Vehicle Description
1953 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 form the early
1950's, you know something you can hop into and go for a cruise
down to your local McDonald's, (it started in 1954), 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. Very
well kept with recent service to the fuel system and rebuilt front
wheel cylinders, this 950 non actual mileage version of the 1953
210 is ready to show you the way and wow the crowds while doing
so.
Exterior
Large rounded over steel slab sides, fenders and rear quarters are
peppered with an abundance of chrome for this overall concerto of
Chevrolet engineering from 1953. Horizon Blue paint shows as slight
dulling but overall is in good condition with areas of previously
repaired rusting, haphazardly done body work, cracking, and some
chip offs on several of the lower edges of this car. From its sleek
styled jet age chromed hood ornament to the headlight bezels,
bumpers and mirrors and handles, all chrome on this car has
retained its shine with just a few minor areas of dulling
particularly in the tail light bezels. Looking at the profile we
see a front to rear trim spear that slices right through the mid
section of this car. A bullet-like bulging rear quarter has a large
trim piece curving with its profile on the bottom, and a small
topper spear that looks rearward. Also breaking up the baby blue
are chromed rocker trim pieces. Car manufacturers of this era
quickly realized that chrome sells, and this car has an abundance
of it including around all windows, and completely wrapping the car
at the beltline which frames the bottom of the roof. Bringing up
the rear, just aft of the wraparound rear glass all framed with
wide stainless, is a large bulbous trunk lid. A lower chrome bumper
with guards in the center, oval bezel tail/backup lights and
Chevrolet central badging on the back of the trunk. Thin whites are
on all 4 corners and are covered with dog dish bowtie badged
chromed covers.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see some early jet age influence in the
form of dark blue stitched vinyl lowers on the door panels with
some chrome colored zig zag trim separating the pattern broadcloth
uppers. The sills are dark blue and nice chrome is adorning the
actuators and cranks. Moving inside, we see 2 large benches, one
split in front and another in the rear stretching from C pillar to
C pillar. The front bench is covered in blue and white tweed with
darker blue broadcloth on the tubs and 1/3 of the rear seat upper.
A two-tone dash in dark blue and a lower strip of Horizon Blue
steel presents as original with plenty of vertical ribbed chrome
trim, and a nice clean instrument cluster all with black faced
gauges with white lettering. A large dark blue bakelite steering
wheel with a circular horn ring in the center and chevy badge hub
is fronting this dash. Above the central chromed ribs is a
Chevrolet badge in grandmother's handwriting, and within the thin
light blue band on the lower dash is a factory AM radio. Up top the
headliner is tight and original mohair presenting with a warm faded
with age look that presents a beautiful contrast to the new front
seat covering but does have some water staining and taped repairs.
New dark blue carpeting floods the floors and is very clean.
Drivetrain
Sitting within an unrestored, patina, all original engine bay is a
235.5ci inline 6-cylinder engine. This has a 1-barrel carburetor
atop, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. The very back has
a 3.70 geared rear. Our consignor states a new battery, a recent
oil change and fresh antifreeze good to -24 degree fahrenheit is in
the cooling system. Our consignor also notes that a new fuel tank
was recently installed along with new fuel lines, a new filter and
the carburetor was cleaned.
Undercarriage
Underneath shows passage of time in a dry environment with a good
amount of surface rust and plenty of black steel with patina
finish. We do note some invasive rust on the inner rockers and body
hangers. Independent coil spring suspension in front, and leaf
spring suspension in the rear with 4-wheel drum brakes makes up
this simple undercarriage. Dual exhaust with Cherrybomb mufflers is
in charge of spent fossil removal.
Drive-Ability
A comfortable interior with a slow crank, but quick fire up to idle
as it came to life and I headed to the test track. I experienced a
3-speed that shifted smoothly, and a car that drove very nicely.
Overall a great cruiser that has nice power as one lets it go up
through the 3 gears forward, and this car handles well despite its
weight. The radio wouldn't belt out any AM tunes, the reverse
lights did not illuminate and the heater blower did not blow but
all other functions worked as designed. 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.
A well preserved car throughout its lifetime, as it has been well
cared for, has a few faults but considering this year it will be 72
years young still looks great. Some new upholstery, fuel system
maintenance, a snappy color and plenty of 50's chrome adornments,
how can you go wrong? You ain't nuthin but a hound dog!
B53N019840
B-2100 Series 210
53-1953
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
019840-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 53 1011W-1953 210 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO N36987-Norwood Body #
TRIM NO 242-Light & Dark Blue Pattern Cloth
PAINT NO 503-Horizon Blue
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
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