1956 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 Wagon
Vehicle Highlights
Vehicle Description
The 1956 Chevrolet is arguably the most refined of the legendary "Tri-Five" generation, bridging the gap between the boxy '55 and the flamboyant '57 with clean, full-width grilles and sophisticated brightwork. While the 150 Handyman was born as a utilitarian workhorse, the example offered here has been reimagined as the ultimate "Surf Wagon"—a tribute to the California coast culture of the 1960s. It transcends its humble roots, dressed with the iconic trim of the Bel Air and the sleek roofline aesthetics of the Nomad to create a vehicle that is equal parts hot rod and beach cruiser. It is a machine built to evoke endless summers, finished in a stunning two-tone livery that demands attention at every stoplight.
The cocktail gets more potent when you look beneath the hood, where the utilitarian inline-six has been banished in favor of serious horsepower. The heart of this wagon is a Blueprint Engines 385 cubic-inch Stroker V-8, a powerplant backed by a dyno sheet to prove its credentials. It breathes through a 750 cfm carburetor and exhales through Flowtech headers equipped with electric cutouts, allowing the driver to switch between a gentlemanly rumble and open-header thunder at the flip of a switch. This power is managed by a Heavy Duty 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission with a dedicated cooler, feeding a 10-bolt rear end with punchy 3.73 gears. The driving dynamics have been thoroughly modernized with Unisteer rack-and-pinion steering and a suspension set on 1.5-inch drop springs, providing the perfect aggressive stance without sacrificing ride quality.
The example offered here is finished in show-quality PPG Hot Red and Fine White Pearl—a vibrant combination that is mirrored by the immaculate Red and White interior. The engine bay is a jewelry box of automotive detailing, fully dressed to impress and featuring a mirror under the hood to showcase the craftsmanship. Inside, the cabin blends period style with modern necessity; it features a custom seat relocation to comfortably accommodate taller drivers, a tilt ididit steering column, and a full suite of Dolphin gauges.
Creature comforts have not been overlooked, with the addition of power windows, a modern Kenwood stereo, and a Vintage Air A/C system to keep the cabin cool even on the hottest beach days. From the Danchuk horn kit to the 160-degree high-flow thermostat, every detail has been thought through. This is not merely a car; it is a turnkey ticket to the golden age of cruising, offering the visual impact of a concours winner with the mechanical reliability of a modern build.
