Vehicle Description
This great-looking 1957 Chevrolet 210 is the kind of car we all
hope to own someday. Combining one of the most popular models of
all time with several choice options - a strong 350 V8, some great
power options, and a custom A/C interior - it's the ultimate
Saturday night cruiser that looks like 1957 and drives like a
modern car.
Finished in period-perfect Matador Red paint (an upgrade over the
original Adobe Beige this car was born with, in our humble opinion)
that has a beautiful, bright shine, this '57 Tri-5 showcases why
these cars are eternally popular. The workmanship is very nicely
done, and there's every indication that this was a solid, clean car
all along, well before it underwent a comprehensive restoration.
Bodywork is very good, with no ripples or waves in the final
product, and all the body panels line up as they should with door
that shut flush thanks to all new weatherstripping underneath. And
while the car is lightly modified underneath, the body and 210 trim
was mostly left alone, although the grille inlay and 'Chevrolet'
script badges fore and aft are gold-trimmed like found on the
up-model Bel Air. Polishing the chrome on a car like this is an
expensive proposition, but it appears that these guys stepped up to
the plate and done it right, with everything nicely presented
against the red finish, showing only minor blemishes today. Just
about the only tipoff that this isn't a totally stock '57 are the
blue dot taillight lenses, but heck, that's a period accessory,
too!
Contrast is the key to a great 1950s car, and the slick black
interior has been heavily upgraded and looks quite modern. The
custom vinyl front bench is handsome as well as comfortable (it's
power actuated, too!), and shows virtually no wear since the build
was completed, and the back seat has been upholstered to match,
giving it a very finished look. Power windows have been hidden
inside custom door panels and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the
center of the dash. The instrument panel has been fully restored,
including the strip of machined turned trim that runs from end to
end, and it includes a set of auxiliary gauges plus a tach mounted
down low and out of sight. Clever tricks include a tilt column that
still looks stock, and a smaller-diameter, dual-ring steering wheel
that most folks will mistake for an original. Oh, and one more
thing: it's got cold blowing A/C stashed under the dash-cool, huh?
Out back, the trunk is neatly finished in black carpets with a
custom cover for the spare tire.
Power comes from a 350 cubic inch V8 motor, appropriately dressed
in Chevy Orange with polished aluminum valve covers and a matching
chrome air cleaner. It makes all the right V8 sounds and runs
beautifully, with a very 1957 combination of performance and
reasonable economy. Note that all the accessories are relatively
fresh, including the hardware for the A/C compressor and updated
alternator, and there's a big aluminum radiator up front keeping
everything cool. Power brakes and power steering were added, along
with a dual master cylinder and front discs for safety. It's backed
by a beefy TH400 3-speed automatic and the stock rear end, so
cruising at higher speeds is no problem in this 210. There's a
fresh Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds great and it rolls
on a set of Cragar S/S chrome wheels wrapped in 205/75/14 radials
that add a little flash to the otherwise stock presentation.
This '57 210 is ready to cruise, and thanks to a few well-chosen
modifications, is an absolute pleasure to drive. This one is proof
that great cars never go out of style. Call today!