Opinions vary greatly over the best of the Tri-Five Chevrolets. Bowtie cars built in 1955, 1956 and 1957 each share a lot of architecture, but they’re as similar as they are dissimilar, which is a huge part of their charm. This 1956 Bel Air has been restored to an exceptionally high level, right down to the powder-coated frame and painted chassis, with the undercarriage detailed to show standards. Sprung with a Hotchkis front and rear suspension, the Bel Air is planted and made even easier to drive, thanks to wider custom wheels wrapped with grippy Hankook tires, power steering and power disc brakes. Powered by a 454 CI V-8 engine that was bored .040 over, the massive mill was expanded to a whopping 504 CI, meaning there’s no lack of power. The V-8 is backed by a 700R4 automatic transmission and utilizes an exceptionally high number of stainless, aluminum and chrome components; even the fuel tank, fuel lines and brake lines are stainless. Inside, passengers are coddled in an environment of two- tone tan-brown tempered with polished brightwork, rich carpeting, a center console with a Lokar shifter, custom gauges, supportive bucket seats covered with Italian leather upholstery, Vintage Air conditioning, power windows and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo system. A custom three-spoke steering wheel is perched atop a chrome steering column. Painted in two-tone red and tan, the Bel Air sports all of the factory-style trim such as bumpers, bumper guards, side moldings and other details, lending it a beautifully balanced factory custom look. While the Bel Air line was introduced in 1950, those from the Tri-Five era are normally given the credit of being the most popular. The 1955 featured seemingly more upright styling with a mouthy grille that was said to have been inspired by Ferraris of the era. For 1956, styling would be revised and smoothed over, now offering a full-width grille, pointed tail lights and a more swept look all around. For 1957, the grille would become a complex, highly detailed affair while the rear fenders would grow popular tailfins, the entire scene creating what would be known as a Baby Cadillac. While all three are popular, it’s fun to debate which is the best.