Once in a great while, cars come in here that are fanatically over-done, executed to such a high standard that the cost of the build far outweighs the market value of the car, and are so perfect that their owners can’t bear the thought of putting them on the road. This 1956 Chevrolet 210 coupe is such a car incredibly detailed, well-executed, and just over-the-top gorgeous in every single way. The builder said he just doesn’t have the time to display it like it deserves, and wants it to go to a new owner who will show it and reap the spoils of his labor. Having seen the car up close, I don’t think it will be all that difficult to earn a garage full of trophies with this piece. And since it was finished just a few months and 774 miles ago, it has not been shown or judged, so the new owner will be the first to debut this awesome machine.

The first thing I noticed about this car is the glowing blue iridescent paint, so I asked the owner about it. Apparently, he spent more than $3500 just on paint samples to blend up that mixture of candies, pearls, and metallics from a variety of manufacturers (including Lamborghini) before arriving at that particular shade. He wanted it to look like it glowed like neon, and I think he’s succeeded brilliantly. Honestly, the photos just don’t do it justice, there’s so much depth and luminescence to the paint that no camera can adequately capture it. I would definitely describe it as having an inner glow. The pearl white sections are equally brilliant, creating a spectacular contrast that looks great on the old Chevy curves. Ultimately Wentz’s Hot Rod Restorations in Alliance, Ohio applied 4 coats of candy color on there, topped by 10 coats of clear that were color sanded and buffed to an incredible shine, and I mean incredible. This car has “Best Paint” awards covering every inch of its body.

Of course, amazing paint is worthless unless it is applied over flawless bodywork, and on that count, again, the builder has achieved near-perfection. With most original body panels, this ’56 is incredibly straight and clean, with only the rockers and deck lid replaced during the construction. Panel gaps are exceptional, the doors open and close effortlessly, the trunk latches gently, and this is one of the best-assembled shoebox Chevys I’ve seen in a long, long time.

Chrome and trim is better than factory new. The front bumper is a 1-piece California custom unit replacing the original for a smooth yet subtle hot rod look, while the rear is a 3-piece factory piece. The stainless was straightened and buffed to perfection. A few items were removed, such as the badges on the nose and decklid, but for the most part, the original trim was retained and does a spectacular job of getting this car noticed. Glass is all-new throughout, and up front you’ll notice that the headlights are now modern HID (high intensity discharge you know, those bluish lights you see on high-end luxury cars) units. Out back, the original taillights were upgraded with LED units for a stock look with a decidedly high-tech twist.

Under the hood you’ll discover a hand-fabricated engine bay, with custom sheet metal panels surrounding the engine, a custom radiator cradle, and a smoothed firewall. Note the use of polished stainless button-head bolts all around, and the matching ball-milled valve covers, air cleaner, and master cylinder lid, tying everything together nicely. The engine itself is a GM crate motor supplied by ATK Racing and generating 325 horsepower. It sports GM Performance aluminum heads, an Edelbrock intake and a polished Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor up top. Ceramic coated headers handle exhaust duties with a minimum of fuss, dumping into a true dual 2.5-inch exhaust system with Flowmasters that has also been ceramic coated for durability and great looks. The new hood hinges have been plated, the radiator is fully polished, and the owner went to great lengths to hide all the wiring and hoses even the radiator overflow tank was relocated to inside the right front wheel well. As the owner says, he wanted the engine to be the highlight of the engine bay, and to stand out like sculpture. As with his vision for the paint, he has succeeded there.

Oh, it’s so amazing to look at, I almost forgot to mention how well it drives. With 774 miles on it, the car has been fully sorted and is ready to go immediately. Turn the key and it fires up instantly and idles perfectly. There are no flat spots in the power curve, and the transmission snaps through the gears with precision. Click the floor-mounted switch and it drops into overdrive, making high-speed highway cruising a pleasure. The 4-wheel disc brakes haul this cruiser down like a modern car, and the upgraded suspension rides like a much newer car. This is a no-compromises piece that can be shown or driven with confidence.

The chassis is just as well detailed as the engine bay. As I said, the body is all solid GM steel, including the floors, and they have been finished on a rotisserie to the same standards as the rest of the body. The frame was stripped bare, sandblasted, then powdercoated satin black for a great bit of contrast. The front suspension is a Heidt’s tubular A-arm setup that rides extremely well, and features a set of 2-inch drop spindles and some lowering springs for a perfect stance. Out back, the Currie 9-inch Ford features 3.75 gears and Trac-Lok, suspended by a set of coilovers and an Art Morrison 4-link setup. Look closer and you’ll see the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is augmented by a Gear Vendors overdrive unit controlled by the former high-beam switch on the floor under the drivers left foot. You may have also noticed the mini tubs out back for holding those giant 18×10 Foose billet wheels, stitched together so carefully you have to be an expert to spot the modifications. There’s also a Camaro disc brake at each corner, and a Flaming River power rack-and-pinion handles directional duties. Tires are Toyos Proxes, with 225/55/17s up front and fat 285/40/18s out back.

As spectacular as the body and drivetrain are on this car, the interior borders on art. Done by the brilliant craftsmen at Portage Trim, the owner calls it Tuscan leather, and there are textured inserts designed to look like ostrich skin. Overall, the color is rich and luxurious, and the immediate impression you get when you first look inside is more high-end German luxury than mid-50s Americana. Then you look closer and start to see the incredible detailing that abounds. Look at the door panels, and the pattern established there that repeats itself in the leather headliner, featuring more of that ostrich skin leather. The bench isn’t out of a truck or van, but is an aftermarket assembly that is incredibly comfortable not just foam with leather over it, but real springs and cushions with a metal frame just like OEM and every bit as comfortable. Photographer Jeff claimed he could travel across the country comfortably in this car, and I’m inclined to share his opinion. This is one comfortable driver’s compartment.

Look around some more. I especially like the carpets, which are woven German wool, more like a berber than the cut pile you usually see, and the effect against the leather is striking. All the edges are bound in matching Tuscan leather, and it will be amazingly durable and easy to maintain if you choose to put this car into regular service (after you’ve collected all your trophies, that is). Look at the dashboard, too. You’ll first note the billet insert that continues the ball-milled theme that started in the engine bay. The tilt steering column is by Flaming River, and it’s topped by a Billet Specialties wheel that’s wrapped in more leather. The gauges are from Classic Instruments and are expressly designed for this dashboard. In front of the passenger, there’s a clock that keeps excellent time, and the controls for the Vintage Air heat and defrost, the radio, power windows, and the Gear Vendors overdrive unit are cleverly concealed inside the center glove box. Handles are also from Billet Specialties.

The trunk has been upholstered to match, and features cleverly integrated hinged compartments on each side, as well as an access panel for the stereo system and Optima gel cell battery. Even the hinges were covered in Tuscan leather for a fully finished look if they give out a trophy for “Best Trunk” then I think this car is a lock for it. Look again at the wheel tubs, since you’ll recall I mentioned how they have been subtly widened. It sure looks stock, doesn’t it? Finally, the gas tank is stashed below the floor and the gas filler hump was removed to clean up the area.

I’ve said it before and I’m repeating it here rods are all about the componentry. A top-flight rod will have expert craftsmanship, but the very best and those that have the highest value will also come with an extensive paper trail outlining the parts and techniques that went into the vehicles construction. As one of the very nicest shoebox Chevys we’ve ever seen, this one fits the bill with a three-inch-thick stack of receipts for every nut, bolt, and part that went into the construction of the finished product. There are also build photos, the original body and VIN tags from this California car, and manuals for all the components. With this documentation, you will know this car almost as well as the man who built it. That’s true peace of mind with a hot rod.

I’ve made no bones about the gorgeous Larkspur Blue 1957 Chevy coupe we had being one of my favorites, but sadly, I have to admit that this one blows it away. I have seldom seen these cars equal, and if it had Chip Fooses or the late, great Boyd Coddington’s name attached to it, I would not be a bit surprised. It’s that nice. Fully documented, completely custom, and tastefully done, this ’56 210 is a winner in every way except on the show field. For that, all it needs is a new owner willing to take it out and let the public gawk at it. The trophies are yours; all you have to do is call.