Bel Air 327/350 HP Tremec 5 Speed

Documentation is why some cars are worth more than others, it’s that easy. And this beautiful ’56 Chevy has a stack of folders three inches thick documenting every single component that went into its construction. I count at least 30 separate folders, one for each major system and part. Clearly this car was built to drive, and has a long, long list of features and amenities designed to make it as comfortable and reliable as a new car. Add in the fact that it is flat-out gorgeous, has a modern Tremec 5 speed manual and you have what might be the ultimate cruise night show stopper.The first thing you notice on this ’56 is the sophisticated paint. It’s a 1976 General Motors color called Ember Glow Firemist Metallic, and it is both subtle and striking in the sunlight. The metallic isn’t too heavy for a vintage car like this, either. Rather, as the name implies, it just kind of glows. It was laid down over very straight original sheetmetal, and all the original trim was replaced after being restored and polished to new condition. Out back, slick new blue-dot LED taillights keep the original design but give it a modern twist.When you look under the skin, however, you see where all those documented pieces and parts went. The engine is a 1963 Chevy 327 making 350 horsepower. It has been fully rebuilt and painted in traditional Chevy orange paint. The intake and carburetor are from Edelbrock, ceramic coated Hedman headers feed the all-stainless steel exhaust system, and the entire engine is dressed in polished aluminum accessories that sparkle next to the satin black inner fenders. A Mallory Unilite ignition system fires the plugs with an Optima gel-cell battery supplying the juice. There’s a new dual master cylinder feeding the power front disc brakes and a fresh aluminum Schafer Desert Cool radiator keeps it all cool.If you like rowing your own gears, then this is definitely the car for you. Power is fed through a brand new Tremec TKO 600 5-speed transmission with overdrive. This is one of the best-shifting manual transmissions around, and it will easily handle the power that stout small block is churning out. It is topped with a Hurst shifter that makes slicing through the gears a genuine pleasure. Plus with that tall overdrive, it provides effortless highway cruising and great gas mileage on the open road. It all rolls on a set of steel 15-inch Rallye wheels and 215/75/15 BFGoodrich radials.The chassis really demonstrates that this car was built for the road. It is completely protected with bulletproof satin black POR-15 paint for a super-sanitary, low-maintenance look. Power front disc brakes have been added, along with updated power steering, new tie rods, larger front sway bar, and a new steering linkage. There’s a brand new gas tank hanging behind the bumper. The rear suspension is composed of original leaf springs, air shocks, and a thick sway bar. Look at the attention to detail on the chassis—all the stainless hard lines are secured by rubber-insulated clips.Inside, you’ll find more outstanding workmanship and great style. Too many customs like this get too modern in their interiors and it’s tough to pull it off successfully. This car has an all-new interior from CARS that duplicates the original ‘50s style and looks exactly right in this car. The dash is full of modern Auto Gauge gauges in the original art-deco gauge pod, and it’s all tucked behind a great-looking custom steering wheel on an Ididit tilt steering column. For sound, there’s a Kenwood stereo system with CD changer. Even the clock on the passenger’s side has been updated with quartz movement. All the wiring is by Painless, and it includes 4-way flashers for safety.This is one of those rare cars where you know EXACTLY what you’re getting. While we always strive to document these cars as precisely as possible when we present them to you, nothing beats a stack of paperwork to back it all up. This is a great running and driving car that you’ll be proud to show, and every component on it has a matching manual, installation guide, or receipt to go with it. Cars like this ‘56 are our favorites, because they almost guarantee a happy new owner with years of driving fun in his future. A frame up built 327 5 speed Bel Air for $40K?  Are you serious??  Don't pass on this one ... you'll have a long wait until the next one comes around.