1957 Chevrolet 210

Description

After seeing this fantastic 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan, I have to say I'm thrilled that it isn't red. Not that I don't like red cars, but if I had a nickel for every Matador Red '57 I've seen, well, I'd be able to buy one and paint it any color I wanted.

Anyway, my point is, this one wears basic black, and I like it. A lot. It's classic, it's not high-visibility, but it really works on the '57's shape. A mild custom like this does well with simple colors, and admittedly black isn't a big risk, but getting all the elements to come together so nicely is what makes this car so special. In essence, it's more than the sum of its parts. Besides, using gloss black as a background makes the chrome really pop, and on any '57 Chevy, chrome is a very important styling element. The chrome is, of course, in outstanding condition, since you just can't have a '57 Chevy with lousy shiny bits, and the 210's simpler quarter panel treatment actually makes this one stand out in a crowd.

The interior makes no pretense about originality, and provides first-class accommodations by using the original bench seats swathed in two-tone materials and a matching back seat, all of which look like they were OEM bits that came this way from the factory. The dash is almost entirely original-spec, including the bright trim along the lower panels and the three simple dials that seem to float all on their own. But have no fear, it still carries all the requisite goodies, including A/C, an AM/FM/CD stereo system, and an array of auxiliary gauges neatly installed under the center air vents. And check out the original clock stashed in there, kind of a cool feature that really works. The trunk is bare, but it's also in good condition with nothing to hide, including a spare tire well that's in great condition.

Someone with a keen sense of functionality was in charge of the engine bay, and while it's still simple and a blast to drive, it also looks great. The 327 cubic inch V8 looks almost otherworldly in black with just a few polished accessories to light things up. The block stock inside but carries double hump heads, a Weiand intake manifold, and a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor up top, so it pulls strongly from any speed and tuning is a breeze. Wiring and plumbing are neatly done and make service easy and all the modern components, from the alternator to the dual master cylinder and brake booster, ensure reliability. Shifting duties fall to a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission spinning a set of 4.10 gears in the rear end, so it's very punchy around town and will surprise more than a few pesky Mustangs. Long-tube headers feed an exhaust system that gives it a wonderful street-racer sound and it sits exactly right on those 15-inch Torque Thrusts with 225/60/15 Goodyear radials.

If you've been dreaming of a classic '57 Chevy, this one gets all the details right without coloring too far outside the lines. Fast, affordable, and fun, this is why we collect old cars. Call today!