1956 | Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop Coupé

• Fully restored at a cost of €100,000

• Chevrolet 283ci V8 engine upgrade

• Original colours of Matador Red and India Ivory

• Superb condition throughout 

Colourful, stylish and charismatic, this Chevrolet Bel Air perfectly captures the spirit of 1950s America, and has benefitted from a restoration during which no expense was spared.

Little is known of the car’s early history, but the current UK-based owner bought it in France, having fallen in love with it when he travelled there with the intention of buying a Citroën 2CV. At that time, the Chevrolet had recently been rebuilt – all the way down to the last nut and bolt. 

The bodywork was stripped to bare metal and repainted in the original two-tone colour scheme of Matador Red and India Ivory. All of the brightwork – including the iconic ‘jet bird’ mascot on the bonnet – was rechromed, a process that cost €30,000 on its own.

The original straight-six engine has been replaced with Chevrolet’s 283ci (4.6-litre) V8, which is running on a Demon carburettor and an Edelbrock intake manifold. Electronic ignition has been fitted, while the cooling system has been upgraded with an electric fan. 

Other modifications include uprated double-wishbone front suspension and disc brakes all round, while the standard wheels have been replaced by 15in American Racing rims.

Inside, the two-tone interior is pure ‘1950s Americana’, the original features being complemented by a powerful Sony Xplod stereo system, complete with remote control.

The total bill for the restoration came to about €100,000, and the Chevrolet has been used only sparingly since being brought into the UK. The owner took it to one car show, where he reported that, not surprisingly, it was the star attraction. Throughout his ownership, it has been kept in a garage beneath a breathable cover and has never been driven in wet weather.

The end result is a Chevrolet Bel Air that is being offered for sale in truly exceptional condition. Its combination of an effortlessly powerless V8 engine and three-speed automatic gearbox makes it a relaxing, easy car to drive. When you add its ‘rock and roll’ style, it’s little wonder the Bel Air has become such a coveted Stateside classic.