1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CONVERTIBLE

The 1956 Chevrolet is the neglected middle child of Tri-Chevy trend. As a classic car, it is always mentioned as falling after 1955 and before 1957. In fact, it was much more elegant than the 1955, more agile than the 1957, and offered the best driving performance of the three.

In addition to the front grill, expanded for 1956, the fenders were also reshaped at a cost of a 1-million dollars. With an additional two-inches in the hood, the vehicle’s overall length was increased, giving a lower appearance. The wheel arches on the fenders were reshaped. A chrome strip extending from the front fender to the rear bumper was added to the Two-Ten and Bel Air models. As competition for the year’s most popular model, the Chrysler 300 B, the Bel Air was chosen as the best driven car of the year.

The Super Turbo-Fire engine in this vehicle, known as the Power-Pak, featured a 4-barrel  carburetor and double exhaust to deliver 205 bhp and reach 108 mph. But the highest option  for 1956 was the Corvette V8 engine.

The Bel Air line comprised 7 models in that year. The second most expensive Chevrolet after the Nomad and Beauville wagons, the Convertible V8 in our Museum was priced at 2,443 Dollars. Powerglide automatic transmission was optional for 189 Dollars. Additional chrome for the rear fender skirts and master grill guard were available accessories. The Chevrolet was offered in 10 solid colors and in 14 two-tone combinations. This black-and-white (Onyx Black/India Ivory) Convertible is in one of the Bel Air’s two-tone combinations and has a unique place in the Museum as it bears the colors of the Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club, which is great fan of the Ataman Family.