Frame Up Restored Bel Air 350 V8 TH350

One of the ultimate combinations a car can have is show car looks with daily driver level dependability. It's the best of both worlds, a win-win situation, having your cake and…well, you get the point. No matter your preferred phrase for describing something that is all-around great, you can apply it to this “56 Chevrolet Bel Air. With a laser straight body, timeless color combination, classically styled interior and a small block under the hood, this is one of those rare cars that everyone can enjoy. If you're in the market for a head-turning classic that you can drive anywhere and show without hesitation, this '56 may be exactly what you're looking for.

The first thing most people notice about this Bel Air is its remarkably straight body. No matter how hard they may have tried, the assembly line simply didn't produce anything quite this clean. The beneficiary of a high quality frame up restoration, every angle of this 56's body is straight and true. Panel fitment is far better than factory quality with clean even gaps all around. After the countless hours of body work wrapped up, the car was then sprayed in a timeless combination of black and metallic silver. Even under the harsh fluorescent lights of our showroom, the paint work shows well with no major imperfections visible. Someone has invested a considerable amount of time into the paint and body of this '56 and shows from every perspective.

Being a top-level mid-50s car, there is a lot of brightwork present. Up front, the traditional slanted full length grille incorporates rectangular parking lights with bowtie logos. Towards the bottom center of the large chrome bumper, two blue LED lights are positioned for some extra illumination. To the sides, no liberties have been taken with cars original styling. The door handles and sweeping side moldings are in place and showing their age well. Only the Bel Air badging has been removed for a cleaner look. Out back, recessed chrome housings with bullet-shaped taillights sit at the corners above the rear bumper. Blue dot jewels have been added to the tail light lenses for a nostalgic touch. The rear chrome pieces were designed to give the car a longer look and the illusion is very effective.

In 1956, the Super Turbo Fire 265 cubic inch V8 with dual carbs was the top choice for factory GM performance. It made an advertised 225hp and, for its day, was a strong runner. Open the hood on this Bel Air and you'll find something even stronger - an updated 350 cubic inch small block V8 with tons of billet and chrome pieces. Up top, a billet open element air cleaner cover sits atop a Holley 4-bbl carburetor mounted to a polished intake. Finned valve covers with classic Chevrolet script complete the engine's attire. Other noteworthy dress items include the chrome radiator support cover and battery cover. On the passenger side inner fender well, a MSD-6AL ignition box sends spark through Taylor wires. Exhaust gases travel through a pair of short tube headers that connect to a true dual exhaust system. The engine starts with ease and has a healthy rumble at idle.

Backing that small block is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that makes this Bel Air an ideal cruiser. Just put the gear selector into Drive and point it. Power meets the ground courtesy of a GM 12-bolt rear end that turns a set of 20” x 8.5” American Racing Torque Thrust wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force tires. Suspension remains in its original configuration with double A-arms up front and leaf springs out back. Drop coils help bring the front end down to a reasonable level. Stopping power is delivered by front disc brakes with drums out back. The undercarriage has not been over-restored like so many car you see at shows. While respectably clean, this chassis is certainly one you can drive anywhere without worrying or spending a full weekend cleaning it up afterwards.

During the mid-to-late 1950s, few interiors could top a Bel Air's. Open the doors on this one and you'll find a fully restored interior that stays true to its original scheme. The seats are covered in a mix of gray and back vinyl that perfectly compliment the exterior paintwork. Bel Air dashes are attractive to begin with and this one has been left largely to its stock devices. The main addition comes in the form of a billet trim that replaces the stock grid-patterned stainless dash trim. An additional billet piece with a bowtie logo resides where the factory clock once lived. In the center of the dash, an upgraded stereo adds some modernity to the setup. Other interesting options include the prismatic traffic light viewer and swing-out tissue dispenser. All interior trim is show worthy, right down to the Fisher Body-badged rocker panel covers. At the extreme ends of the cabin, both the headliner and carpet have been replaced with quality reproduction pieces.

If your dreams of classic car ownership involve more than trailering your ride to a show field somewhere, this '56 may be exactly what you're looking for. With good looks and great road manners, this is truly a car you can enjoy from all perspectives. Don't miss the opportunity to park this clean '56 in your garage.