56 Chevy Cars

The Classic 56 Chevy

The 56 Chevy, followed in the footsteps of the ‘55, with Chevrolet spending $40 million on restyling, including a new larger front grille, with distinctive square parking lights, and larger front fenders.  The sides of the 56 Chevrolet sported new chrome trim, one pattern for each of the three series, the 150, 210 and the Bel Air.  In total, 19 models were offered, ten solid colors, and 14 two tone combinations.  A new body style for 1956 was the 4 door hardtop, which Chevy called the “Sport Hardtop”.

The “Hot One” as the 1955 Chevy was referred to, was now even hotter, the “Stovebolt 6” (the Blue-Flame 140) motor was now putting out 140 hp.  The V-8 motor (the Turbo-Fire and Super Turbo-Fire) now were delivering  205 hp and 225 hp respectively, depending on optional carburetion configurations.  

Some of the features that Chevrolet advertised for the new 56 models were: (1) A panoramic view wrap around windshield, (2) crank opening vent windows, (3) Four Fender visibility from the driver’s seat,  (4) a concealed gas filler located behind the left rear tail light, and (5) Tubeless Tires.

56 Chevy Options and Prices:

The 56 Chevy was all about options, and the list was extensive.   Some of the more popular options and their prices in 1956 are as follows

• Air Conditioning $ 405.00
• Seat Belt    $10.95
• Power Brake unit    $47.50
• Locking gas cap    $ 2.90
• Electric clock    $17.65
• Compass    $5.95
• Tissue Box    $3.95
• Exhaust Extension $3.25
• Deluxe Heater    $65.00
• Glove Box lite    $ 1.10
• Signal Seeker Radio    $105.00
• Rear Speaker    $12.00
• Electric Shaver    $31.50
• Arm Rest (pr)    $9.50
• Continental Kit    $123.00

56 Chevy, Base Price:

The Base prices ranged from the 150 Series Utility sedan at $1734 to the 2 door Chevy Bel Air Nomad Wagon at $2,608.