A well-executed restomod can make an old car considerably easier to live with without erasing the qualities that made it desirable in the first place. This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air appears to have taken that philosophy very seriously.
RM Sotheby’s is offering the custom coupe, and virtually every major mechanical component has been replaced or upgraded. The result combines unmistakable 1950s Chevrolet styling with a modern supercharged V8, independent suspension, air ride, and contemporary cabin technology.
Considerable money was spent getting it to this point, too. RM Sotheby’s says the body and paint work alone accounted for over $120,000 of the build.
That should give prospective buyers some idea of the level of investment involved before they even open the hood. Whoever takes it home will be getting something far removed from a stock Bel Air.
525 Horses Live Under The Hood
Power comes from a supercharged Chevrolet Performance 6.2-liter LSA V8 rated at 525 horsepower. It’s paired with a Chevrolet Performance 6L80-E SuperMatic six-speed automatic transmission, with approximately 500 miles accumulated on the drivetrain since the build was completed.
The original chassis is gone as well. In its place sits a Roadster Shop REVO Stage III setup with fully independent front and rear suspension and an AccuAir E-Level adjustable air-ride system.
Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes with hydro-boost assistance provide the stopping power. Custom Forgeline Rallye wheels measure 18×8 inches up front and 18×10 inches at the rear.
Over $120,000 Went Into The Body And Paint
The body was removed from the chassis during restoration before undergoing extensive metal finishing and bodywork. RM Sotheby’s describes the finished panels as having “laser-straight” body lines and says more than $120,000 was invested in the body and paint alone.
A green and cream two-tone finish keeps the exterior suitably period-inspired. Brushed-metal-look grille components, bumpers, and trim give the classic Chevrolet a slightly more contemporary edge without dramatically changing its character.
The Cabin Is Thoroughly Modernized
Inside, the Bel Air gets a custom Saddle interior with bucket seats and a full-length center console. A machined aluminum switch panel controls the power windows, vents, and interior LED lighting.
There’s also a digital gauge cluster, Ididit steering column, a custom steering wheel, and an Alpine touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the trunk has received custom upholstery.
There’s One Important Paperwork Detail
RM Sotheby’s notes that the car’s current VIN could require inspection or a state-issued replacement VIN depending on where the next owner registers it, which makes the paperwork worth investigating before bidding.
Otherwise, this is an exceptionally comprehensive take on the classic Bel Air formula. With six figures spent on the exterior alone, however, nobody should expect this particular slice of 1950s Americana to come cheaply.