The 1956 Chevrolets were mildly restyled, largely in response to dealer objections that the ’55s had looked a bit bland. Harley Earl obliged and gave the new models a healthy helping of chrome. Some critics thought it was overdone, but the proof came in the sales figures; the market share improved from 16- to 28-percent. Chevrolet reigned as the number one car company in 1956.

The V-8 powered 1956 Chevrolet models were rightly advertised by Chevrolet as the “Hot Ones.” This referred to the 265 cubic inch high-compression, four-barrel, dual-exhaust Power Pack option, which now developed 205-hp, courtesy of higher compression. This stunning example features this desirable powerplant connected to the two-speed Powerglide transmission.

To further the claims, the 1956 Bel Air was often publicized as a Pikes Peak Hillclimb record breaker. The car proved its performance on the towering grades in the thin air of altitudes up to 14,110 feet. It proved it had “cat-footed” cornering ability and “nailed-down stability” on the vicious switchback turns of the legendary Pikes Peak course bettering the class record.

This 1956 Bel Air Convertible has been strikingly restored with the quality of a show car and is presented in two-tone India Ivory and Twilight Turquoise with the equally vibrant Turquoise and Ivory interior; a white power-operated top covers the passenger cabin. Additional equipment includes fender skirts, front and rear bumper guards, AM radio, clock and whitewall tires.