170 bhp, 265.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115.0 in.

When you’ve got a winner, how do you top it? Well, Chevrolet’s ad agency figured out a way. “The Hot One,” as the 1955 V-8 had been dubbed, “is even hotter.” So read the ads for 1956. This was referring to the high-compression, four-barrel, dual exhaust, Power Pack option, which now developed 205 brake horsepower, courtesy of higher compression, or 225 with two carburetors. The original “Hot One” managed only 180. But even the basic V-8 in 1956 had been up-rated, now giving 170 brake horsepower with Powerglide.

The 1956 Chevrolets were mildly restyled, largely in response to dealer complaints that the ’55s had looked a bit bland. Harley Earl obliged and gave the new models a healthy helping of chrome. Some esthetes thought it was overdone, but the proof came in the sales figures: market share improved from 16 to 28 percent.

This tidy 1956 Bel Air Convertible has the two-barrel, 170 brake horsepower V-8, coupled to the venerable and trustworthy Powerglide automatic. Power accessories were becoming more popular in the low-priced field, as evidenced by this car’s power steering. Other options include an AM radio and a Chevrolet tissue dispenser. The contours, paint, and chrome are all in excellent condition, and the doors shut well and have even gaps. The interior is done in two-tone vinyl OEM material, reprising the blue and white colors of the body. A contrasting vinyl boot covers the white vinyl top when it is down.

The black chassis frame and green underbody corroborate its body-off restoration. The car is very clean underneath, and the engine compartment is similarly sanitary and detailed. It rides on Coker Classic radial whitewalls, nicely complemented with faux wire wheel covers, which is an original accessory. Additional accessories include bumper guards, seat belts, a heater, dual side view mirrors, and a clock, to name a few. Chevrolet reigned as number one in 1956. It is easy to see why.