1955 Chevrolet 210 SedanThe Chevrolet Two-Ten, or 210, was the midrange model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 to 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number...
1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan
The Chevrolet Two-Ten, or 210, was the midrange model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 to 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number (2100) by one digit in order to capitalize on the 1950s trend toward numerical auto names. The numerical designation '"210"' was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline DeLuxe model available in previous years. The Two-Ten was discontinued after the 1957 model year to be replaced by the Biscayne. The Two-Ten shared the wedge-shaped side trim with the Bel Air, but unlike the Bel Air (which had the wedge filled with an aluminum trim panel) the Two-Ten's wedge was painted either body color, or top color with the optional two-tone paint package. "Chevrolet" in script was mounted inside the wedge.
If you are thinking about owning a classic Chevrolet form the mid 1950's, you know something you can hop into and go for a cruise down to your local McDonalds (it started in 1955) or just wasting gas cruising listening to ”Dem Bums” finally winning the world series, or maybe showing off your squeeze's new buckle tab blouse or dyed squirrel clutch cape, all in near showroom style, then this 210 will grab you and never let go. Painstakingly restored, a bigger V8 swapping out the original V6, and tastefully done interior, line up for cruise night.
Exterior
Bathed in Air Force blue with a very light blue top, this two toner car had hours of work done to get the panels just right. We can see some dimpling and areas of dulling in the paint, a few surfaces have some filler and slight bubbling, but otherwise good. Same for all the chrome, badging and brite work, as it is mostly shiny, straight, and shows slight light rusting mini spots on the taillight bezels. Glass is clean and believed to be original and of course all curved. The two-side spear trim pieces are straight as arrows, and shoot their way from the rear quarter, to the doors, ending near the consistent gap between the front and rear doors. Also, for kicks let's throw on some trimmings just for the gas filler cover, because its 1955. On all 4 corners are 210 center caps all chromed up and wrapped by wide whites all around.
Interior
Step into the time machine Peabody and Sherman, as we open the door, we are met with styling right out of 1955 and all correct I might add. Smooth as silk black vinyl covers the door panels and they sport a descending trim piece separating the cranks and levers from the black vinyl pull which also sports a touch of chrome. Inside we slip on to a large bench for the front passengers, which is covered in blue gray and white zig zag pattern broadcloth for the inserts, and darker blue vinyl for the bolsters. The seats are just perfect, and have a lighter blue piping surrounding the border between the inserts and bolsters. In back another bench same motif as the front, and plenty of “romper room”. The black metal dash has been repainted and presents beautifully. 1955 was famous for the dual fan dash, in front of the driver was the speedo cluster, and passenger radio speaker and Chevrolet badge in grandmother's handwriting. Nifty bowtie repeat pattern punched out of polished chrome is in a horizontal band that stretches from side to side and wraps to the door panels. This band houses a newer radio still vintage looking and a mini tachometer just to radio left. A trio of aftermarket gauges hangs below the centered glove box, and just below this on the floor is a Hurst shifter in the black carpeted hump in front of the bench. A black headliner, fairly tight, is above and also in vinyl. Noted fronting the dash is the original steering wheel.
Drivetrain
As consigner states the original 6-cylinder has been upgraded to a 283ci V8 courtesy a '65 Impala. Before insertion under this hood, it has been painted the correct Chevrolet Orange/Red including the badged valve covers. This mill is now topped with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and on back is a 3-speed manual transmission.
Undercarriage
Looking just great underneath, a newly painted fuel tank brings up the rear, with some leaf springs and shocks for the back suspension. Drum brakes are back here too. Moving along to the front, solid rust free floorpans and rockers are seen, and a newer dual pipes from 1 muffler exhaust system. Upfront, a drip free environment presents itself with nice clean pans for the engine and transmission. Coil over suspension and drum brakes are here as well. New brake lines have been recently installed.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and the '65 Impala is kicking me in the behind as I drive towards the test track. Good acceleration, smooth drum braking, and good handling were the norms on this test drive. A larger car but good ride and a pleasurable experience.
A really nice example, tasteful paint color, a lighter top and mostly real nice trimmings. Straight panels, a '65 V8 3-speed Hurst shifter drivetrain, and broadcloth interior with the dual fan dash. The first year of the Tri Five era, and in the 210 suburbia grocery getter class, now not only getting groceries, but the ability to create a 1 car parade on main street as you drive to that grocery store. Or the newly minted McDonalds drive in.