409-’56

Actually, the title’s not completely accurate. It should read “412-’56,” because today’s subject’s engine has been pushed a few extra cubic inches. Since we’re already here, let’s take a look at this one by the numbers.

This 1956 Chevrolet sedan weighs 3,150 pounds and uses its 412 cubic inch, 415 horsepower V8 with two four-barrels and Muncie four-speed to charge down the 1,320 in a little over 12 seconds at 115 miles per hour. That’s impressive.

The man behind the machine was the late Eric Avril of Montrose, California. From what I’ve collected, he was a master tuner and an all around nice guy. In the car’s earliest configuration, he and Rex Carson—a highly skilled engine builder—dropped a 348 Chevy between the rails and went racing. This wasn’t enough for the speed hungry pair, and by 1968 the car was running the dual-quad 412 beneath its fiberglass front clip.

Sure, this car was a performer at the track, but there’s no denying that it has the sizzle to back up the steak. Avril’s ’56 is a classic example of how little tri-fives need to take on an aggressive, competition look. Other than the gracefully radiused rear wheelwells and fiberglass hood scoop, the bodywork is essentially stock. Polished Americans are used on all four corners, and in the back, the wheels are wrapped in 10.00 x 15 M&H piecrust slicks. When combined with “Molydate Orange” lacquer and a narrow-pleated naugahyde interior (complete with tach on dash), the car is a definitive street/strip standout. And in this case, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Would you?

—Joey Ukrop

Photos from Popular Hot Rodding, April 1968

Note: For more about Rex Carson and Eric Avril, click here