Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing/396ci V8 700R4 Trans/1969 Chevelle Undercarriage

1956 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery

The Sedan Delivery (also sometimes referred to as a Panel Delivery), for the uninitiated, is a relatively obscure body style of a van built on a car chassis. Typically, these take the form of a station wagon body, but with steel panels where the rear windows would be. Historically, sedan deliveries had two doors, but modern versions typically have four. In the beginning, back when it was enough just to have four wheels and an engine, all light duty trucks were essentially sedan deliveries. A Model T with a car body was a car; one with a truck body was a truck. Even up until the 1940's, light duty trucks were basically beefed up versions of their donor car chassis (Model TT, AA, and BB, continuing the Ford analogy).

For consignment, in truth this merely looks like a 1956 Chevy as the body was dropped on the frame of a 1969 Chevelle SS396, giving it the moves of one of the greatest muscle cars of all time without affecting its utility. Blackened side windows now panels, some snappy 15 inch Cragar matte grays on all 4 corners, and a lack of a lot of chrome bling trimmings, it's a bit scary to think this car will deliver, but it does in many ways!

Exterior
Cloaking it in black is exactly the right choice, because this car doesn't want to take prisoners, and the finish work ensures that nobody thinks it's still working for a living. A ton of money has been spent on this project, and while it's a few years old now, the black paint still shines up well and the flat surfaces that would ordinarily advertise your business are reflective enough to shave in each morning. All the original '56 Chevy trim was retained, and the restrained look of this particular panel delivery is a big part of its appeal. Bright chrome bumpers, a nice-looking grille, and just a single strip of stainless trim on the flanks gives it a traditional look that's helped by the slight rake and old school Cragars. Delivery!!! Delivery for Classic Auto Mall!!!

Interior
When you climb inside, you'll find swiveling 1977 Monte Carlo bucket seats wrapped in black and silver that certainly contribute to the muscle car vibe. Matching door panels work well with the slick monochromatic look, and the dash is a mixture of old and new, with original 1956 gauges augmented by a dash-mounted tach and auxiliary gauges built into the dash. Cold A/C helps make this a cruiser you can truly take anywhere, including cross-country and an AM/FM/Cassette stereo helps to pass the time. A tilt steering column and what looks like a vintage Tuff Wheel add a racy look, as does the T-handle B&M shifter which is ideally placed for gear changes. The cargo area is fully upholstered, offering black carpets on the floors and custom silver Chevrolet bowties on the side panels, along with nicely integrated speakers for the stereo system.

Drivetrain
The stout 396 cubic inch V8 power plant already with plenty of chutzpah, it's augmented with a new Summit Racing 750 cfm carb, Edelbrock intake, and a set of long-tube headers that bolster its already robust torque curve. Aside from the tall air cleaner, it looks fairly OEM in there, right down to the Chevrolet orange paint on the block and chrome valve covers. It's backed by a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end so it was clearly designed to be driven.

Undercarriage
As previously mentioned, underneath it's all 1969 Chevelle SS396, including the Chevelle's front suspension, power disc brakes, and coil-spring rear suspension, it rides and handles better than you'd expect. Some patina but all looking very solid and rust free under here.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and a surprising amount of power which seems to go on and on with this engine. It was definitely not expected, and handling and bias free braking was second to none. A smooth cruiser, head turner, and all functioning interior accoutrements, return to sender!

All buttoned up and modified to handle like it's on rails with the Chevelle underpinnings, although above looking the mild mannered 1956 Sedan Delivery. No phone booth necessary to turn this everyday delivery into a Superman...Look up in the sky!!!..actually on the test track at Classic Auto Mall...

VIN DECODE
D56F179513
D-1508 Series Sedan Delivery
56-1956
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
179513-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.