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This is our 1956 Chevrolet Belair which we have owned for 24 years. The picture was taken in front of the infamous "Witch's Hat" train station in South Lyon, where we have lived for the last 23 years. Our Chevy is all original aside from the trim rings and center caps that are attached to the original wheels.
The vehicle is a four-door sedan with a 265 cubic inch Power Pack [four barrel carburetor] engine, two speed Power Glide transmission and has dual exhausts. The previous owners of the car were engineers at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford Michigan. They owned the car for a dozen [12] years, and used to drive it to work in the summer from their home in Brighton. They have been retired for a number of years now and live in Arizona. We bought our 1956 Chevy Belair at the Novi 50's Festival. We did not have a classic car at the time, and had no intention of buying a car on that day in late July when we went up to the Festival on a Friday afternoon. My wife and I went in different directions just to look at cars, and after about 30 minutes she hailed me down to show me the car we were buying. I said "What?" She said, "You need a classic car, because you love the 1950s and 1960s time period so much. It will be fun." I agreed and we went to look at the car. I was enthused by it, and had a long conversation with the owners about the car's history. They told me that prior to their ownership, it had sat in a field in North Carolina for many, many years - at the hands of the original [first] owner. They were selling the car, to generate cash to fund restoration of a 1968 Camaro. I asked what it would take to purchase the car, and was advised that a deposit would be necessary with total payment being due by the following Monday. They also mentioned that six other people had left their names, as they were also interested in the car. I was advised that the first person to bring a deposit would get the car. My wife and I said we would be back shortly.
After a brief discussion, we headed to the nearest ATM machine. It was in the high 80s and very humid that day, and there was a large line at the ATM machine. After what seemed like an eternity, it was our turn to use the ATM. To our dismay, our ATM card was just not working despite numerous attempts. We thought it was an omen that we were not supposed to buy the car. Deciding to make one last attempt, the ATM machine finally worked - probably just stress from the heat. To our good fortune, we got back to the car just ahead of another couple who was prepared to buy it. We gave the owners the deposit they requested, and they delivered the car to our house the following Monday morning.
Immediately after purchase, we had the engine and transmission professionally rebuilt. We also installed all new brakes [incl. brake drums], coil and leaf springs, exhausts, mufflers, hoses, master cylinder, brake linings, tires, tail lights, gas tank, etc. As part of the process, we also had the engine compartment and undercarriage freshly detailed. Fortunately for us, the previous owners had restored the entire interior of the car. Over the years, we have periodically freshened up those areas needing it, so that the car stays in tip-top shape. I might note that our 1956 Chevy Belair has not been painted [Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige] in more than 35 years. We have not done so, and neither did the immediate previous owners. We have had the car wheeled out once, but maintain its beautiful lust-re with products purchased through Jay Leno's Garage. They are highly recommended. Our 1956 Chevy Belair has been one of the most enjoyable purchases during our marriage of 48 years. We have enjoyed many shows and events in it, including but not limited to the Woodward Dream Cruise [every year since 1995], attendance at the Sunday Baker's of Milford cruise-in [since day one in the late 1990s as part of original 20 cruisers who started event], Motor Muster, Thursday Cruise-Ins in Depot Town [Ypsilanti], Milford Car Show, several weddings and various parades. On average, we put about 500-600 miles per season on the car. We have met and established cherished friendships with many wonderful people over the years because of our 1956 Chevrolet Belair. We thank God every day for these friendships, and for affording us the honor and privilege to enjoy our beautiful Chevy Belair. Our Chevy Belair is in our trust/will, with our oldest grandson being the recipient as he absolutely loves the car. He is presently in the Army, serving as a CBNR [Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear] specialist. It is comforting to know that our Chevy will be in good hands going forward.
Owner: A. and J. Boucher
City: South Lyon, MI
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