The Hot Rod Hoarder talks about the ultra-clean ’56 Chevy that is a blast from the past with only 100 miles on the odometer.

The year is 1964. I want to hold your hand by the Beatles is the number one song on the radio and Flip Hargrave, a 19-year-old, is working at Nall Chevrolet in Iowa City as a detail boy. A beautiful 1956 Chevrolet with an original, but reliable, 256 small block comes in and Mr. Hargrave falls in love and purchases the vehicle for a total sum of $51.

This type of nostalgia is exactly what the Hot Rod Hoarder YouTube Channel loves to share with its viewers. In their latest video, they discover probably one of the lowest mileage 1950s Chevy survivor cars and the amazing story behind this rare piece of American history.

Flip Takes The 1956 Chevrolet To The Speed Shop

Unimpressed with the power output of the stock Chevy small block, Flip decided to bring the car to the Lawrence Brothers Speed Shop, where they put in GM Duntov high-performance solid lift cam kit on it.

In addition, they added some Corvette components such as distributor covers, valve covers, a 2-4 intake and carburetor setup, as well as a Corvette three-speed transmission with an aluminum flywheel and NHRA-approved RC Industries blow-proof bell housing.

The Lawrence Brothers Garage also fitted the car with Mickey Thompson high-compression pistons and a custom 9-quart oil pan. The car also features 4.56 gears in the rear.

The Modified Classic Chevrolet Sits Patiently

Our host tells us that in February of 1967, Flip’s deployment sent him overseas and the car went into storage. In fact, the only thing Mr. Hargrave had to cover the car was a military parachute, which we’re told is still in the trunk to this day.

Our presenter continues on, saying that Mr. Hargrave owned the car until 2020 and that the new owner believes it only had about 100 miles on it. He says that the lettering on the side of the vehicle which says “Up tight” and “Out O’ sight” was hand painted by Mr. Hargrave’s wife.

A Period Correct Masterpiece Classic Chevy

Our host tells us that due to the modifications completed at the time that it is very hard to tell if this was a Chevy Bel Air or 210. With so many of the trim pieces removed from the vehicle, it is difficult to tell. What we do know is that this perfectly preserved vehicle is a time capsule into Flip Hargrave’s world view of 1964 and that makes this classic something truly special.