A nicely restyled body made Chevy news in 1956, while all model series nomenclature (150, 210, Bel Air) carried over unchanged. The Stovebolt six remained standard and the coveted 265 V-8 was again an option. But power-hungry buyers were treated to an even greater V-8, first in the form of the “Super Turbo-Fire” 265, rated at a then-hefty 205 horses. This smoking small-block was followed in January 1956 by a dual-carburetor option, a 225-horse screamer borrowed from the Corvette. Getting to 60 mph from rest required a scant 8.9 seconds, a sensational achievement for the day, especially at the price: $2,450.

A stylish four-door hardtop model joined the Bel Air lineup in 1956, bringing the body style count to seven. Along with the classic two-door Nomad wagon, repeat styles included two- and four-door sedans, two-door hardtops and convertibles, and a four-door station wagon.