Incredible professional build. Fresh 502 cubic inch big block and 700R4 transmission by ProCar Associates. Show-quality bodywork, paint, chrome, and interior. Boyd Coddington wheels, cold A/C, power everything. One of the best we’ve ever seen!

Tri-Five Chevrolets will always be near the top of enthusiasts’ wish lists, and when they’re as beautiful as this ’56 Bel Air hardtop, it’s hard to argue. Thanks to a cost-no-object build and a lot of recent work, it’s beautiful as well as 100% functional, ready to drive cross-country or collect a few trophies at the biggest shows. The two-tone red and white combination works rather well with the Bel Air trim, giving natural break points and a classic 1950s look. Nothing was deleted, shaved, modified, or chopped, so it has a familiar look that lets the quality speak for itself. Sight down the flanks and you see laser-straight sheetmetal and exacting gaps. Slam the door and it closes with a solid THUNK. And just check out how well the trim lines up from panel to panel. None of that comes cheap. All the chrome and stainless trim was restored to show condition and anything that couldn’t be restored was replaced. It’s crisp, well-detailed, and extremely clean throughout. We’ve never had a better one in our showroom.

The interior is equally sharp, thanks to two-tone upholstery that closely mimics the original but puts a little bit of a custom twist on it. The steering wheel is stock—or is it? It’s a little smaller in diameter and fits on a custom tilt column that looks like it was born there. Dakota Digital supplied a full array of custom gauges that fit in the original instrument pod and all the factory switchgear was retained. It’s carrying a fully operational A/C system that uses the original controls and there’s even a matching clock over there on the passenger’s side. Power windows were added during the build and they use factory-style switches for an authentic look. Carpets are correct, the headliner is taut, and the back seat has probably never been used. The trunk is custom upholstered to match, including embossed bulkheads and a matching cover for the spare tire. Someone was sweating the details here.

Mechanically, this car nails it. The 502 cubic inch V8 was freshly rebuilt by the experts at Pro Car Associates, and it comes with a dyno sheet reading 495 horsepower and 535 lb-ft. of torque—not too shabby. The best thing, however, is that it starts instantly, idles nicely, stays cool in traffic, and just goes about its business without any fuss. That’s the mark of a quality build. There’s a ton of chrome and polished aluminum under the hood, so it’s ready to show, but it’s also fully functional. The giant aluminum radiator keeps things cool, the A/C works properly, it starts easily thanks to a well-tuned Holley carb and electronic ignition system, and the entire wiring harness was just replaced at great expense. The engine is easy to live with thanks to a hydraulic cam, 9:1 compression, forged rods and Manley pistons, all topped with a set of Merlin heads. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission was just installed (replacing a TH400) and tuned by the same guys at Pro Car, so it shifts well and thanks to a tall overdrive, it’s comfortable on the highway at speeds that’ll get you a ticket. Power rack-and-pinion steering and power front disc brakes mean it’s easy to handle and there’s a custom exhaust system that sounds spectacular. And please note the ultra-clean floors, satin black frame, and highly detailed suspension. The rear end has what feel like 3.73 gears inside, so it’s punchy as hell, too. There’s a new gas tank out back, next to an unmarked spare tire well, and it has just the right stance thanks to 2-inch dropped spindles up front. Custom Boyd Coddington wheels are worth a pretty good pile of cash by themselves, and carry 225/50/17 BFGoodrich radials all around.

Extremely well finished, very fast, surprisingly comfortable, and totally sorted, this ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air is the kind of car you’ve always dreamed of owning. There’s FAR more than the asking price wrapped up in the build, so it’s time to recognize that buying the best always pays off in the end. Get in and start having fun right away with this incredible Bel Air. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.