Ralph and Sandi Russe 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Hardtop

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I found this car via the internet in Sunnyvale, Ca. and bought it in Feb. 2001 for $6500, from Abe Martinez whose daughter drove it to school. The ODO showed 56,000 miles, which I assume was 156,000 miles because it was 45 years old then! The VIN indicates the car was built in LA. The body was solid but showed some rust on the top of both rear fenders by the back window, and in the left side of the trunk floor. The old V8 ran but the power glide tranny slipped so badly I trailered it home to Santa Rosa. I had a car club friend install a 700R-4 AOD in June 2001. I started removing all the glass, chrome, and stainless trim in July. I turned the car over to the body man in August for repair and painting. The colors are Summitt White over Calypso Green Metallic, inside and out, costing me $3800. During January and February of 2002, I had the new glass installed, then I installed the chrome and stainless myself. Next the car was upholstered in March of '02, and included a new tilt back front bench seat. The entire interior is gray sheared velvet nylon fabric and gray cloth headliner and carpeting, done in one week in his garage! Next came the suspension system in April. All wearing joints and bushings were replaced, and front disc brakes were installed. A set of Michelin 15" X Radial tires on new chrome rims were installed on my way home. I was finally able to drive and enjoy my '56 for the first time during the Spring/Summer of 2002! But during that time, I came to the conclusion that the present V-8 engine just wasn't enough power for me. So, during August 2002, I had my car club friend install a Mr. Goodwrench 350 engine with an Edelbrock Performer manifold with a 600 cfm carb, Sanderson Headers, and a chrome 100 amp alternator! The car drives wonderfully and I can cruise down the highway at 70 MPH with the crowd. Today the ODO registers 64,000 miles. The longest trip we have taken was a 1200 mile round trip to Santa Rosa and back in 2008. This is the 4th '56 Chevy I've owned and I think I enjoy it the most of any of them.