Vehicle Description
1953 Chevrolet 210 2-Door Sedan
The Chevrolet 210 was the best selling Chevrolet in 1953. It had
more options than the base 150 model and borrowed some of the
luxury from top trim Bel Air and this combination proved to be an
attractive buy for Americans. By 1956, pricing of the 210 models
were very close to the Bel Air and as a result, the Bel Air outsold
the 210 through 1957.
For consignment, a 1953 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan that was the
recipient of a frame off restoration in 1993 and packs a 350ci V8
crate engine under the hood. This is a visually stunning car,
iconically '50's in every way. Our consignor didn't list any show
wins or attendance, but this car would surely be enjoyed by the
viewing public.
Exterior
The original choice of DuPont colors in 1953 weren't boring by any
stretch, but their single stage application could never glow like
the two stage India Red that covers our car. The gleaming paint
really makes metal trim accents really pop and the white roof
stands out. A huge grin in the form of a chrome grille is pure art,
bumper guards in line with the center three teeth and marker lights
mounted in a jet age bit of detail that is off the charts cool. The
side view delights with forward leaning polished metal gravel
shields connected by the rocker trim, a trim piece around the gas
filler door, and a car length spear that runs the midline. The cab
itself is ringed in a trim piece which then encircles the windows
on the pillars, wow! In contrast, the back is a rather simple
collection of necessary components including small but ornate tail
lights, a straight chrome bumper, and protruding dual straight
tailpipes. Dog dish hubcaps on red painted wheels with white
pinstripes and white wall tires look fantastic. Demerits include
some rust around a bumper bolt, a few paint bubbles, some drips,
and some door fitment issues.
Interior
Sharp angles of the red and white patterned door panels contrast
with the rounded exterior of the car. The stitched white vinyl
surrounding a red panel with metal trim seems to point forward,
egging the driver on. The split bench seat in white vinyl bolsters
with stitched red velour like clothforms an inner box of color
looks just fab. The rear bench maintains the pattern and the
sidewalls mirror the design details of the doors in a contiguous
flow of colors and textures. A more modern and sporty 3 spoke
steering wheel is rimmed in red which picks up the glossy red paint
on the dash, while the gauge cluster is a wonderfully asymmetrical
arrangement of round and horizontal readouts and is unique in every
way. From the center to the passenger a metal grille resembling an
accordion spans the dash and in the lower white section, an
AM/FM/Cassette radio just above a CB radio. Low pile black
sectional carpet covers the floor where we find the tall shifter,
and the stitched white high in the sky headliner is in great
shape.
Drivetrain
Open the big steel hood and reveal a show quality 350ci crate V8
with chrome valve covers and air filter cap. An Edelbrock 650cfm
4-barrel carburetor is perched on an Edelbrock intake manifold
while a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to the
rear wheels and 3.56 gears. Power disc brakes start the slowing in
front, while power drums back things up from the rear.
Undercarriage
Clean and simple underneath, the dual exhaust, which has some
surface rust, runs the length of the car before meeting a pair of
stock style mufflers, then turn 90 degrees to roll over the rear
axle and out the back. The suspension consists of coil springs up
front and leaf springs in the back. We note some residual oil on
the rear differential and flywheel cover but they do not appear to
be actively leaking.
Drive-Ability
Feeling a bit like a fire chief in a hopped up 210, we roll the V8
powered skate onto our test loop on a beautiful day and the paint
impresses us even more! The car is a good runner too matchingits
good looks. More than adequate power and a comfortable ride with
visibility for days. All the functions operate as expected and we
were tempted to call for a convoy and ask for the 10-20 on the bear
trap with the CB radio, but came to our wits.
Pop into car shows with this bright red car with a 30 year-old
restoration that still looks fantastic. A 2-door sedan with the
B-pillar post was a desirable car in 1953 and this example makes it
clear why that was the case. Make room in your garage, this one has
your name written all over it!
B53B015704
B-2100 Series
53-1953
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
015704-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 53 1011W-1953 210 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M2795-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 241-Light & Dark Gray Pattern Cloth
PAINT NO 480-Onyx Black
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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