Street Feature: Bill Thornton’s LS Powered ‘56 Chevy Is Just Right

1200-141This black and red ’56 Chevy stands out in a show right away because of its sleek and modest exterior styling. The colors match well with the bright chrome and it isn’t overdone with extra add-ons or significant body modifications. It’s just a well done and good looking build. The thing that makes this car really stand out is the way things look under the hood.

Sure, your standard LS platform engine has a good look to it, but not quite as good a look as the custom engine cover gives this car. The cover matches the aesthetic nicely and makes use of an emblem off of a ’56 Chevy. It has a custom look that also fits really well with the 50’s styling of the car. Beyond just the cool engine cover: the smoothed firewall, clean area around the engine, and the chrome components make for a really attractive engine bay.

1200-137This ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air belongs to Bill Thornton of Issaquah, Washington. The engine under the hood is a 480 horsepower LS3 that is fixed to a Tremec 6-speed transmission and Ford 9-inch rearend. It also has been upgraded with Wilwood brakes so it’s not only made to get up and go, but also slow down and stop just as quickly.

The Billet Specialties wheels go nicely with the exterior while the custom leather interior complements the overall build with a touch of luxury. Bucket seats and the center console give it the feel of a modern car, with the style and aesthetic of something much cooler. It also features Dakota Digital gauges and an upgraded audio system.

The ride has also been improved with Viking shocks and Heidts upper and lower tubular control arms. “I did all the work on this car by check,” Bill told us. “The ’56 is my favorite classic Chevy.” It’s an impressive car and something to be proud of, and it looks like Bill has done it just right.

If you want your car or truck to be a part of our Street Feature series, all you have to do is shoot us an email and tell us about your ride and we will make it happen.

About the author

Kyler Lacey

A 2015 Graduate from Whitworth University, Kyler has always loved cars. He grew up with his dad's '67 Camaro in the garage and started turning wrenches at a young age. At seventeen, he bought his first classic, a '57 Chevy Bel Air four-door, and has since added a '66 Plymouth Valiant and '97 Cadillac Deville to his collection. When he isn't writing for Power Automedia, he's out shooting pictures at car shows, hiking in the forests of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, or working on something in the garage.
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