FEATURED TRI FIVE CHEVY
Edward Brussel
1956 Bel Air
A TRIBUTE TO DAD
My sister was born in 1960 and I was born in 1963. We both came home from the hospital in our father’s 1956 Bel Air. A new Chevy replaced the Bel Air in 1964, but the memories and stories of his 56’ lasted for decades. The 56 Bel Air was my father’s first new car and always remained his favorite. We heard stories about the Bel Air from his days in the Army. There was a building on base where he would wash it on weekends. Stories of vacations, moving to South Florida, and of course when my uncle borrowed the car and ran into the back of a city bus. We still cannot believe my father let his 18 year old nephew borrow that car. Dad’s office was always full of pictures, posters and models of cars and featured the 56’ most prominently. How many times over the years did we hear, “I wish I had that car back.” Sadly, in September of 2020, Dad passed away at 87 years old. A few months later, in December, I decided to spend an evening looking at cars on the internet. I am partial to the 57’, but something made me look up the 56’. To my surprise, there was a fully restored 56 Bel Air, 2 door, post, Sherwood green and Pinecrest green with green-on-green interior. I sent pictures to my uncle; yes, the one who ran into the bus, and he verified that was just like Dad’s. After a brief conversation with the seller, the car was mine. Not Dad’s car, but its twin. My father’s name was Howard, but at an early age his sister called him Buddy and it stuck. In honor of my father, we call my car Buddy the Bel Air. I wish I could open my garage door and toss Dad the keys. As much as I wish Dad could see my Bel Air, somehow, I know that he saw it before I did. When I go out for a drive it’s always nice to spend time with Buddy.
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