Basic information and history

With the 1956 model, Chevrolet took the next step in the series that enthusiasts today collect under the term Tri-Five. The model year received a new front-end design where the grille was widened across the entire front, relocated tail lights and new two-tone colour schemes, while Bel Air continued to be the flagship model in the lineup with more generous chrome trim and a more upmarket interior. During 1956 it was also the small-block V8 that truly established Chevrolet as a manufacturer of powerful, easily tuned engines, a characteristic that has made the model one of the most popular platforms for custom and restomod builds ever since.

This Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupé from 1956 was sold new in Sweden and the odometer shows 9,100 miles, but this cannot be guaranteed, among other things because the trip meter has stopped working.

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The car is being sold from an estate and information about it is scarce. All the paperwork that belonged to the car has unfortunately been thrown away during a clean-up. The deceased owner is said to have been very meticulous, and the car's condition supports this. Prospective bidders should nevertheless form their own opinion through their own inspection.

Bidders Highway has now carried out an inspection of the vehicle. We have fitted a new battery and made several attempts to start it. Fault-finding shows that the power supply to the fuel pump is not working. We checked all fuses and cables. The car fires up with starting fluid but receives no fuel. Oil pressure is good and the fuel gauge works. The oil in the engine and gearbox has a good colour and appears to be relatively freshly changed.

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For those interested in viewing the cars on site and forming their own opinion of condition, please notify your interest in a viewing by emailing jens.trulsson@biddershighway.com.

Equipment and options

• Engine swap to an L98 from a Camaro IROC-Z (the engine is said to have been professionally bored and rebuilt, according to a previous owner – see comment in the comments field)
• Original GM ECU with a TPI Specialties calibrated chip
• Electric fan with separate power supply
• Disc brakes, GM, likely from the same Camaro IROC-Z
• Lowering blocks on the rear axle, 2 inches
• Newer GM rack-and-pinion steering
• 12-bolt rear axle
• Limited-slip differential
• 17-inch wheels from American Racing

The car has been rebuilt in classic restomod fashion. The original engine has been replaced by an L98, the second-generation small-block that Chevrolet introduced in the Corvette C4 in the early 1990s, providing considerably more power and better usability in modern traffic than a period-correct engine. An electric fan with its own switch has been installed on the original radiator. The car has also been equipped with a more modern rack-and-pinion steering from GM as well as disc brakes from the same donor car, which is a common and well-regarded upgrade on a Tri-Five. The chassis is lowered with 2-inch lowering blocks on the 12-bolt rear axle, which is also fitted with a limited-slip differential, and the wheels are 17-inch American Racing. Other equipment is not known due to the car's background.

Condition

The paint, body and glass are all described as being in excellent condition by the seller.

The interior is likewise stated to be in excellent condition, as is the headliner, while the instrument panel is described as being in good condition. The trip meter does not work and appears, according to the seller, to have stopped.

Tyres and wheels are described as being in excellent condition.

On the mechanical side, the engine, gearbox and brakes are stated to be in excellent condition. The oil in the engine and gearbox has been checked and has a good colour and appears to be relatively freshly changed. The fuel pump does not work. Minor oil leakage under the engine, likely due to prolonged standing. Very good underside. The car is currently not drivable due to the fuel pump.

Service history

The car is stated to be fully serviced, but there are no receipts or other documentation to support the service history. The reason is that all documents belonging to the car were thrown away during a clean-up following the previous owner's passing. The information on maintenance is therefore based on what is known about the owner, who is said to have been very meticulous, as well as on the car's general condition. We recommend that a prospective buyer inspect the car themselves and form an opinion of the work carried out.

The vehicle has passed inspection, most recently on 13 March 2017.

Summary

A Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupé from 1956, imported from the USA, with three owners and 9,100 miles on the odometer, which cannot be guaranteed. The car has been rebuilt with an L98 engine, disc brakes, rear lowering blocks, a 12-bolt rear axle, limited-slip differential and 17-inch American Racing wheels, giving a Tri-Five with a more modern drivetrain and brakes. The body, paint, glass and interior are described as being in excellent condition, and the engine, gearbox, brakes as well as tyres and wheels are given the same rating by the seller.

The item is being sold from an estate without accompanying documentation, which means the history is incomplete. An interesting starting point for anyone seeking a well-built Bel Air with a Corvette heart.