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Timing is everything. When anything is done, at the right time, the results are powerful. However, in the case of the hardtop design, it not only needed the right time, but also, the right car. The obviously 'right' car for the hardtop was Chevrolet's Bel Air of the mid-to-late '50s.
Considered a convertible with a fixed top, the hardtop had been tried throughout the years but with little success. Added to the very appealing Bel Air design, the hardtop became sought after like it never had before.
A good deal of the interest in the Bel Air, obviously, had to do with the Bel Air design. The hard top just seemed to go with the car better than it had with any other. The model that truly became iconic in the minds of the public was the second generation of the Bel Air, made between 1955 and 1957.
Heading into 1955, the Bel Air received new styling. Each production year of the Bel Air was like a progression. The 1955 model's styling was subtle, but clean. The '57 model was much more flamboyant. Those looking for a balance would lean toward the 1956 model. The '56 constituted the middle-of-the-road between the simple styling of the '55 and the more flamboyant lines of the '57.
One of those middle-of-the-road 1956 models was offered at the RM Auction in 2011. Basically, just having undergone a face-lift, the '56 model had a wider grille on the nose. The chrome front bumper came with more artistic designs and the headlight's eyelids protruded a little further forward.
When compared to Ford's models during the same period, the Bel Air seemed lighter and more attractive. This was no more true than with the '56 model. The car was lighter due to the small-block V-8 engine. This provided the '56 with a high power-to-weight ratio. A Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission and an independent front suspension and live rear axle provided the '56 with increased top-end speed and improved handling.
The model offered this year had been through a restoration and was presented in nice condition. Externally finished in a two-tone paint scheme, the car came accented by highly-polished chrome throughout. The car came complete with color matching Continental spare wheel kit, rear-wheel skirt and white-walled tires.
Its interior was finished in red, complete with the signature 1956-model round, analog clock in the passenger-side dash. This model included safety belts, an AM radio, a traffic-light viewer, and even a tissue dispenser.
The car's engine bay was clean and housed a 170 hp 265 cubic inch V-8 engine with a single, two-barrel carburetor. The car even featured dual exhaust outlets with chrome deflectors and a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
Finished off with a matching hardtop, this lovely two-tone color finished '56 proudly represented its model year. With its many desirable period features, this '56 more than adequately reflects the beauty and elegance of the hardtop and Bel Air design.
The '56 goes a long way to prove that Chevy's Bel Air of the mid-1950s offered something for everybody. And it proved that 'good things come to those who wait'.
Sources:
'Buy: View Lots (Lot 303: 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r142&fc=0). RM Auction Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r142&fc=0. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Chevrolet Bel Air', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 January 2011, 22:57 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chevrolet_Bel_Air&oldid=406956925 accessed 13 January 2011By Jeremy McMullen
Considered a convertible with a fixed top, the hardtop had been tried throughout the years but with little success. Added to the very appealing Bel Air design, the hardtop became sought after like it never had before.
A good deal of the interest in the Bel Air, obviously, had to do with the Bel Air design. The hard top just seemed to go with the car better than it had with any other. The model that truly became iconic in the minds of the public was the second generation of the Bel Air, made between 1955 and 1957.
Heading into 1955, the Bel Air received new styling. Each production year of the Bel Air was like a progression. The 1955 model's styling was subtle, but clean. The '57 model was much more flamboyant. Those looking for a balance would lean toward the 1956 model. The '56 constituted the middle-of-the-road between the simple styling of the '55 and the more flamboyant lines of the '57.
One of those middle-of-the-road 1956 models was offered at the RM Auction in 2011. Basically, just having undergone a face-lift, the '56 model had a wider grille on the nose. The chrome front bumper came with more artistic designs and the headlight's eyelids protruded a little further forward.
When compared to Ford's models during the same period, the Bel Air seemed lighter and more attractive. This was no more true than with the '56 model. The car was lighter due to the small-block V-8 engine. This provided the '56 with a high power-to-weight ratio. A Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission and an independent front suspension and live rear axle provided the '56 with increased top-end speed and improved handling.
The model offered this year had been through a restoration and was presented in nice condition. Externally finished in a two-tone paint scheme, the car came accented by highly-polished chrome throughout. The car came complete with color matching Continental spare wheel kit, rear-wheel skirt and white-walled tires.
Its interior was finished in red, complete with the signature 1956-model round, analog clock in the passenger-side dash. This model included safety belts, an AM radio, a traffic-light viewer, and even a tissue dispenser.
The car's engine bay was clean and housed a 170 hp 265 cubic inch V-8 engine with a single, two-barrel carburetor. The car even featured dual exhaust outlets with chrome deflectors and a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
Finished off with a matching hardtop, this lovely two-tone color finished '56 proudly represented its model year. With its many desirable period features, this '56 more than adequately reflects the beauty and elegance of the hardtop and Bel Air design.
The '56 goes a long way to prove that Chevy's Bel Air of the mid-1950s offered something for everybody. And it proved that 'good things come to those who wait'.
Sources:
'Buy: View Lots (Lot 303: 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r142&fc=0). RM Auction Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r142&fc=0. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Chevrolet Bel Air', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 January 2011, 22:57 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chevrolet_Bel_Air&oldid=406956925 accessed 13 January 2011By Jeremy McMullen
2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction
Sale Price :
USD $31,050
2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $25,000-USD $35,000
Sale Price :
USD $49,500
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Chevrolet Bel Air
(Data based on Model Year 1956 sales)
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#: c56l062769 Sold for USD$51,700 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#: vc56n146966 Sold for USD$121,000 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#: vc56l015021 Sold for USD$62,700 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Chassis#: vc56b124181 Sold for USD$40,700 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#: vc56n126123 Sold for USD$35,200 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Chassis#: vc56j100108 Sold for USD$84,700 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Chassis#: vc56n058353 Sold for USD$49,500 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Chassis#: vc56a079251 Sold for USD$121,000 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Chassis#: vc56k087366 Sold for USD$145,750 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Chassis#: vc56j020480 Sold for USD$225,500 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: C56S095736 Sold for USD$51,700 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: VC56J028205 Sold for USD$145,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: AZ392796 Sold for USD$113,300 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: VC56K096619 Sold for USD$93,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD CUSTOM WAGON Chassis#: B56B123518 Sold for USD$198,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: VC56F074839 Sold for USD$90,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET NOMAD WAGON Chassis#: VC56K033568 Sold for USD$64,900 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR Chassis#: VC56A081247 Sold for USD$25,300 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#: C56K025190 Sold for USD$73,700 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM HARDTOP Chassis#: 2BGP1220701184202 Sold for USD$88,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ |
Chevrolet Bel Airs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible | vc56f028319 | 2024 Mecum : Indy | $27,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon | vc56k014222 | 2024 Mecum : Indy | $62,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56l060209 | 2024 Mecum : Indy | $120,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56l013282 | 2024 Mecum : Houston | $80,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56b122582 | 2024 Mecum : Glendale | $65,000 | $90,000 | $125,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom | vc56k057527 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $110,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56b017674 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $45,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56b051440 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $27,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible | vc56n131894 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $230,000 | $350,000 | $400,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56b175383 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $17,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56l060209 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $120,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible | vc56f028319 | 2023 Mecum : Kansas City | $30,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56l060209 | 2023 Mecum : 2023 Monterey | $125,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56s033296 | 2023 Mecum : 2023 Monterey | $25,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad | vc56f167365 | 2023 Mecum : Harrisburg | $35,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | c56k022899 | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | $65,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56j001006 | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | $110,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 48875nebr | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | $45,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible | vc56t166228 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $140,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56l047479 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $170,000 | $250,000 | $260,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | vc56s192343 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $80,000 | $150,000 | $175,000 |
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | vc56l060209 | 2023 Mecum : Indy | $160,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom | 2023 Mecum : Glendale | $140,000 | $150,000 | ||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad | 2023 Mecum : Glendale | $47,000 | |||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | 2023 Mecum : Glendale | $150,000 | |||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $100,000 | |||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $45,000 | |||
1956 Chevrolet Nomad Custom | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $150,000 | $220,000 | $240,000 | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $35,000 | |||
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | $60,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
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1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Chassis#:2c3cdzc94fh865224 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster Chassis#:1b3br65e8rv100709 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1967 Pontiac Firebird Chassis#:223377u148733 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible Chassis#:859p29202 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
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1968 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Chassis#:123678n413633 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 AMC Rebel Machine Chassis#:a0m190y162898 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Convertible Chassis#:wdbba48dxja075965 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1932 Ford Station Wagon Chassis#:18139143 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1953 Chevrolet 3100 5-Window Pickup Chassis#:h53b022804 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
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1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Chassis#:136370k107852 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1960 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Chassis#:00867s103526 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1958 GMC 100 NAPCO Pickup Chassis#:1018ps3303a Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Chassis#:136371r118606 Sold for $60,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
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1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
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