Built to impress from every angle, this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible takes one of the most recognizable shapes in American history and elevates it with modern performance, precision craftsmanship, and a show-quality finish. Restored by Tony's Rod Shop of Maryville, Tennessee, and later enhanced by its current owner, it stands today as a refined, fully sorted Tri-Five that blends old-school cool with world-class execution.
The body was stripped, massaged, and blocked to perfection before being refinished in Viper Red clearcoat. Every panel shows crisp reflections, and the smoothed cowl, firewall, and one-piece bumpers give the profile a cleaner, more deliberate flow. Polished Bel Air trim and a chrome grille maintain the car's factory character, while dual mirrors and 18-inch front, 20-inch rear Billet Specialties five-spoke wheels give it a confident stance. Every detail speaks to the precision and consistency carried throughout the build.
Beneath the hood, the theme continues. The LS7 V8 was detailed and refinished in matching red, complemented by polished accessories and neatly hidden plumbing. In factory form, this aluminum-block 7.0L delivers 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, but presentation is the real showstopper. From the polished PRC radiator, serpentine drive, and Spectre air system to the ceramic-coated long tube headers and MagnaFlow exhaust, every component contributes to the car's smooth, high-performance character. Power is sent through a 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission to a braced Strange 9" rear axle with 3.55 gearing and a limited-slip differential, all supported by an Art Morrison chassis finished in gray.
The Art Morrison frame integrates tubular control arms, coilover suspension, sway bars front and rear, and power rack-and-pinion steering for modern handling and feedback. Stainless fuel and exhaust systems trace the car's length with symmetry, and every component shows the same level of care found in the bodywork above. Wilwood disc brakes with drilled rotors and red calipers round out a chassis built to perform as beautifully as it presents.
Inside, Steve Holcomb's Pro Auto Custom Interior gives the car its finishing touch. The custom leather cabin pairs bright red hides with silver inserts and contrast dual-stitching, carrying a clean two-tone theme. Bucket seats with power adjustment flank a custom full-length console fitted with power window switches, cup holders, and billet accents. A matching red dash houses Classic Instruments gauges, billet trim, controls for modern air conditioning, and a Custom Autosound radio, while a billet and leather-wrapped steering wheel sits on a polished tilt column. LED lighting, billet handles, and Daytona-weave carpet complete the environment, giving the interior a tailored look that matches the craftsmanship seen throughout the rest of the build.
This Bel Air is a respectful modernization of a timeless shape, reengineered for performance, reliability, and the kind of visual impact that stops people in their tracks. With its LS7 power, Art Morrison chassis, and fully refreshed cosmetics, it is a ready-to-show cruiser that delivers the best of both worlds: the heritage of a Tri-Five and the precision of a modern build.
Key Highlights
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
