While certain Chevrolet enthusiasts prefer the subtlety of the 1955 Chevrolet and others favor the more flamboyant 1957 models, many appreciate the 1956 line as the perfect balance. Subtle changes to the Chevy’s body design in 1956 gave it a new and lighter appearance, while a growing list of available powertrain options proved that these cars were more than rolling sculptures.

Chevrolet had begun creating very competitive performance packages around the small-block engine, and all 1955-57 models have a strong following because of their timeless styling cues and this performance heritage – a heritage that basically ended the dominance of the flathead Ford V-8 in street performance applications. The 1956 Chevrolets were mildly restyled, largely in response to dealer complaints that the ’55s had looked a bit bland. Harley Earl obliged and gave the new models a healthy helping of chrome.

This tidy ’56 Bel Air convertible has a carbureted 265 cubic inch Turbo Fire V-8 engine with dual exhaust. Moving power to the rear wheels is a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The shiny paint is finished in Matador Red over Adobe Beige. The trim moldings and bumpers shine brightly; and the polished wheel covers with wide whitewall tires completes the era look of this tri-five Chevrolet. Factory options on this car include power steering and convertible top. The interior is a matching red and white two-tone presentation with pleated upholstery, a factory AM radio and clock.