1955 Chevrolet 210 2-Door 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 1950's 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 from 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 Bill Haley and The Comets, or maybe showing off your girl's new poodle skirt, all in near showroom style, then this 210 will grab you and never let go. Nicely restored in 1998 and mostly in storage since, with only a few faults showing through, this 210 has lots of upgrades in the performance department. A worked big block engine, upgraded brakes, and oozing 50's charm this car is ready for you!
Exterior
The recipient of a 1998 frame on restoration and bathed in turquoise with white, and it does not get any more Mid-Century Modern color-wise than this. Paint presents well with only minor evidence of inclusions and some cracking of the paint underneath, as does attached correct brite-work, badging, and chrome. This car oozes simplicity as the first version with its simple chrome grille, bumpers, and a streaking jet hood ornament that has flown its way to the end of the hood to announce the cars arrival into the jet age and yours at the drive in. Nicely done taillights, a lack of any fins, and wonderful stainless window trimmings and surrounds, add to the aura with the paint combo. We bottom out with 15" rally wheels wrapped in blackwall rubber.
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. Broadcloth turquoise and white stitching upper panels in the door, bounded by square embossed white vinyl, then a little clearer broadcloth turquoise on the bottoms, and this is just the door panels! Moving our eyes inside we can see more turquoise stitched checkerboard and mix in a lot of pristine white vinyl for the bolsters, front and rear seats, and we are in true greaser/DA heaven. A black metal dash with the iconic twin eyebrow shaped fans house the speedometer, and passenger badging while in between the fan we note a bowtie perforated panel that houses the AM/FM/Cassette stereo. Mounted atop the dash is an AutoGauge tachometer and mounted down low are a pair of Autogauge gauges to assist with engine monitoring. A turquoise carpet floods the floors and presents with minor soiling and in the center is a Hurst Super Shifter. Above a stained turquoise headliner hangs tightly and is missing its courtesy light cover.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, within the restored black engine bay, sits now a 454ci V8 making a consignor estimated 500hp! Within this block are flat top pistons, a Pete Jackson gear drive, Crane roller rockers, and a Cam Dynamics 575 lift 305 duration camshaft. It is topped with an 850cfm 4-barrel Holley double pumper carburetor and 1974 781 casting polished oval port heads. It's all blinged out with chrome valve covers, a chrome air cleaner assembly and a new AGI distributor. An aluminum case Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission is bolted on the back of the mill and sends power back to a 12-bolt 3.55 Positraction geared rear axle. For an extra seat of the pants kick, a spare 4.11 gear set and Posi unit are included.
Undercarriage
Underneath we are met with a mixture of patina, black paint and some surface rust on the usual suspects. A rust-free frame supports the independent coil spring front and leaf spring rear suspensions. Disc brakes have been added on the front while drums remain on the rear. Heavily surface rusted exhaust snakes its way rearward from a pair of headers with matching surface rust and ending in chrome tips. We note a repair on the spare tire well and some invasive rust on the body hangers and rocker panels.
Drive-Ability
This beauty fired right up and ran like a top. Fab neck snapping acceleration, bias free panic stopping with those power disc brakes, and good handling with no creaks or groans. All functions were working just great inside and out.
A really nice example with a tire frying powertrain, wonderful 50's interior and eye-catching paint. Turn the key, let out the clutch and rock and roll. Sweet...Vintage...Minty!
VIN DECODE
B55B209122
B-2100 Series 210
55-1955
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
209122-Sequential Unit Number
