1957 Chevrolet 210

Description

Who needs shine? The industrial satin black paint job on this 1957 Chevy 210 2-door sedan is suddenly popular amongst enthusiasts who are looking for something different but still totally cool. This nicely finished hot rod has upgrades in all the right places. With the growing popularity of "suede" rods, something like this suddenly makes a lot of sense.

Just because it isn't shiny doesn't mean there isn't a ton of time and effort tied up in it. They probably could have phoned it in and let the satin black paint hide the flaws, but instead they treated it like it was getting gloss black instead. As a result, the sheetmetal is impressively straight, the gaps are commendably tight, and the whole car fits together almost too nicely to justify the work-in-progress look. It's not basic primer, either, but rather intentionally dulled paint, so you don't have to worry about it getting chalky or absorbing moisture like regular primer would, and while it has its own maintenance requirements, it should continue to look this good for years to come. All the factory trim was restored and replaced, along with some upgraded Bel Air trim just to add some contrast. Tinted windows also help with the no-nonsense look. You want attention? This car will get it for you.

Inside, it's more of a traditional '50s hot rod look, with pleated white upholstery with black details. They didn't go for the work-in-progress vibe here, instead giving it a fully finished passenger compartment that's great for long road trips and the local cruise scene. The dash is black like the bodywork, but the gauge panel is white like the interior, offering a bit of contrast that works really well. There's a tach mounted up on top of the dash with auxiliary gauges underneath, and for your driving entertainment, there's a newer AM/FM/cassette head unit in the center of the dash. A ratcheting automatic shifter on the transmission tunnel is an old-school performance look that seems right in this case and the fully finished backs eat offers room for a few buddies and their gear will stow easily in the big trunk, which also includes a full-sized spare, jack assembly, and remote-mounted battery box.

There's plenty of shine under the hood, in the form of a smart-running 283 cubic inch small block V8. Lots of chrome, an Edelbrock air cleaner, and a big aluminum radiator give the engine bay the right look, particularly with that bright Chevy Orange engine in the middle. A Holley 4-barrel carburetor manages the fuel, while long-tube headers bolster the small block's torque curve, so it's a blast to drive around town. The sound is pure mellow muscle with a recent dual exhaust system and with a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, it's always in the right gear for a quick getaway. Both the front and rear suspensions are fairly stock, although a modern power brake system with dual reservoir master cylinder was added for safety. Air shocks in back allow you to fine-tune ride height to compensate for loads or handling, so if you want that old time nose-down attitude, it's easy to get. Painted Rally wheels with unusual-looking centers that resemble vintage hubcaps give it a unique look and wear 225/70/14 blackwalls to give it the right low-key look.

This car is the opposite of flashy, but I can almost guarantee it'll generate more attention than any over-polished trailer queen, and how cool is that? Call today!