The goal of this build was simple yet complex; bring everything back to the way it was over sixty years ago when it was new in 1956. The passing decades were relatively kind to this Chevy and new parts for these popular cars are still readily available so making this possible was more than doable. It is easy to fall in love with this iconic staple of the 1950s with its design, piles of stainless steel and chrome, white wall tires and vibrant pastel colors. It is an instant throwback to drive in movies, dairy bars, jukeboxes and all of the forever memorable designs of the atomic age.

265ci V8 Powerglide Automatic Transmission Rochester Carburetor
Factory Tropical Turquoise Paint Refreshed Factory Interior Front Disc Brake Conversion

Starting in 1955 and ending in 1957, the “Tri Five” years of Chevrolet cars are some of most famous and iconic cars to come out of America’s 1950’s car culture and design. This two tone middle year 1956 Bel Air sedan managed to stay rust free and original over the past sixty plus years, making it a perfect candidate for a full restoration. Since the mid 1970’s the car stayed hidden away, first in Nebraska then in Northern Massachusetts. Its long dormancy in dry storage kept the car looking good and rust-free all these years. The original 265ci V8 under the hood is fed through a Rochester carburetor just as it was from the factory and would only require a quick in house rebuild and reseal to be brought back up to par.

The restoration of this Bel Air was pretty straight forward, everything would be factory correct just refreshed, with the exception of a front disc brake conversion. The biggest part of the project would come in the form of some hidden previous damage from an accident many decades ago. The passengers side front fender and rear quarter panel were heavily damaged by a side swipe incident and were repaired long ago. The front fender would end up being replaced entirely and the quarter panel would be reworked. Once the body was ready to go, the car would be primed and painted back to its original GM Tropical Turquoise and white colors. After paint came miles of stainless steel polishing and fresh chrome to divide up the two tone color scheme. To finish off the build the interior would get the same back to factory restoration as the outside of the car with its matching turquoise fabrics and stainless steel accents. The overall project took about 8 months to complete with over 500+ hours invested into the vehicle. Still remember the day taking it apart and finding all the cool relics hidden up under the dash from the previous owners.