Gray and white paint are classically fashioned on this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop, which underwent a frame-off restoration. Well dressed with a windshield sun visor, Continental kit, wire hubcaps and fender skirts, the roster of options and accessories is extensive and includes the E-Z Eye glass, power windows, power brakes, power steering, the optional padded dash, an AM radio, a clock and the tissue dispenser, to name the highlights. In an interesting contrast to the lengthy list of extras, the Bel Air is powered by the standard 235 CI Blue Flame inline 6-cylinder engine and optional automatic transmission. America’s middle class celebrated massive prosperity during the 1950s, with tracts of new, modernly-styled homes, distinctive clothes and exciting new cars seemingly in a constant flow of restyling. Chevrolet wowed the crowd with its all-new 1955 styling featuring flatter sides and decking, a revised use of brightwork and an overall sense of stunning modernity. Adding to the lineup was the two-door sport wagon known as the Nomad, a concept- turned-reality for 1955. On top of that, an optional, all-new 265 CI V-8 engine was introduced, truly bringing Chevrolet into the modern realm of engineering. The Bel Air marked the top trim level with a large array of standard amenities, a comfortable interior and a stylish use of paint and brightwork. By 1956, the full-size Chevrolet had undergone a styling refresh with a new front end, revised trim design, new pointed rear end and an array of engine options. Arguably, the 1956 Chevrolet offered the best-balanced styling of the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Tri-Five Chevrolets, with neither the nose nor tail dominating the overall look. People began to liken the styling of the new Bel Airs to that of the Cadillacs, calling them the Baby Cadillacs, a testament to their design and amenities. Chevrolet also asserted its interest in the budding horsepower wars, with the 265 CI V-8 offering up to 225 HP.
