, floor pans, rockers, trunk, hood, etc. are absolutely fantastic! Viewing the car underneath, the original undercoating remains in factory-sprayed areas along the rockers and rear inner tire wells. The factory welting between the rear quarters and inner wells is not only intact, but exceptional. Not only have I had my fair share of antique cars, I’ve also had my not-so-fair share of hidden issues. After a thorough cleaning and exhaustive inspection, the body issues that I can find are very minor. Of note, there is some slight deterioration in the very outer edge of the lower trunk extension panel (lower edge below the truck lid, behind the rear bumper), there is a small dent below the driver side rear taillight, there were 2 holes drilled in otherwise flawless floors for seatbelt bolts and there is a small crease on the wheel well edge of the driver front fender. In the world of 60 year old cars … AMAZING!

This ’56 Bel Air wasn’t purchased with the intention of “flipping”, but rather a build for my Father-In-Law. I did have a very trusted paint and body expert, who has done other projects for me in the past, examine the car and he was amazed by the condition as well. Ultimately, after many discussions of planning, priorities and other projects, we have decided to either sell the car or store it until a later time. I’m certain that you couldn’t find a nicer car for the basis of your build. As mentioned earlier, the car is very complete, missing only the glass, which would likely be replaced anyway. Please note the specifications and further details below.

VIN Plate Intact and Attached to Driver Side A-Pillar

VIN- VC56A057396 (V8 / 2400 Series Bel Air / Atlanta Assembly)

Cowl Tag Intact and Attached to Passenger Side of Cowl

Style- 56-1011D (Bel Air 2 Door Sedan)

Trim- 574 (Light Green Vinyl w/ Dark Green Pattern Cloth Deluxe)

Paint- 688 (Pinecrest Green)

Drivetrain

· Original Turbo Fire 265 V8 2BC w/ 170HP and Powerglide Transmission

Ø Original-to-car 265 V8 (F Code w/ Powerglide).

Ø All casting #s are correct and show date coding of February ’56.

Ø Components (Intake Manifold, Exhaust Manifolds, Carburetor, etc.) are correct, with the correct casting #s and date coding.

Ø An excellent, correct casting #, February ’56 date coded 4BC Intake Manifold is included as well (#3737109). I had to search to find a nice one with the proper date code!

Ø The engine has been rebuilt to stock specifications with NO modifications (not bored).

Ø The engine runs smoothly and shows to have right at 135lb of compression per cylinder, per 265 specifications (recently checked).

Ø The oil pressure is excellent.

Ø The car currently has an Alternator, but the conversion wiring harness has not been added. I do not have the original Generator.

Ø Original Powerglide Transmission has been professionally rebuilt. I have not driven the car, but the transmission appears to be fine and has no leaks. I am familiar with the person who rebuilt the transmission and they have an excellent reputation.

Ø Original Rear End / Axle Assembly with untouched factory 3.55:1 ratio (Powerglide). I have not checked to see if it is a Detroit or Buffalo produced assembly (AA or BA code). It doesn’t appear that it has ever been out of the car.

Suspension / Steering / Brakes

· All Suspension, Steering and Braking Components are Stock

Ø I have not driven the car. The prior owner said that it could be driven, but the brakes needed to be bled.

Ø All of the components of the suspension are stock and appear to be in serviceable condition (judging from appearance only).

Ø This is an original, unrestored ’56 model and I’m certain that the springs, bushings, fluid lines, etc. are worn.

Ø The wheels are original and the tires are very aged, although they do hold air. I have noticed that there are some broken lug studs.

Ø I have 2 complete sets of original hubcaps that will be included. One set is very nice and the other is Swap Meet material.

Ø The car does not have the rare power steering option.

Exterior Components

· Stainless Bel Air Trim

Ø All of the Stainless Trim is EXCELLENT and included with the car. It has been cleaned, carefully packed for protection and has very few blemishes. It will polish beautifully!

· Chrome Trim, Grill, Bumpers, Emblems, Etc.

Ø All of the Chrome Trim pieces are present, including the Bumpers. These chrome pieces will either need cosmetically restored or replaced with reproductions. The pieces don’t have significant damage, but they are 60 year old pieces and have some normal rust / pitting issues. Chrome pieces of pot metal are always prone to pitting, especially on pieces such as the hood ornament, side mirror base, emblem trim, light housings, etc.

Ø All of the pieces of the complicated ’56 grill are present and like the rest of the chrome, will either need a cosmetic restoration or replaced with aftermarket pieces.

Ø There is no glass, other than the 2 rear side windows. This didn’t concern me, as I would’ve replaced all of it with a new complete set of matching, properly etched glass. Also, one of the vent window assemblies is missing. The prior owner stated that it had been broken and he didn’t know what happened to it.

Ø Some expensive and high quality reproduction weather stripping will be included. This includes the door, trunk and hood cowl weather strips, along with the pricey window channel strips and windshield / rear glass rubber.

Interior Components

· Completely Stock Original 1956 Bel Air Code 574 Interior

Ø The seats are sound and very restorable. They have been recovered once, but have the original Code 574 upholstery underneath. The upholstery is worn.

Ø The door original door panels are included, but are worn. However, all of the stainless door panel trim is present and excellent.

Ø All of the gauges, clock, dash trim, etc. is present. The odometer reads 58,218 miles. There is pitting on the chrome dash bezel trim.

Ø The car does have its correct 3 spoke Bel Air steering wheel.

Ø One of few things not available for a 55-57 restoration is the dash ashtray. This car had an excellent ashtray and was sent off for proper zinc plating. It looks fantastic and is ready to have the face plate painted with the dash.

Ø The Code 574 interior of this car was somewhat unique, in that the dash and window garnish moldings were painted the darker Code 690 Sherwood Green, to better match the upholstery fabric. The window garnish moldings are complete and in excellent condition.

Ø The floor pans of this car are exceptional! They even retain some of the factory under-carpet sound deadening material (see pics). I see absolutely no sign of any damage or weakened areas of the floors or trunk. Much of the red oxide primer is still present!

Thank you for viewing my auction and good luck!

TERMS OF SALE

If the item purchased is in excess of $2,000, a $500 non refundable deposit is required within 48 hours of the auction’s end, balance to be paid in full within 7 days of the auction’s end. If the item purchased is less than $2,000, the full balance is due within 72 hours of the auction’s end. Although Seller prefers PayPal as a secure method of payment, Seller will also accept certified funds, understanding the funds must clear the financial institution prior to the Buyer taking possession.

Seller warrants to Buyer it has a good and marketable title to the listed item (if applicable to the item purchased and so represented in the auction listing), full authority to sell and transfer the listed item, and that said item is being sold free of all liens, encumbrances, liabilities, and adverse claims of every nature and description whatsoever. Seller has made every effort to properly represent the listed item, describing any known defects, understanding that any description of condition is extremely subjective. Thus, Buyer understands and accepts that the item being purchased is sold in “As-Is” condition. Buyer further understands that Seller does not warrant the listed item, offering no guarantees, no guarantees to authenticity, no buy backs, and no recourse. Buyer understands and agrees that it is the responsibility of the Buyer to pay any and all taxes, fees, and transportation costs.

I encourage and welcome any Buyer to visually inspect the item prior to bidding. Although I have a demanding schedule, I will make every effort to make the item available for viewing at the Bidder’s request. Please understand you are bidding TO PURCHASE the item, not bidding for the opportunity to come visit it. If your bid is ultimately the winning bid, providing any reserve is met, you have entered into a binding contract to purchase the item subject of this auction.

Seller reserves the right to end the auction early, understanding the rules and guidelines of Ebay. I take my feedback and your feedback scores seriously. If Buyer makes a reasonable attempt to properly perform on the resolution of the transaction, I will always post positive feedback. I commit to making a sincere attempt to resolve to any concerns prior to posting anything negative about a Buyer. Acting as adults, I expect the same courtesy and professionalism.

PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH TELEPHONE CONTACT INFORMATION IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ITEM OR TERMS OF THE SALE. I WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RESPOND IN A TIMELY MANNER!