As the platform used for so many customs over the past decades, building a 1956 Chevrolet that stands out from the rest of its peers takes thought and effort. This car, the result of a two-year frame-off build by Denny’s Bowtie Restorations, meets that definition of “stand out” thanks to visual quality and solid parts selection. Power is courtesy of a 355 CI Blueprint V-8 engine with a roller cam, aluminum heads and an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake topped with a Holley carburetor. A set of coated Patriot headers feeds the 2.5-inch coated exhaust system, and other supporting accessories include an aluminum fuel tank with electric pump, the polished Be Cool core support, a performance radiator and condenser using two Spal electric fans, and an American Billet front- runner drive system. This is backed with a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission and a Moser 12-bolt Tru-Trac differential, with all the driveline parts painted Titanium Silver. Suspension pieces include a Flaming River rack- and-pinion power steering layout, added crossmembers, Totally Tubular front suspension, Aldan American coilovers and Wilwood brakes with a custom master cylinder plus Wilwood 2-inch drop front spindles. The exterior looks brutally refined, painted in PPG Granite Gray over PPG Titanium Silver, with professionally-restored stainless trim, smoothed bumpers, Kindigit flush door handles and tinted gray glass. The interior is equally upgraded, featuring Red Wine Italian leather on Wise Guys custom seating, a suede headliner, a Lokar floor shifter, a Flaming River tilt steering column and a smoothed dash. There is a one-off console, New Relics electric power windows, Alpine concert audio system, the Dakota Digital gauges and clock, and Vintage Air, with circa-1955 dome lighting as an added touch. The Dynamat floor insulation is covered with German square-weave red wool carpet, while a detailed undercarriage, smoothed firewall, custom one-off trunk with battery and outside kill switch, and an American Autowire 28-circuit wiring harness complete it. Riding on U.S. Mags 18- and 20-inch wheels with custom gray inserts and Nitto NT555 tires, it takes serious work to create a stand-out from the classic Tri-Five era. This stunning car represents those possibilities and more.
