If you ever doubted whether there are fantastic classics hidden away in barns and sheds, this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop should ease those fears. It is an estate find that began hibernating in 2003. It recently emerged and has been revived. You will soon learn that this classic is more than a pretty face because it possesses performance of which its original creators could only dream. The seller has too many vehicles to enjoy so they’ve made the hard choice to let this potent classic go to a new home. Therefore, they have listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

There is so much to consider with this Bel Air that I struggle to know where to start. The owner describes the Matador Red and India Ivory paint as flawless, and there is no arguing with the assessment. It shines impressively, and the comprehensive selection of images, including close-ups, confirms there are no chips or marks to spoil its beauty. It shines like a mirror, cloaking panels that are laser-straight and rust-free. This classic is as solid as a rock, with no surface corrosion anywhere. The chrome and trim are as immaculate as the rest of the exterior, and the glass is crystal clear. The overall presentation makes it easy to understand why this magnificent classic hasn’t looked out of place doing the rounds of car shows. First impressions are this Bel Air represents a stunning restoration, but the sparkling 14″ Cragar SST wheels suggest there could be more to this classic than meets the eye. Thankfully, that impression isn’t misleading.

Okay, this is when we need to draw breath and plunge headlong into this Bel Air’s specifications. They will leave you in no doubt that the driver will have significantly more power under their right foot than the original owner had in 1956. Hiding under the hood is a built 400ci V8 featuring some of the most reliable and bulletproof components known to enthusiasts. The best way to squeeze power from any engine is to improve breathing, and the builder has certainly done that. The starting point is a Crane Cam, solid lifters, and Fuelie heads. The engine draws great gulps of air via an Edelbrock intake and carburetor. Spent gases exit via Headman Hustler fender pipes and Borla stainless pipes and muffler. The owner includes baffled exhaust tips for those who want to get the full exhaust note out of the engine. They ran the car at Limerock and mufflers were required to get the exhaust below the sound limit, but they can be removed and the exhaust reverted back to the baffled tips. A Be Cool aluminum radiator keeps things cool, and a collection of Moroso components adds some bling to the engine bay. The power feeds to a close ratio Muncie four-speed manual transmission coupled to a crossmember-mounted cast iron bellhousing, complete with a new clutch. The final piece of the puzzle is a Posi rear end with Lakewood traction bars, and Ride Leveler shocks to a panhard bar. It is unclear what the power output is, but I’d estimate it is somewhere around “a lot!” The front end features a selection of Mustang II components, including unassisted front disc brakes and unassisted rack-and-pinion steering. The rear Cragar wheels are new, there is a matching spare, and all are wrapped in new tires. They describe the motor as strong and the Bel Air as fast. Those are two claims I find very believable. It would seem that this is a turnkey proposition ready to provide years of motoring fun.

The good news doesn’t end when we focus on this Chevy’s interior. The original front seat has made way for what appears to be a pair of GTO buckets. The upholstered surfaces are finished in Black vinyl, free from wear and other imperfections. The carpet is equally impressive, and the driver grips a beautiful ’59 Impala wheel colored to complement the car’s overall Red theme. The painted surfaces match the exterior and are free from scratches. A retro-style stereo occupies the space previously reserved for the factory radio, a Sun Super Tach is column-mounted, and there is a collection of Stewart Warner gauges under the dash to monitor the health of that beast under the hood. The Hurst Competition Shifter with pearl white shift ball is a nice touch that rounds out the performance look. Some tasks await the winning bidder, but they will involve little more than tinkering in a home workshop. The glove box liner is out so the buyer can wire in the amp gauge and radio, and a new speedometer cable is waiting to be installed. The buyer needs to install a new sender unit to ensure the fuel gauge reads accurately, and that appears to be a complete list of required tasks. None are urgent, but addressing them might be a productive way to occupy a few hours during winter. The owner includes a spare front disc kit and a trunk full of parts that can be squirreled away as cheap insurance. Also included with the car is a set of vinyl stickers, just like the ones the car wore when it was autocrossed at Limerock this past June, just in case the next owner wants it to sport the number 56!

We have scrutinized the supplied photos of this 1956 Bel Air Hardtop, and it is almost impossible to find anything to criticize. The seller notes a small imperfection in the paint near the side mirror and some small scuffs on the front right corner of the chrome bumper, but they must be very minor issues as they aren’t noticeable in the photos. It is a complete package with no evidence of compromise. It presents superbly, its interior looks comfortable and inviting, and its drivetrain combination promises neck snapping performance. It would suit an enthusiast who is not in a position to undertake a project build, and it would be a practical alternative for a potential buyer with a family. Cars like this don’t appear every day, and the winning bidder can drive away in a classic guaranteed to draw crowds. If that sounds appealing, submitting a bid or two could be the way to make the dream a reality.

• Location: Torrington, Connecticut
• Mileage: 5,656 TMU
• Engine: 400ci V8
• Transmission: Close Ratio Muncie 4-Speed Manual
• VIN: VC56T003962
• Title Status: Clean

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