1956 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet

Cleaning Up
from 1955

 

The 1956 Chevrolet received a minor face-lift with a more conventional full-width grille, pleasing those customers who didn’t favor the Ferrari-inspired ’55 front end.

 

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General Year Information

A minor restyling for 1956 Chevrolets included a full-width grille; large, rectangular front parking lamps; new front and rear bumpers and guards (except station wagon guards); inward angled dome-shaped tail lamp lenses set into chrome ribbed decorative housings with backup lamp lens when provided, and the left one held the gas filler – an idea popularized on Cadillacs. New side trim varied by series with the two-tone body side treatments and front and rear wheel openings completing what was called the “Speedline” restyling.

The shapely two-door Nomad wagon topped the price chart at a base price of $2,608 ($28,950 in today’s dollars), but now had the same interior and rear-wheel sheet metal as other Bel Airs, lacking the 1955’s unique trim. Seat belts, shoulder harnesses, and a padded dashboard were available, and all cars could get the Corvette’s 225 horsepower V-8.  Unlike 1955, all 1956 Chevrolets with V-8 power had large V-shaped emblems below the crest ornaments on the hood and rear deck.

The Series 210 club coupe was called the “Del Ray Coupe”. The 150 Utility Coupe was a traditional business coupe and had a single front bench seat with raised stowage compartment platform where the rear seat would be.

A ’56 Bel Air 4-door hardtop, prepared by Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, set a new endurance/speed record fir a “stock” car ascending Pikes Peak.

Models Offered

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Series 150 I-6  & V-8. 150 models had “Chevrolet” on the rear fenders as nameplates, chrome moldings around the windshield and rear window, and a horizontal body side molding. This side strip ran from just behind the headlamp hood crease line to a point below the rear side window, where it was intersected by a slanting sash molding embossed in wind split style.

Standard equipment included a two-spoke steering wheel with horn ring; lockable glove box; dome light and cloth and vinyl upholstery, with all-vinyl on station wagon. The upholstery fabrics and provision for a dashboard ash tray varied per body style, but all had black rubber floor mats and small hub caps as standard features. As base equipment, just one interior sun visor, on the driver’s side, was provided.

 

Series 210 I-6 & V-8.  The 210 Series was Chevrolet’s middle-priced line. 210 Series vehicles had “Chevrolet” as a rear fender nameplate. They had chrome moldings around the windshield and backlight and also on the side windowsills. The side trim was distinctive in that the single horizontal molding swept downward, towards the rear bumper end from the point where the sash molding intersected it below the rear side window.

Exterior and interior details varied per body style, but all models had two sun visors, ash trays and cigarette lighters and richer interior trims. The Del Ray coupe featured deep pile carpets and all vinyl upholstery, while others had vinyl coated rubber floor mats and vinyl and cloth trims. A two-spoke steering wheel with horn ring was fitted. Small hub caps were standard equipment. Specific interior colors were standard, but custom colored upholstery was optional. A new added model was the pillarless four-door hardtop, which was called a Sport Sedan.

BEL AIR SERIES: I-6 & V-8.  The luxurious Bel Air was richly appointed inside and out. “Bel Air” nameplate and the special Bel Air emblem appeared on rear the fenders. The slanting sash molding blended into a horizontal chrome belt that ran toward to the headlamp crease and doubled back, running horizontally to below rear side windows, and then sweeping down towards the rear bumper ends. Chrome wheel covers were standard equipment. There was an extra chrome treatment around and between all windows.

A three-spoke steering wheels and deep-pile carpets was standard on all models, except for the Beauville nine-passenger station wagon. This wagon had vinyl coated rubber floor mats as standard equipment. Exclusive Bel Air models included a convertible and the two-door Nomad station wagon, with its unique two-door hardtop roof treatment. All Bel Airs had electric clocks and lighted, lockable glove compartments.

Engines

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Base I-6: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4200 RPM. Torque 215 ft. lbs @2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°; Overlap: 26°; Lift: 0.4004″. Carburetor: (Powerglide) Rochester one-barrel Model 7009255 (standard shift) Rochester one-barrel Model 7009554.

Base V-8 – with Manual Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 162 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift: 0.334″.  Carburetor: Rochester two-barrel Model 7008387.

Turbo Fire Base V-8 – with Powerglide: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 257 ft. lbs @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 250°, Overlap 50°, Lift: 0.3987″.  Rochester two-barrel model 7008388.

Optional 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 205 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 268 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″.  Carburetor: Carter Type WCFB four-barrel Model 2419S.

Optional Corvette 4-barrel Carburetor V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 210 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 270 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 266 degrees; Exhaust 268 degrees. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Carter Type WCFB four-barrel Model 2419S.

Optional Corvette 225 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 265 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 225 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 270 @ 3600 RPM. Solid Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 266 degrees; Exhaust 268 degrees. Lift: 0.4043″. Five main bearings. Carburetors: 2 Carter Type WCFB four-barrels, Model 2419S (front) and WCFB-2362S (rear).

Significant Options

    • Accelerator cover.
    • Air-conditioner (V-8 only).
    • Arm rests for 150.
    • Autronic Eye.
    • Backup lights.
    • Chrome grille guard.
    • Chrome sill moldings.
    • Compass.
    • Continental wheel carrier.
    • Courtesy lights.
    • Custom Color interior.
    • De-Icing wiper blades.
    • Deluxe heater and defroster.
    • Door edge guards.
    • Door handle shields.
    • Dual electric wipers.
    • Electric clock (standard Bel Air).
    • Electric shaver.
    • Eleven ­inch diameter heavy-duty clutch.
    • Exhaust-extension.
    • Fender guards.
    • Fender top moldings.
    • Floor mats.
    • Full Wheel covers (standard Bel Air).
    • Glove box lamp.
    • Heavy-duty generators.
    • Heavy-duty springs.
    • Insect screen.
    • License plate frames.
    • Lighted cigarette lighter.
    • Locking gas cap.
    • Oil bath air cleaner.
    • Oil filter.
    • Optional colors (paint or convertible top).
    • Outside sun visor.
    • Parking brake signal lamp.
    • Plastic windshield glare shield.
    • Power brakes ($38).
    • Power convertible top.
    • Power seat (except 150).
    • Power steering ($92).
    • Power windows (except 150).
    • Radio antenna.
    • Radios (manual, push button or signal-seeking).
    • Rain deflectors.
    • Rear speaker.
    • Rear view mirror.
    • Recirculating heater and defroster.
    • Right-hand sun visor for 150 Series.
    • Seat covers.
    • Six-cylinder governor.
    • Spotlights.
    • Tinted glass.
    • Tissue dispenser.
    • Tool Kit.
    • Traffic light viewer.
    • Trunk light.
    • Under hood light.
    • Vanity mirror.
    • Ventilated seat pad.
    • Vibrator horn.
    • White wall and overs1de tires.
    • Windshield washers (automatic or foot operated).
    • Wire wheel covers.
    • Wiring junction block.

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1956 Chevrolet

 

  Adobe Beige
  Aztec Copper
  Calypso Cream
  Dawn Gray
  Dune Beige
  Grecian Gold
  Imperial Ivory
  Inca Silver
  Laurel Green
  Laurel Green
  Shoreline Beige
  Sierra Gold
  Tropical Turquoise
  687 Onyx Black
  688 Pinecrest Green
  690 Sherwood Green
  691 Nassau Blue
  693 Dusk Plum
  694 India Ivory
  695 Crocus Yellow
  697 Matador Red
  698 Twilight Turquoise

1956 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values

 

Chassis Features

    • Overall length: wagons: 200.8 inches, all others 197.5 inches.
    • Front tread: 58 inches.
    • Rear tread: 58.9 inches.
    • Width: 72.5 inches
    • Height: 60.5 inches
    • Tires: (station wagons) 6.70 x 15 six-ply on nine-passenger models; (all other models) 6.70 x 15 four-ply; (optional) 7.10 x 15 four-ply.

Powertrain Options

    • V-8 265 cubic 205 horsepower engine engine. ($65).
    • V-8 265 cubic inch 225 horsepower dual 4-barrel cabruretor engine. ($304).
    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard in all models.
    • Overdrive transmission. ($100)
    • Powerglide transmission. ($189).
    • Posi-traction rear axle with 3.36 or 3.55 ratio ($45).

NOTE: Base 2-barrel 265 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.

Powertrains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

  • I-6: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1
  • 265 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.94:1

Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios

  • Where Available: 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd –  1:1, Overdrive 0.70:1, Reverse – 2.94:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

  • I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.55:1;  and Powerglide – 3.36:1;  Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1.
  • 265 CID V-8  SMT – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 4.11:1, Powerglide & Turboglide 3.36:1.

NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.33:1.

Related Documents

Files directly related to the 1956 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:

1956 Chevrolet Deluxe Prestige Brochure

1956 Chevrolet Foldout Brochure

1956 Chevrolet Portrait Print Advertisements

1956 Chevrolet Landscape Print Advertisements

1956 Chevrolet Factory Specifications Sheets

1956 Chevrolet Drive Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1956 Chevrolet Road  Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1956 Chevrolet Road Test – Motor Life Magazine – Coming Soon!

1956 Chevrolet Full-Size Car Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1956 Chevrolet Line will appear below

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible was the only convertible available in 1956. 41,268 buyers snapped them up this year.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan introduced sporty 4-door looks and open air driving. The public at the car up with 103,602 built.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe had been around for a few years, but the sleek looks and great trim resonated with the public with 128,382 delivered.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door sedan was the premier 4-door in the Chevrolet line. It was the second most popular Chevrolet with 269,798 sold.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan was the most upscale 2-door sedan, outstripping the Series 210 Del Ray Coupe in features and sales. 104,849 were delivered.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad wagon is not only iconic, but stylish and opened an era that said wagons did not have to be pedestrian. While only 7,886 were produced, its impact was as if 300,000 were made.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville 4-door wagon

The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Beauville 4-door wagon was a very upscale piece with an interior equal in trim to the Bel Air 4 door sedan. Its price tag limited deliveries, with only 13,268 produced.

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Dashboard

This is the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Dashboard. It differs from the other Series in that it has more bright metal, but the position of instruments and other controls are the same.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Sedan was a new 4-door hardtop offering this year. 20,021 were sold.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Coupe

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Sport Coupe was a less expensive alternative to the Bel Air version. People felt the extra $90 for the upscale car was worth it as only 18,616 were delivered.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Del Ray 2-door sedan was an upscale 210 Series 2-door, sitting between the base 2-door and the Sport Coupe. It featured an upgraded interior (see picture). Its 66,382 deliveries undoubtedly hurt the Sport Coupe sales.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Del Ray Interior

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Del Ray Interior was very stylish.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 4-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 4-door sedan was most popular selection in the entire Chevrolet line with 283,125 delivered.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 2-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 2-door sedan was a supe popular selection in 1956 with 205,545 built.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Beauville 4-door wagon

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Beauville 4-door wagon was the 210 Series 9-passenger offering. 17,988 were produced.

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Townsman 4-door wagon

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Townsman 4-door wagon was the 6-passenger wagon in the 210 Series line. It was the most popular wagon that year, with 113,656 delivered!

1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Handyman 2-door wagon

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 210 Handyman 2-door wagon was the most popular Chevrolet 2-door station wagon this year. 22,038 were sold.

1956 Chevrolet Series 150 4-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 150 4-door sedan was the least expensive 4-door in the line that year. 29,898 were sold.

1956 Chevrolet Series 150 2-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 150 2-door sedan was the lightest 2-door built, next to the Utility Sedan. With minimal trim, it was Chevrolet’s best bargain. 66,416 were produced.

1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Utility 2-door sedan

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Utility 2-door sedan was a salesperson’s ride – or perhaps a utility company’s fleet vehicle. It had no rear seat and was the least expensive 1956 Chevrolet. 11,196 were delivered.

1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Utility 2-door Interior

This image shows the 1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Utility 2-door Interior. Note the flat floor where the rear seat would reside.

1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Handyman 2-door wagon

The 1956 Chevrolet Series 150 Handyman 2-door wagon was the least expensive in the 1956 line at $2,171 for the 6 cylinder version. 17,936 were produced.

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