Summary

Amazing restoration and attention to detail went into turning this '56 Chevy into a period-correct American muscle car. The heart of this machine is a purpose built 1969 350 V8 with a '68 Z/28 close-ratio 4-speed and a Chevrolet 10-bolt rear axle.

Details

Amazing restoration and attention to detail went into turning this beautiful '56 Chevrolet into a period-correct American muscle car. This '56 Chevrolet Bel Air 2 door post is currently owned by Jim Perkins, who is the retired General Manager of Chevrolet Motor Division, V.P. of General Motors and is currently associated with Hendrick Motorsports. This '56 represents the ultimate choice for a '60s style Tri-Five Hot Rod, starting with Chevrolet's lightest model, the 2 door post and borrowing parts from GM muscle of that era. The heart of this machine is a purpose built 1969 350 V8 assembled with a Traco steel crank and forged pistons, ported and polished heads, a '69 Z/28 intake manifold, Corvette dual-point distributor system, Crane cam and rockers, a '68 Z/28 close-ratio 4-speed and a Chevrolet 10-bolt rear axle with 3.70 posi-traction gears. Originally restored in India Ivory over Matador Red, this car was freshened up in 2003. Beyond its excellent restoration, it features all the essential Hot Rod improvements of the time, such as a period-correct Sun tach and under-dash coolant temp, battery volts and oil pressure gauges, and a Hurst shifter. Custom upgrades include power front disc brakes with 11' rotors and power steering for every day comfort and drivability. This car was featured in the spring 2004 edition of the Rodder's Journal as part of a 16 page story on the life Jim Perkins and his love of cars. Included with the car as proof of Jim Perkin's ownership, are registrations dating back to 2003 and receipts, also included are the previous owner registrations back to 1991.