Fully Restored 984/1000 Point Bel Air 265 Powerglide

If you've followed our email blasts lately, you probably know all about the completely "custom '55 210":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/sold#!/1955-Chevrolet-210/134117 we featured two weeks ago for $113K. 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 slick red and beige '56 Bel Air is a 984 out of 1,000 point tri-five that you can invest in, drive around and win serious trophies with. Featuring an equal emphasis on both show and go, it combines a fresh 265 cubic inch small block V8 with a smooth Powerglide transmission and a correct 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 Bel Air design with unmatched ride quality and a correct Chevrolet small block. Rolling into the restoration shop as a simple '56 street queen, this pristine coupe was completely stripped and given a high quality frame-off restoration that ensured every one of its tall body panels were returned to their rock-solid factory appearance. Once the car's fenders and doors were mocked up, its ripple-free body was blanketed in a correct coat of Matador Red urethane, accented with a correct Dune Beige topcoat and buried in a durable clearcoat shell. And today, it sits as a fresh spin on a traditional look that combines the visual punch of a classic Ferrari with the visual class of a vintage Cadillac.

As a classic 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 aesthetic line between the plain look of its 1955 ancestors and the exaggerated and overwrought appearance of its '57-'59 offspring. At the front of the car, a trademark chrome bumper hangs a full set of overriders in front of a pristine chrome 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 front fenders with its rear fins, is accented by Bel Air-exclusive emblems. At the edges of that stainless, dent-free rocker moldings combine with Bel Air-exclusive fender toppers and traditional chrome door handles to lend a finished look to the car's classy profile. At the top of that profile, a chrome jetbird hood ornament leads the eye to spotless stainless trim which, along with new chrome mirrors and a Dune Beige visor, frames like-new glass. And at the back of the car, a second body-width bumper centers a body-matched continental kit between clear, chrome trimmed tail lights and spotless stainless exhaust tips. 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 mostly a gimmick-free exercise in factory accuracy and antique showmanship. I say “mostly” because there is a modern air conditioning system that not only blends right in, but is also a very welcome attribute on hot summer days. 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, 4-barrel V8 (FB) assembled in Flint, Michigan (F) build stamp above a correct 3720991 casting code. Glance between those numbers and you'll find a reliable Rochester carburetor that mixes oxygen from an “AC” branded air cleaner with gas from fresh stainless lines and an old school AC fuel bowl. 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 wires that are neatly loomed at the sides of the block. And in front of that carburetor, a gloss black 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 fresh bug screen, a tagged Delco generator 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 that hangs a familiar 3708134 casting number above what appears to be a May (E) 4th (4) 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 paint marked drivetrain is housed in a completely rebuilt suspension which, along with the car's factory power steering and firm drum brakes, provides a great combination of ride and handling characteristics. That rebuilt suspension rolls on a classic set of 15 inch painted steel wheels which spin 205/75 Coker Classic whitewalls around mirror-like Chevrolet center caps. To battle the rigors of Mother Nature, this Bel Air's solid floors have been sealed in a thick layer of GM satin black paint. 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 polished 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 correct array of Red and Taupe accents, this Bel Air's restoration-fresh interior is one of its most impressive traits. At the center of the car, firm bench seats anchor a combination of cloth and vinyl skin that's highlighted by bright silver piping. On the doors, pleated panels, which almost look custom, hang chrome door handles, chrome window cranks and chrome vent window handles next to sculpted armrests. At the floor, fresh Daytona carpet is protected by rubber, Bel Air-branded mats. On the roof, a clean and tight headliner stretches from the car's curved front window to its straight red package tray. At the front of the cockpit, a pristine dash hangs a traditional Bel Air speaker, a correct AM radio and spectacular chrome gauges between an old school traffic light viewer and an optional stainless tissue box. The driver stays connected to the road via a glossy red steering wheel which spins around a full chrome horn ring. And the passengers carry their essentials via a fully restored trunk that props a correct jack between a correct fender decal and a new rubber mat.

The sale of this sleek Chevy includes a small stack of restoration photos and an official Classic Camaro judging certificate that shows the car scored 984 out of 1,000 possible points at the club's 2008 Winter National Convention.

From the show to the strip, this impressive Bel Air will stun even the harshest critics. It's a highly desirable 'tri-five' Chevy 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 50s design and old school hot rod style, wake up! It's time to claim your car.