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My 56 Chevy and how I miss it.

1956 Chev 210 sedan, original.

I purchased my 1956 Chevrolet 210 sedan in April 1981 and sold it in November 1984. The car was originally from British Columbia, Canada and came to Ontario, Canada in the 1970's. British Columbia's kind weather to cars is what saved my 56 from the rust demon. The car was solid and original in all the usual rust spots for these cars. I did all the required mechanical work early on and then painted it white in 1982 and then added the red in 1983. I have always been an original accessory junkie with all my cars and this car was no exception. The car had a beautiful great running 235 in line six cylinder motor, so all I did there was rebuild the carb, do a compete tune up and all the detail work. The 56 came with a three speed stick on the tree and no power accessories. I drove and showed the 56 a lot and picked up a number of awards along the way. I decided in late 1984 that I wanted an original 57 Chev Bel Air hardtop, so I sold the 56 and bought a 57 shortly after. I have great memories of my 56 Chevy and yes I really do miss that classy old gal. Cheers.

I have never been shy about building a good looking four door.

I added as many accessories as I could find during the time I owned the car (1981-1984).

Trusty dependable workhorse 235 in line Chevrolet six. This motor always ran perfect.

Interior was all original with a number of dealer accessories added.

Won first place in original class for 1956 Chevrolet. This was in summer of 1983 in Alma, New York.

What my 56 looked like in summer of 1981, just a few months after I purchased the car.

The car was plain when I bought it but it was the most solid car I had ever seen. Solid body panels every where and then some. No rust no where.... yes I mean no rust no where.

What my 56 looked like summer 1982 after I painted the car white. Our family's 74 Chev Caprice Estate wagon right behind it. My dad was redoing the under coating at the time. Normally the wagon was in the garage, as in its whole life.

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Comments

Mario on Dec 29, 2020 said:

Great pictures of you 56 George! I always had a soft spot for the 56 Chevy. I took my road test in my Aunt's 56 Chevy and passed first time in 1964. I was high on the hog, as they say! I loved the sneaky way of adding gas to the 56 too. I pumped gas at a gas station for the summer and had to know all the tricks on different cars. Love your pictures. Is the blue the original color before painting it white? I like all your add-ons too. Cheers, Mario

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57timemachine on Dec 29, 2020 said:

Mario, that 56 was one tone blue originally but it would have been painted at one time before me, back in the 60's or 70's. This is the only Tri Five Chevy that I have ever owned that was one tone originally. The paint on the car was really good, looking back and I should have just added the white and made it two tone. I really had it bad for red and white two tone at the time, so I had to do it. Cheers.

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azmusclecar on Dec 29, 2020 said:

Ahhhhhhhh yes the old hidden gas tank filler neck location.

I worked pumping gas and yes you had to know your stuff back then, or look like a dork and have to ask the owner if the car actually uses gas or is it electric?

This would throw the owner off just a tad as they pondered that, afterall it did have a battery.

Who looks stupid now I ask??????????

Nevermind....the answer came to me...

Another great link by the Master Linker......

Awesome work our fine "young" poster with a past.

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57timemachine on Apr 16, 2021 said:

The concealed gas cap was brilliant, having it behind the tail light. GM lead in this idea in the 1950's starting with Cadillac. Personally I think the 56 Chev hidden gas cap is the best one. Cheers.

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Mario on May 14, 2021 said:

I like the 2 tone red and white with the Continental wheel. Looks sharp. That car would be an eye popper at car shows today. You're lucky to have owned it. Cheers.

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Mario on Feb 11, 2022 said:

Beautiful 56 Chevy George! Passed my road test first time in my Aunts 56 Bel Air! Cheers.

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57timemachine on Feb 12, 2022 said:

Mario, when you get a chance. You should tell us more about your aunts 56 Chevy. Cheers.

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57timemachine on May 4, 2023 said:

Mario, we are still waiting to hear about your aunts 56 Chevy. Cheers.

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57timemachine on May 4, 2023 said:

Mario, we are still waiting to hear about your aunts 56 Chevy. Cheers.

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Mario on May 5, 2023 said:

OK George here is my story. My aunts 56 Chevy Bel Air was Adobe Beige / Sierra Gold 2 dr HT with a 265 V8 and 2 speed powerglide automatic. She had it for 10 years and I used to spend a week or two visiting her at her house in the summer. I kept that car sparkling clean! Later I used the car for my road test when I turned 17 and passed.

My Uncle Al bought the 56 Bel Air new and since he had a 51 Ford he drove to work everyday he gave my aunt the car. They were one of the first 2 car owners back in 1956.

My aunt was a stay at home Mom and worked part time at the A&P super market so she needed a car living here on Long Island. Those days were great and lots of good memories! Cheers.

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Mario on May 5, 2023 said:

By the way my Aunt Gladys turned 100 years young in Dec 2022 and she is still bright and witty! Cheers.

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57timemachine on May 5, 2023 said:

Mario, your aunt needs a BIG hug and kiss. The rest of us should be so lucky. Cheers.

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Mario on May 6, 2023 said:

Thank you George that is very kind of you! Cheers.

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