1956 Chevrolet 150 2-Door Sedan
The 1955-1957 year range represented a lot of effort by GM. They spent a million dollars in 1956 alone because they wanted to make the Bel Air look like the more expensive Cadillacs. The result was extravagant body lines, Cadillac inspired bumper guards, and tail fins. Although largely a carry over model, sales soared in 1956, especially for Bel Air models. This is thanks to the popular V8 introduced in the prior year. 1956 Chevrolets had hidden gas caps -they were behind the driver's side taillight! The Chevrolet advertising slogan for 1956 aptly stated, "The Hot One is even Hotter!"
For consignment, 38,824 non verifiable mile as the title reads exempt frame off in 2002 beautifully restored and modified 1956 Chevrolet 150 2 door sedan now dressed as a 210. With a miles deep ruby red metallic paint, a consignor stated 350ci V8, power front disc brakes and treated to every line, nut and bolt being restored back to factory spec, all wrapped within a dual fan style dash. Adding to the allure is the addition of a Vintage AC system, new motor mounts, a new electric cooling fan, a new overflow bottle, and new seat belts as well as a fresh oil change, battery and inspection, this beauty is ready to go or show, just turn the key!
Exterior
The 1957 version is always the talk of the town, but this writer feels that the 1956 version offers up a simplified cleaner design all around. The shiny mirror like grille with its big bumper below an egg crate silver grille and single headlights framed by fenders with the beginnings of a trim spear above, it just does not get any better. Nice use of chrome on the ever-widening spear starts at the front fender and takes over the rear quarter panel by streaking up to meet the rear window and down to meet the bumper. This body is bathed resplendently in ruby red metallic which covers all the straight rust free steel of the body. We note the car has been nosed and decked, giving the front and rear lines a very clean look. The gaps, while overall are well minded, lose some alignment, particularly on the passengers front fender. Rocket-like taillights frame the trunk and still hide the gas fill cap to boot! A shout out to the crystal clear windows and their trimmings, and 15-inch Torque Thrust polished wheels which frame this throwback to the era of Bill Haley and the Comets era car.
Interior
Swinging the doors open we shake hands with 3 tone gray velour and carpeted paneled door coverings that have kept their pristine original cranks, handles and chrome trimmings. Late model high back bucket seats occupy the front seating area with new seat belts and are covered in gray dimpled velour broadcloth. The rear bench follows suit, again with new belts, in design with the front, and floats on clean gray carpeting. The matte gray and white dual fan style dash, (another feature which will sadly go away in '57), fronts the seats and is very clean and sporting original gauges and knobs. A couple of aftermarket gauges, (a trio of water, volts and oil), gauges hang below the dash. An aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette radio is neatly tucked into the dash and lots of shiny chrome mixes with gray and white metal paint for this attractive dash. Rising from the dash is the factory column, now with a large tachometer strapped to the right, is topped with a thick rimmed 3 spoke steering wheel.
Drivetrain
A top-notch restoration under the hood, with all parts gleaming on this 350ci engine. It is topped with a single 4-barrel carb and backed up by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Way back is a 3.73 posi rear axle. Our consignor notes that new motors mounts were installed along with a Vintage Air unit and a fresh oil change was performed as well as a new electric cooling fan being added in the mix.
Undercarriage
All nicely restored, with slight surface rust erupting in a few areas, but structurally sound and all clean underneath. A like new exhaust system with glasspack style mufflers makes its way to the back of the car where it ends well in chromed tips. Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums have been mounted to the rear and we note underbody lighting so you can show it all off at the next car show. Independent coil sprung suspension is seen up front and in the back we note leaf springs and traction bars to keep the rear tires planted.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and overall good runner. It has great acceleration from the 350, nice handling and the power brakes are a benefit and work flawlessly. All controls worked successfully for our test save for the radio not broadcasting, the wipers not wiping, the clock not keeping time and the reverse lights not illuminating, but overall an A-ticket skate and the modern seats make for a comfy ride. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A very nice restoration and upgrade to the original. Great color scheme, blinding new chrome, and beautiful original looking dash. One of the top-notch examples of a Tri Five Chevrolet to have here at Classic Auto Mall.
A56B048252
A-1500 Series
56-1956
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
048252-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 56 1211-1956 1500 Series 150 2 Door Sedan
BODY M1818-Baltimore Body #
TRIM 560-Gold Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT 711-India Ivory & Matador Red
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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