Chevy 283 didn't come out till 1957 according to a search on the Internet.
Since you have the second series, I have read that this is when Chevrolet started putting a VIN on the frame.
I never researched this myself so you should check.
Some state DMVs may check for the VIN frame stamp before issuing a new title.
Also insurance companies MAY fault your claim if the VIN is missing or wrong (think you swapped frames).