Thanks to an August 2022 Hagerty article, we can trace the use of flames on race cars such as this '56 gasser to the early 1930's when they first appeared on the 1934 Indy car entry of Kelly Petillo. Flames then started appearing on hot rods being raced in the California desert, and by the late 40's would make their way onto street driven jalopies. The artwork and flames have evolved of course, and realistic flames hit the scene in the 90's while traditional broad flames with curling licks still find a home on today's restorations.
For consignment, one hot car featuring some of the most realistic flames you'll ever see in paint. This '56 Bel Air Gasser, with tilted nose and haunched rear looks like it's moving even when it's standing still. The 1965 NHRA rule book for "gas coupes/sedans" states "cars in this section must be capable of being driven on the street and starting under their own power, however return to the pit area by use of push car is permitted.". Good to know, although you might want to reserve this one for car shows, cruise nights, and gasser meets thanks to some help from the 377ci V8, Doug Nash transmission, California frame, and all with the added bonus of power steering and power brakes. Wait for the hankie drop!
Exterior No matter the angle of the body, the '56 Bel Air is unmistakable and classically American. Glossy black paint brings out the silver body trim and the flames that are so realistic, you can almost feel the heat. Detached licks of flames are sent rearward, and the entire presentation is impressive. The nose is set high to help with weight transfer during launch, while following this car from the rear would only hint of the unusual stance. Thick trim lines the window frame which is separated by a post, and all rear windows are tinted. The chrome is in excellent condition and a purely aesthetic small fuel tank is mounted on the front. Cat eye headlight covers/shields shine brightly over the headlight lenses. The hood is louvered for heat dissipation while the roof is glossy black. 15-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in black with polished lips are wrapped in staggered tire sizes look great. Some paint imperfections were noted upon close examination including some chips, scuffs, scratches and bubble, none really detectable at ten feet.
Interior The radical race exterior gives way to a more pedestrian interior beginning with the door panels which are standard 1956 fare in their black and white pattern of vinyl and plastic. The split bench seats also represent some originality with their tuxedo white vinyl and black cloth construction, repeated on the back bench. Back seats and standard seat belts hint that this car may be suited for street rather than strip. An aftermarket steering wheel appears racy, but the dash is standard tri-five with the embossed Chevy bowtie in the dash face and standard instrumentation. Hold the phone, there's a massive SunPro tachometer and shift light mounted on top of the dash and three auxiliary gauges in the center of the dash. Strip, not street! A Long shifter is floor mounted in an accordion style boot looking very serious. The thin black carpet looks good protected by Chevy weather mats and the stitched headliner is intact. The trunk is clean and barren with the exception of a fitted rubber mat and battery.
Drivetrain Our consignor tells us this is a 377ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor sitting on a Weiand intake manifold. A Doug Nash 5-speed manual transmission with a McLeod clutch and flywheel take in the RPM's and send them to a Ford 9" rear. This Chevrolet is equipped with power brakes, disc in front, drums in rear. Finned valve covers, a polished alternator and heat wrapped headers add a little pizazz under the hood, while a power steering unit is a welcome bonus.
Undercarriage Up in the air we encountered some surface rust and typical road grime underneath. The dual exhaust runs from the headers to Flowmaster mufflers then exit in front of the rear wheels. Leaf spring suspension is found up front and make a repeat performance out but and are equipped with traction bars for a little extra bite in the track. We note some oil drops on the front axle and some residual oil on the rear diff. Otherwise, an unremarkable and straightforward underside with a garage kept California frame providing the backbone for this shower/racer.
Drive-Ability With our eyes to the sky, we rolled this high hooded beast out of the garage and slipped into second gear. Good acceleration is met with a great sound and decent ride quality. The power brakes are nice to have and the power steering is too!
Great straight line car with a ton of presence but still retaining enough manners to be street driven on a regular basis. Gassers are part of American motorsports history, and their unusual stance makes them immediately recognizable. If you didn't have a gasser toy car as a kid, you probably made one! They're just that cool. This one has a stunning paint job and enough room for the family for those Main Street cruises! We will await your call!
VC56L058389
V-V8 C-2400 Series Bel Air 56-1956 L-Los Angeles, CA Assy Plant 058389-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 56 1011D-1956 Bel Air 2 Door Sedan BODY NO VN2521-Los Angeles Body # TRIM NO 573-Charcoal & Ivory Cloth & Vinyl PAINT NO 721D-India Ivory, Dawn Gray
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
