AACA First Place 40,443 Actual Mile Bel Air 265 V8

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has one of the most recognizable shapes in the automotive world. Its clean lines, smooth, restrained trim and excellent proportions make for one of the most handsome cars ever produced. This all original tri-five AACA Preservation Award winner, driven just 40,443 actual miles from new, is the perfect car for a purist who wants an authentic '56 Bel Air that can be driven and enjoyed to its full potential.

Built at GMs Janesville Wisconsin Assembly plant, this Bel Air two door hardtop retains its original GM code 700 Sierra Gold over Adobe Beige paint scheme. The original body panels are in excellent shape and haven't needed any large scale repairs since the car rolled off the assembly line in August of 1956. The original panels and assembly line fit and finish assure that the doors close and align just as well as when the car left the factory. The two tone paint has been well maintained since restoration and shows no dulling or damage of any kind. Chevrolet really did an excellent job on the styling of this car as they moved from the Ferrari inspired '55 Chevy into a more mature look for the '56. At the front, a restored original chrome bumper and grille, wrap around the corners of the car to meet the wheel openings. The headlights, complete with chrome surrounds, and square marker lights are clear and defect free and the original hood ornament and classic Chevrolet emblem both look factory fresh. At the side of the car, the minimalist (at least in comparison to '57 and '58 models) original trim features great looking black paint detailing just behind the doors and is free of the dents and dings typical of 50 year old stainless. Original chrome door handles and a driver's side chrome mirror complement factory fresh looking Bel Air script with gold Chevrolet emblems on the rear fenders. At the back of the car, another original bumper flows across the rear valence and around the corners of the car to tie into the descending stainless side trim. On the trunk lid you'll find an original classic Chevrolet emblem, and the original tail lights, which hide the fuel filler, are in like new condition. All glass is as good as new and the original stainless around the glass is in good condition and has been well maintained throughout the years.

Under the hood of this car you'll find the original Chevrolet smallblock 265 V8 with a correct Power Pack upgrade. The Sierra Gold from the body flows down onto the firewall and contrasts the satin black of the engine bay extremely well. The motor, looking good and performing great, was completely rebuilt in 2008 and has seen less than 2,000 miles since that rebuild. On top of the motor, the original factory satin black air cleaner with correct AC sticker sits on an original Rochester four barrel carburetor. Below that carburetor, the red engine block and manifold feature original Chevrolet script valve covers. Original gray exhaust manifolds bolt in below a correct satin black generator complete with Delco tag. Ahead of that generator, the radiator prominently features a 2006 AACA National First Prize Winner plaque and correct GM hoses. Not a detail has been missed under the finished hood including the small things like fresh belts and stainless fuel lines.

The '56 Chevrolet was an extremely solid platform to build on, as evidenced by so many of the cars still being enjoyed to this day. One look underneath this car shows a 55 year old chassis that is free from the typical dents and scrapes that a driven car usually represents. The frame and floor pans are finished in satin black for durability and drivability and are in great condition. The original Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt less than 4,000 miles ago and sits behind a glossy, dent free red oil pan. It's evident that the car has seen very little use since both the transmission and engine have been re-installed because there isn't dirt or a stain of any kind on either component. Correct leaf springs and drum brakes at all four corners show no major rust and it appears that new rear shocks were installed not long ago. This was a factory optioned dual exhaust car and true to form, the car is currently equipped with a dual exhaust system that is complete with stainless tips. Connecting this car to the ground is Uniroyal Tiger Paw radials that have only 3,000 miles of wear. Those radials are wrapped around original 14 inch steel wheels with original restored aluminum Chevrolet hub caps that are in great shape.

The interior on this '56 Bel Air is 90% original and unrestored and is probably one of the coolest parts of the car. It's original GM code 618 Tan with Copper trim color just looks awesome and confirms that, although modern day cars are attractive enough, they'll never reach this pinnacle of style again. Optioned from the factory with a padded dash, this Bel Air combines classic stainless trim and fabrics into something that looks like the work of a fine tailor. The dash houses a correct AM radio, the iconic passenger side Bel Air speaker and clock, and the typical speedometer, temperature, fuel gauge and gear selector for the column mounted shifter. The steering wheel is the cool factory correct vintage piece complete with the chrome horn ring a blue Chevrolet bowtie and gold ornamentation. The bench vinyl & cloth seats are in great condition and the matching door panels seem to mimic the 'speedline' design displayed on the outside of the car with chrome door and window handles serving as the trim. The carpet looks good and has heavy duty rubber floor mats for protection and the headliner is still factory tight. Out back, the trunk is perfectly restored, with a new trunk mat and full size spare. This car was built to be the ultimate cruiser and it simply begs you to get in and drive.

When this car rolled into the showroom here at RK Motors Charlotte, we became only the ninth title holder in the cars 55 year existence. Documents for the car include maintenance receipts, a detailed service history, an owner history compiled by a one of the cars former owners, a title history with duplicate titles and a '56 Bel Air owner's manual.

This 1956 Bel Air is a classic that has never been taken apart or had incorrect parts substituted for its original hardware. It is a properly maintained time capsule that has been lightly restored to preserve the authentic nature of the car. If you're a purist that has been looking for an authentic Tri-five in a sea of 'catalogue parts cars' that can be driven and shown with pride, RK Motors Charlotte has your car. Call today!