1956 Chevrolet 210 Bel-Air 4-Door Completely Restored Rare Reliable Show Quality

Description

1956 Chevrolet 210 Bel Air 4-Door

COMPLETELY RESTORED

Rare 4-Door Bel Air

Tropical Turquoise & India Ivory

Rust Free CA Car Always

2 - Families Owned

11176 Miles

(Since Complete Restoration)

VIN #VC560071248
California Blue Plates

Reliable 350 - 350 Crate Motor

Dressed-Out like Original 265 V8

2-Speed Automatic Transmission

2-Wheel Power Disc Brakes Front

Drums Rear
Original AM Radio - Completely Rebuilt

Wheelsmith Deeper Dish Chevy Rallye Wheels

Radial Tires - Like New

Body Plate Decode:

Model Year: 56 = 1956

Style # 1019D - Bel Air 4-Door Sedan

Body # O10312 O = Oakland Plant 10312 = Sequence Number

Trim # 577XA 17 577 = Turquoise

Paint # 754D - India Ivory & Tropical Turquoise

Walk-Around Video:

https://youtu.be/3Z40RlCASZk

Start-Up Video:

https://youtu.be/-VtWPnWSwcs

Note: All pictures are hosted on my ImageShack Account and load below the text of this ad. If your computer or internet connection is slow it may take some time for all the pictures to load. If you are having difficulty you can access them directly through this link:

https://imageshack.com/a/Ietn7/1

“CREAM-PUFF”

I am helping a friend sell this wonderful 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. Just as a matter of reference, I have been judging cars at all types of show levels for over 25 years and have extensive experience in restoration of many marques. I am extremely picky and probably grade more on the lower side when evaluating vehicles. I would consider a 10 on my scale to be a Concour Quality vehicle, just so you have a reference. This example is collector quality and is a solid #1- Condition vehicle from my perspective. There is some minor wear on the carpets, a good cleaning would bring the carpets up to looking like new. Other than that, the car is just stunning, paint, body, under the hood, undercarriage, etc. Typical of a well restored and well preserved, rarely used Southern CA example.

This gorgeous ’56 Bel Air is a completely restored and lovingly cared for over the last 22 years by the same owner. The overall feel of the car is that it is a show car, but it is not quite concour level, but close. This would be a wonderful car to take to local shows and parades, but would fall short in a concour level judging format. This car could go to a very high #1 level with very little work. Clean up the carpet real well and just detail out a few little things and you are there.

What mostly grabs me about a restored type of car like this one is the overall feel and sense of a car well cared for; displayed by the character in the paint, emblems, upholstery, etc. This “feels” like an exactly how this car came out of the factory. The current owner is a car whacko - he is fastidious in his constant attention to detail over the most minute details. He loves this car and is only selling as he is downsizing his collection in anticipation of a move to a smaller garage set-up.

If you are a top shelf collector looking to build a concour vehicle, this would be a really fine specimen, as the body panels are flawless and being a California car it’s whole life there is not one spec of rust anywhere. The body panels are all original to the car. All the pieces are there, no inferior reproduction anywhere to be found. I will rate the different areas of the car below.

Paint & Body

First, the Body is near perfection in my opinion. There is no evidence of damage to any body panels and original to the car. The shuts lines which I highlight in the pictures and video are nearly perfect. I have taken a magnet to every inch of this car and it sticks with authority in every area. There is simply no evidence of bondo anywhere in this car. The body is not “lumpy” or wavy, it is flat and as close to perfection as you are going to find on a 63 year old car.

The Paint is in overall magnificent condition. It’s a elegant two-stage high quality paint that actually looks like deep lacquer. The paint is flat and mirror-like and shows extremely well. We do not know exactly when the car was painted, but judging from the quality of the job and the almost “porcelin-like” rock hard finish I would say the late 90’s. This was a very expensive paint job at the time, as there is zero overspray anywhere. It was so obviously blocked and blocked and blocked again by a true old-school bodyman painter that knew how to prep and knew how to finish a car. It was obviously color-sanded and polished by a master. I cannot stress how nice the body and paint is on this vehicle; very close to concour quality. There are currently no dings or any dents in the body anywhere.

The entire car was completely stripped, windows out, doors, truck and hood removed, all trim, etc. This fine specimen was painted by a master craftsman who used the best materials available. The paint is “flat”’. I would rate the condition of the paint at a solid 9.8.

The Chrome would rate at close to 10 overall and appears to be completely restored at a very high standard and matches in condition from piece to piece. There are no imperfections or dents. All the emblems and trim pieces are absolutely unblemished and impeccable in appearance. I don’t know if they are NOS or original rechromed or some perhaps reproduction. If there are a smattering of reproduction they are pre-2000 and all very high-end and not China made reproduction, which look cheap. My best guess would be the bumpers and all trim were original to this car. The chrome was obviously redone by a high-end chrome shop. This is all super high quality and I took pictures that should showcase that quality. Also, start and stop the walk-around video to check out just how nice all the trim pieces and chrome are. The tail-light assemblies are gorgeous and the lenses look original and possibly NOS.

Motor & Drivetrain

The motor and transmission work impeccably. It starts right up and performs like a brand new car. When the car was restored around 1998, the original motor was replaced with a modern 350/350 crate motor. The engine was dressed up with ’56 style valve covers, manifold and air cleaner to give it an original look.

The Motor starts right up and idles like a sewing machine. It does not smoke or cough or hesitate in any way. The transmission shifts smooth and effortlessly. The car has been meticulously maintained throughout its life and it shows by the way it drives. There are numerous receipts with the car from the last 22 years of ownership which detail tune ups and oil changes etc. The car has been continuously used, not a lot, a little over 11,000 miles, but maintained non the less. You can drive this car as a daily driver, it stays up with traffic and is smooth and luxurious to drive.

There are NO LEAKS in this car.

The Motor Compartment feels completely original, including all the wiring and original painted surfaces. All hoses and belts have been replaced consistently over the years and are in like new condition.

The ride quality on this vehicle is OFF-THE-CHART. The car has the feel of a 1956 Bel Air in 1956. This wonderfully smooth and floating ride is simply indescribable. She drives straight down the road with hands off the wheel at 70 miles an hour. I pushed it to 80 with zero effort and she was solid solid and solid and wanted more.

The car brakes very well as they were completely restored and upgraded to power disc brakes on the front, while retaining drums to the rear. The car is ready to be driven with no mechanical issues at all. Everything in this car works, blinkers… gauges, all lights, radio, wipers etc. I have listed below everything that the current owner has done to preserve it mechanically since he purchased it.

The car rides on a very new looking set of radial tires. The wheels were upgraded to a deeper dish Wheelsmith Chevy Rallye Wheel.. they look stunning and ride even better.

Sam is the type of owner that does not skimp on anything. He has the means to take care of a fine automobile to the highest level. He kept a file folder on everything he has done with the car, brakes, tune-ups, etc.

Interior

The Interior is done in a Turquoise and Blue two-tone theme and is in exceptionally nice condition. It was obviously completely restored, but before the inferior Chinese built stuff came out. This material is an EXACT replica of the materials from the 50’s, extremely high quality and durable. The gauges are in perfect restored condition and all work well. The original style Daytona loop carpet is high-quality and just slightly dirt stained. Again, a good carpet guy should be able to deep clean it back to near perfection. The condition of these materials is a testament to the indoor storage Southern CA life of this little gem.

All interior trim and stainless is in impeccable condition, take a look at the close up pictures provided. All felt in the windows was replaced during restoration and just like new. A complete rubber kit was used during the restoration and all is like new and supple to the touch. A brand new set of period Chevrolet style seat belts in turquoise to match the interior were added to the car in the mid 2000’s.

The headliner is impeccable in material and fitment. The window cranks and door handles are a 10 and are simply works of art in these stylish motorcars. The windows roll up and down effortlessly and were clearly either replaced or rebuilt during the process. These types of little details were done throughout this car. Let me make this clear. There was nothing left to chance on this car. Everything… I mean EVERYTHING was restored to brand new condition during the restoration.

Undercarriage

The Undercarriage is in great shape and was cleaned well and undercoated during the restoration. We did not detail it and of course it is a little dusty from 22 years and 11K miles of driving. The floor pans are solid as a rock as is the frame. It is very typical of how a sparsely driven CA car should look. There are no signs of rust anywhere. The exhaust system was completely replaced during the restoration and looks like new. You will note a set of glass packs attached to the pipes and make for a wonderful exhaust note, not too soft, not too loud. Note: make sure you watch the start-up video (link above) and listen to the great sound emitted when I walk around the back of the car.

The trunk is restored to the same quality as the exterior of the car. There is a spare tire with cover and jack.

This beautiful example of the Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan of 1956 is a rare and unusual find today. Cars that have lived a life of leisure are getting harder and harder to find. These type of originally built, sold in and stayed in California cars are mostly in collections and never come out. Here’s your chance to buy a fabulous restoration - maintained to perfection Southern California classic car at a reasonable price. Okay, its a four-door, I know, but take a minute to study the pictures of this gorgeous 50’s motorcar. It does not look like a big ugly 4-door, it has the look of a COUPE in 4 door clothing, and rides like a limo. Come drive it if you are local, it is a Creampuff.

For further questions please feel free to call Frank at 949-310-6262. I am available seven days a week from 8AM til 11PM Pacific Time. Sam’s number will also be available, just ask.

Recent Mechanical Items:

2013-01 - New Generator, Voltage Regulator

2011-11 - 9314 mi - New Starter Motor

2011-02 - 8709 mi - Various Work, New Oil Pan Gasket,

Valve Cover Gaskets, Removed and Powder Coat

Exhaust Manifolds, New Gaskets, New Trans Pan

Radiator Recore Total: $1680

2010-03 Disc Brake Kit -

2 Disc Power Booster Kit

Big Bore Offset Offset Brake Kit Total: $599

2010-02 Vintage Radio Restoration - Bob’s Radio & TV

$374

2009-09 Various Parts - Cigarette Lighter - Headlight Switch

Replacement Gas Cap - Service Manuals

Quartz Electric Clock - Clock Harness, Electrical

Wiring Diagram $304

2002-02 328 mi. New Radiator - Water Pump $582

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The car is for sale locally and we reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time before the end of the auction. We do not have a Buy It Now Price listed.

The car will be made available for inspection by serious bidders throughout the auction. Please e-mail us if you would like to see the car. If you prefer, we can arrange to have a qualified, independent, professional mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection for you (at your expense). It is the buyers responsibility to verifythat all of the sellers information and claims about the car are true and correct prior to the sale of the vehicle. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. THIS IS TRUE FOR BOTH THE INITIAL DEPOSIT AS WELL AS THE FINAL PAYMENT.

Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $1000.00deposit is due within 48 hours of end of auction. The deposit can be made by cash (please do not mail cash!), bank check, cashier's check, or bank transfer (preferred). The remainder is due within 7d days of Auction end. The remaining balance must be made in the form of a bank transfer (preferred) Cashier'scheck, or bank check (all forms of payment subject to verification). PayPal will not be accepted as a form of payment for either the deposit or the final payment. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Please arrange financing prior to bidding. Once the final balance has been paid, title transfer paperwork will be initiated.
Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, we will gladly cooperate, you can locate shippers by doing a search for “auto shippers”. We have relationships with both domestic and international shippers should you need some assistance.

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Please Check My Feedback- I value my 100% positive rating, and will do my best to keep it.

The winning bidder should have the car insured from the time the final payment is made to us. Once final payment is made, we will exercise a generally accepted standard of care, but the buyer assumes all liability and risk once the final payment is made.
Before delivery of the vehicle, the winning bidder must provide a photocopy of a valid driver’s license. Delivery is defined as the time at which physical possession of the car is transferred from us, the seller, to the buyer or the buyers’ agent or chosen transport company.
If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.