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1956 Chevy Description |
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1956 Chevrolet had delivered. Cole's concept of
a "fresh start" in design and performance translated into a
"blank canvas" for the driving public. From a seemingly
limitless combination of colors for exteriors and interiors, down to a
Continental kit for mounting the spare tire on the stern; from optional
front-loaded, factory-installed air conditioning to electric seat and
window controls-the owner was given a palette with which to customize or
personalize his or her own set of wheels. As proclaimed in its advertisements, Chevy
truly had come up with "THE HOT ONE," setting production, sales
and profits records with its breakthrough '55s. But what does one do for
an encore? For 1956, Chevrolet management elected to
fine tune many of the features it had introduced with the 55s. Many of
these refinements took place under the hood, coaxing more power from the
lightweight, high-revving 265ci V-8 engine. Swapping a four-barrel
carburetor for the standard two-barrel one provided an additional 25
horsepower. This Power Pack package, rated at 205hp, incorporated a new,
high-lift camshaft and boosted the compression ratio from 8:1 to 9.25:1. A
hybrid V-8, rated at 225hp at 5,200 rpm, featured dual, four-barrel
carburetors with aluminum intake manifold and dual exhausts. Incidentally,
the "Blue Flame" straight six block, now tweaked up to 140hp,
was still available for the traditionalists. A heavy duty clutch was substituted when
the Power Pack was used in conjunction with a manual transmission; a full
flow oil filter was introduced and moved from atop the engine to the
bottom rear of the block; hydraulic lifters became standard components;
the voltage regulator was waterproofed; the generator mount was
strengthened to reduce vibration, and a larger, 53 amp/hr battery became
standard equipment. The car was reworked to provide a soft, smooth ride
that ironed out the bumps, produced less vibration, less noise from the
engine, reduced interior noise and cut back on the whine associated with
an automatic transmission. Turn signals moved from the options to the
standard equipment column. A padded dash, seat belts and shoulder harness;
three radio options; power brakes; foot-operated or automatic windshield
washer; non-glare rear view mirror, and automatic headlight dimmer were
some of the popular options offered. The basic models carried over from 1955,
along with the introduction of a four-door hardtop into the 210 and Bel
Air lines. Body length was extended to 197.5 inches overall-attributable
to the lower and longer hood, coupled with reshaped and flared rear fender
openings that contributed to the longer body. A new side trim treatment
made for interesting applications of the 14 two-tone color combinations or
10 solid shades. The eggcrate grille, which drew mixed reviews in 1955,
was replaced with a lower, full-width chrome unit that terminated with
restyled, rectangular parking lights all giving the illusion of greater
width. The rear fender acquired a notched configuration (a hint of the
fins that would follow in '57) with triangular, wraparound taillight
housing. The gas filler cap was hidden behind the driver's side taillight
which rotated downward at the release of a lever, and a large chromed V
(indicating the V-8 power plant) appeared on the front hood and rear deck
under the Chevrolet emblem. Inside, the design was pretty much a
carryover from 1955. Horizontal lines on the dash replaced the stainless
steel multiple "bow tie" insert in the 1955s; the double-bubble
configuration for driver's side speedometer, automatic transmission
indicator and gauges and passenger side clock and speaker were repeated. A
three-spoke steering wheel with Chevy emblem on the hub was a new feature
While many car enthusiasts consider the 1956 Chevrolet model year a
transition between the breakthrough '55s and the major facelift given the
'57s--production and demand remained brisk. The 150 Series, Chevy's basic and more
austere line, was again available in six or eight cylinders, in two-door
or four-door sedans and two-door station wagon. 171,964 units were
manufactured with base sticker prices pegged at $1,797 to $2,241. The middle of the line 210 Series, six or
eight cylinder, repeated its two-door and four-door sedans, two- and
four-door station wagons, two-door club coupe, two-door hardtop sport
coupe and the new four-door hardtop sport sedan. Depending on the model
and engine size, basic prices ranged from $1,883 to $2,418. The premium Bel Airs, also carrying a six-
or eight-cylinder block, were offered in a two- or four-door sedan, two-
or four-door station wagon, two-door convertible or hardtop sport coupe
and the new four-door hardtop. Prices ranged from $1,996 to $2,678.
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