1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

VIN: VC56K 085846

In 1955, Chevrolet stunned the world with the its groundbreaking V8 powered Bel Air, and for the next three years a new legend would rule the roads of America. Known simply as the “Tri-Fives” the ‘55-‘56-‘57 Chevys would define a generation and dominate car sales in the US with over 40% of their market share. Built around the revolutionary Chevy V8 each year would have its own personality and rabid following. For 1956, Chevrolet spent millions making their Bel Air look more like a Cadillac, which drove sales even further. It is often considered the perfect balance between the staid look of the ’55 and the over-the-top look of the ’57.

This 1956 Bel Air convertible is a remarkable hot rod built by a true master. The car originally was a personal project of Chevy expert, Macy “Marty” Sakamoto of Ahwahnee, CA who was finally going to restore a build a car for himself instead of the multiple show winners he has created for others. Starting with a low-mileage, rust-free car he began a body-off, rotisserie restoration starting in earnest in 2007. Towards the end of the restoration in 2011 life got in the way of Marty’s dream, and it was sold to its current owner with Marty’s guarantee to finish it just the way he wanted it.

The decision was made to make the car a tasteful resto-mod that combined as much of the look of an original car augmented with all the advancements in suspension, drivetrain, and electronics. The result is simply stunning. No expense was spared to make this car the perfect combination of show car and superb driver.

The engine is a 396 ci Blueprint Engines SBC stroker crate motor which is putting out 506hp and 516 ft/lbs of torque on the dyno. It features a Scat forged crank, Scat forged rods, Icon forged flat top pistons, Comp camshaft, aluminum cylinder heads, and a polished Holley 750cfm carburetor sitting on an endurashine Edelbrock RPM intake. The powerplant is adorned with Billet Specialty valve covers, March billet serpentine pulley system, Powermaster Performance chrome alternator and starter. Sending the power rearward is a TH400 automatic transmission with a Summit Racing 2300 stall converter connected to a 12-bolt rear end with 3.55:1 gears.

Cooling is provided by a Be Cool Extreme Tri-Five radiator fitted with CFR Performance chrome radiator hoses. Engine sound is managed by Sanderson CC55 aluminized ceramic coated headers fed into a Flowmaster dual exhaust that provides the perfect growl without being too loud for a good top down cruise.

The suspension was updated with McGaughys drop spindles up front, and the rear end is controlled with a Ridetech 4-link that eliminates the ancient leaf springs and significantly improves handling and cornering performance. Height is managed by a state of the art air suspension with Ridetech bags and shocks controlled by Accuair e-Level. Fully adjustable, you can set it to your personal tastes. Slam it for a mean stance, raise it for challenging terrain, or set it to your favorite cruise height. Power steering is provided by Classic Performance Products 500 series steering box. Wheels are Rev Classic 107 Aluminum Rallys fitted with period Chevrolet Motor Division caps. Tires are BF Goodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2s. 225/50R17 front, 255/45R17 rear.

Body and metalwork was performed by the extremely talented Bruce Weidemann who brought the all-steel body up to show finish specifications. Final fitment was performed by Body by Boyd and the car was beautifully painted by CS Restoration in San Jose. The car was finished in its original factory color combination of Matador Red over White. Chrome and trim polishing was handled by Meclec Metal Finishing of Fresno, CA. The convertible top framing was powder coated and rebuilt with new motors and pumps for Hydro-E-Lectric of Punta Gorda, Florida. The stunning interior by El Gato Interiors of Campbell, CA is finished in a very period looking red over white, beautifully complimenting the exterior. The dash is subtly updated with Classic Instruments Bel Era II gauge cluster.

Tunes are handled by a stock looking Custom Autosound chrome-faced stereo on the dash, but if some more serious audio is desired in the glove compartment is hidden a stash of electronic goodies such as an Alpine CDA-117 stereo with wireless remote hooked to a complete set of Kicker amps and speakers connected with Monster Cable wiring.

Since its completion the Chevy has made appearances in a host of car magazine such as Car Craft, Super Chevy, Chevy High Performance, and Canadian Hot Rods. Here is an excellent opportunity for you to own intelligently designed and thoughtfully resto-modded ’56 Chevy. Not overdone with polished undersides, this is a show car you can truly drive and enjoy. With only 1,125 miles since its restoration it completely mechanically sorted and in immaculate cosmetic condition. Time for you to win some shows this summer! Full photo galleryavailable, with underside shots.