Basic information and history

With the 1956 model, Chevrolet took the next step in the series that enthusiasts today collectively refer to as Tri-Five. The model year received a new front-end design where the grille was widened across the entire front, relocated taillights and new two-tone colour schemes, while the Bel Air continued to be the top model in the lineup with more abundant chrome trim and a more upscale interior. During 1956 it was also the small-block V8 that firmly established Chevrolet as a manufacturer of strong, easily tunable engines, a trait that has made the model one of the most beloved platforms for custom and restomod builds ever since.

This Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupé from 1956 has been imported to Sweden from the USA and is reported to have had three owners in total. The odometer shows 9,100 miles, but this cannot be guaranteed, partly because the trip meter has stopped working.

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The car is being sold from an estate and the information regarding it is sparse. Unfortunately, all the paperwork that belonged to the car was thrown away during a clean-up. The deceased owner is said to have been very meticulous, and the car's condition supports this. Prospective buyers should nevertheless form their own opinion through their own inspection.

For those interested in viewing the cars in person and forming their own impression of condition, please indicate your interest in a viewing by emailing jens.trulsson@biddershighway.com.

Bidders Highway will carry out a start-up and inspection of the car shortly, and more information will be published then.

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Equipment and options

• Engine swap to an L98 from a Corvette C4
• Disc brakes, likely from the same Corvette C4
• 2-inch lowering blocks on the rear axle
• 17-inch wheels from American Racing

The car has been rebuilt in classic restomod style. The original engine has been replaced with an L98, the second-generation small-block that Chevrolet introduced in the Corvette C4 in the early 1990s, which provides significantly more power and better usability in modern traffic than a period-correct engine. According to the seller, the disc brakes from the same donor car have most likely also been carried over, which is a common and appreciated upgrade on a Tri-Five. The chassis has been lowered at the rear with 2-inch lowering blocks, and the wheels consist of 17-inch American Racing rims. Other equipment is not known due to the car's background.

Condition

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

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, according to the seller, appears 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 vehicle passed its inspection, most recently on 13 March 2017.

Service history

The car is said 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. Information about 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 overall condition. We recommend that a prospective buyer inspect the car themselves and form an opinion about the work carried out.

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 from a Corvette C4, likely accompanying disc brakes, rear lowering blocks, and 17-inch American Racing wheels, resulting in 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 lot is being sold from an estate without accompanying documentation, which means the history is incomplete. Bidders Highway will carry out a start-up and inspection of the car shortly, and further information will follow. An interesting starting point for anyone looking for a well-built Bel Air with a Corvette heart.