Vehicle Description
1957 Chevrolet 210 2-Door Sedan
Easily one of the most recognizable cars in the history of
automobiles, the 1957 Chevy is also one of the most iconic. The
wedge tail was not reserved for the upscale Bel Air model, it
appeared on the entry level One-Fifty, the mid level Two-Ten, and
even on Nomad station wagons. It is this indelible shape, whether
painted in the lower end version or fitted with aluminum in the Bel
Air, that most defines the 1957 Chevrolets.
For consignment, a 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan with its
original interior and enough patina to warrant driving this car
without worry, at least until you pull the body off the frame for a
full restoration, if that's the road you want to take.
Exterior
In classic 50's two tone configuration, this car is topped by India
Ivory which repeats on the wedge, and the body is covered in single
stage Surf Green. The large toothed front bumper and grille is an
impressive array of chrome and metal and houses the bowtie, moved
down off of the hood from '56. The torpedo accents are missing
their rubber bumpers while two rockets inset on the hood replace
the center jet of previous models. The chrome is good but the
rockets are pitted and the rest of the car contains the same
arrangement, most major components are in fine condition, smaller
bits would benefit from restoration. The epic chrome lined tail
fins are in good condition too. The paint suffers from
discoloration on both sides, numerous small rust spots and
bubbling, cracking paint, and chips. And we have no doubt this
condition is often desired over a restored car because it's not
only open to restorative interpretation but can be driven without
the fear of scratching the paint. 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels
carry the 75-series tires and look good.
Interior
Authentic patterning in the cloth panel of the inner door confirms
this may in fact be the original interior as stated by the
consignor and there's a tear in the passenger door revealing the
underlay. Other than that major rip, the door panels have patina
but are in decent condition. The seats take that patterned cloth
and surround it with green vinyl on the split bench front seat
which has some detachment at the shell, some fading of the cloth,
and several tears and holes. The rear bench fares better but shows
usage while the sidewalls look good and are topped with a scalloped
trim piece. Two-Ten is scripted on the center cap of the green
steering wheel which leads to the two tone green dash, somewhat
obscured by the tachometer that is mounted on the column, just in
front of the speedometer which is flanked by a simple fuel gauge
and temperature gauge. An AM/FM/Cassette radio veers from
originality in the center of the dash as does the gauge pod under
it. A square clock is embedded on the passenger side of the dash
which curves around to meet the door beyond the A-pillar. A Hurst
Indy shifter is floor mounted and the linkage is not booted but is
surrounded by green loop carpet which shows some wear and age and
while the headliner is intact, it does look tired. We note that the
original column shifter arm is still present but is no longer
connected. The trunk is completely uncovered and houses a spare and
plenty of patina.
Drivetrain
Under the massive hood is a relatively clean 327ci V8 backed by a
Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear
wheels where it meets 3.55 gears. Drum brakes are found at all four
corners. The 327 fits with room to spare in the big engine bay and
provides easy access for service or upgrades.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with some surface rust in the typical
spots and some residual oil on the oil pan but the rest of the
drivetrain is dry. Dual exhaust encounters Dynomax mufflers before
exiting via chrome tips under the rear bumper. Coil spring
suspension is up front and leaf springs are in the back. The inner
rocker panels do have some flaking rust and at least one patch and
some surface rust on the seams of the door bottoms is seen but not
yet invasive.
Drive-Ability
As the 327 wasn't introduced until 1962, the engine is newer than
the car and started up without complaints. She eagerly takes on the
test loop and cruises smoothly, tracking straight and utilizing
brakes with efficiency. Visibility is fantastic in these fish bowl
Tri-Fives and the wraparound windshield and rear window help. The
heater blower, clock, and radio do not work. All other functions
including gauges, lights, horn, etc. work as intended. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a perfectly presentable 1957 Chevy that could use some TLC
but would be a fun ride as is. And you don't think that big white
wedge will attract some attention? No doubt about it. The truth is
that a '57 Chevy in primer gray would get thumbs ups! It's got
great bones, as they say, but survivors are almost as desirable as
resto-mods in 2024. Happy Days are here again...be sure to contact
the mall to inquire about this cool ride.
B57B116189
B-2100 Series
57-1957
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
116189-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 1011-1957 2100 Series 210 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO M2103-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 655-Green Cloth & Vinyl
PAINT NO 813C-India Ivory & Surf Green
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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