Burnsy’s 56: The 12-Year Snowball That Conquered Detroit Autorama. Building a world-class Tri-Five is never easy, but for Bruce and Toni Burns, “Burnsy’s 56” was a marathon of persistence.

source.image: ScottieDTV

Technical Specs:

• Engine: 540-ci Big Block Chevy
• Induction: 871 Weiand Supercharger / Holley Carburetion
• Transmission: 4L80E Automatic
• Chassis: Art Morrison with Air Ride

Traveling all the way from Vancouver, British Columbia, this 1956 Chevrolet Wagon arrived at the 2026 Detroit Autorama just two days after the final bolt was turned. A Story of Persistence. What started as a simple project quickly “snowballed” into a 12-year odyssey.

source.image: ScottieDTV

After a first builder went out of business and a second shop failed to meet Bruce’s exacting standards, the decision was made to strip it to the bone and start fresh. The result? Perfection.

The Details. The Powerplant: In a sea of LS swaps, Bruce went old-school muscle. It’s powered by a massive 540-ci Chevy engine featuring a Dart block, Brodix heads, and a hydraulic roller cam—all topped off with a screaming 871 Weiand blower and Holley carbs.

12 Years in the Making!

"Burnsy’s 56" Wagon at the 2026 Detroit Autorama - YouTube

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12 Years in the Making! "Burnsy’s 56" Wagon at the 2026 Detroit Autorama ScottieDTV

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The Stance: It sits perfectly on an Art Morrison Air Ride suspension, giving this long-roof the aggressive profile it deserves. The Secrets: While the left taillight houses the classic fuel filler, the right taillight hides a modern twist—opening to reveal the master kill switch and fuse panel.