This 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sedan is a car that is guaranteed to attract divided opinions amongst our readers. There will be some who will argue that it should be restored to its beautiful best. There will be others who will believe that it should be left as it is to wear the badge of an original survivor proudly. Regardless of which camp you fall into, you would have to admit that it is wonderful to see old classics like this appearing on the market. It allows enthusiasts to relive earlier, more relaxed times. If you long for that experience, then you will find the Chevy located in Longs, South Carolina, and listed for sale here on eBay. It seems that a few people relish that thought. This has seen a total of 25 bids submitted up to this point. This action has pushed the price along to $8,500, and the reserve has been met.
The 210 is said to wear all of its original paint, with only a couple of minor touch-ups being performed over the past 64-years. It is finished in a combination of Laurel Green and Crocus Yellow. It is interesting to note that of the significant number of paint combinations available in the 1956 model year, Laurel Green was only ever offered with Crocus Yellow. The paint is showing its age across the majority of the car, and this is going to be where it will divide our readers. The panels are straight, and the trim appears to be in good condition. A fresh coat of paint would have this classic sparkling. However, there will be people who will argue that they are only original once and that this car should remain untouched. I won’t fall into either camp, because I believe that both sides make a valid point. Beyond the panels being straight, they are also rust-free. It isn’t the panels alone, because the floors and frame seem to be just as impressive. The owner does note some surface corrosion, but this sounds like it might be insignificant. Add in glass that is in good condition, and this Chevy does appear to be a complete package.
Lifting the hood on the 210 reveals the 235ci “Blue Flame” straight-six engine, which is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This engine produces a relatively healthy 140hp, and while the combination isn’t going to scare many people at the local drag strip, it is a car that should acquit itself well in the real world. This is helped by the fact that the engine pumps out an impressive 210 ft/lbs of torque. The engine appears to be clean, with no signs or evidence of longterm fluid leaks. The owner states that the car has covered a genuine 35,000 miles, and it seems that he has evidence to verify this claim. He doesn’t specifically say how well the 210 runs or drives. However, he does say that it is ready to be driven anywhere, which augers well for the next owner.
Opening the doors and taking a look around inside this Chevrolet reveals an interior trimmed in Charcoal pattern cloth and Ivory imitation leather. Once again, the interior trim is said to be original, and it does appear to be quite serviceable. There is some noticeable wear on the outer edges of the front seat, and some of the vinyl trim is yellowing or stained, but there’s nothing that would require urgent attention. The rear seat is close to perfect, as is the dash. Once again, there is no reason why the interior couldn’t be left untouched if the aim is to preserve the Chevy as an original survivor.
The next owner is going to face some decisions with this 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sedan. There is no doubt that it would represent a straightforward restoration project, and the result would be pretty stunning. The idea of leaving it untouched has its attractions because it is still a car that would attract plenty of attention in its current state. I think that I have to stay firmly on the fence on this one. That is unless someone can provide me with an iron-clad reason one way or the other. Then it might be a different story.
No valid reason to not repaint this car. It’s obviously an old car, why not make it a great looking old car.
It’s kind of like me in my 7th decade. I’m yam what I yam, warts and all. I have my own patina, and I wear it well. I could drive that to the beach where it will get more body damage, but I wouldn’t fuss about it. It’s as cool as I am, and I like it that way!
Seeing cars like this, almost brings tears, think back to 1956. Korea was over, economy booming. Many families that had nothing after the war, finally worked their way up financially, and that old $50 pre-war Dodge they got after the war was just about shot, they proudly went to the Chevy dealer, kids straggling behind, and THIS is what they came home with. The 4 door, 6 cylinder Chevrolet. Traveling by car was the latest thing, and most took Dinah Shore seriously, and “Saw the USA in their (new) Chevrolet”,,,The floodgates( of travel) were opened and never closed.
Nice post Howard!!
In 1955, my mother was in the market for a new car to replace her 46 Chevy which was bought used in 1950. I also vaguely recall her previous, and first, car a 41 Studebaker Champion coupe which my dad had bought new just before the War. He, unfortunately, didn’t return, and my mother drove that until 50. Anyway, on to my point. As a 10 year old, already a car nut, I went with her to look at new cars in the summer of 55. I recall going to the Nash dealer and looking at a Rambler and also the DeSoto-Plymouth dealer. She finally decided on a new 55 Bel-Air 2 dr sedan, 6 cyl, PG. I recall one other car she looked at first, a 210 Delray V8. She shoulda’ bought that one!
I’m not one who normally waxes over patina, but this is a 4 door vs a 2 door. A good paint job likely won’t add much to its value, and certainly not pay for itself. IMO this one will draw much more attention at shows in this condition than if restored.
This car symbolizes a true mark of the average, blue-collar, working family of the mid 1950’s. Family across the street bought a ’55 Chevy 4-dr, 265, PG. Envy of the block. We had a ’54 Studebaker 2-dr wagon. Our families put their money in housing and settled for a lower priced car…good transportation. Mom and Dad both worked. Had to. But, we were doing okay. Typical families in the entire neighborhood. Times were good for us kids.
I think I’d paint it and clean up the interior and them drive it. Not concourse paint and body work either. Who else is really down on the whole concourse thing. A bunch of crusty people looking under the valve stem covers to see if they’re clean, people that research and then produce correct factory paint over spray on restored cars. Give me a break, life’s to short for this crap. Then in the end you have a vehicle you can’t drive. Even sometimes on here they’ll be the producers comment about a non factory radio being a problem, that a factory unit can be refitted. Who cares, the factory unit was most likely junk when new. It’s function over form for me there. Do I care if the ’71 Maverick I see at a car show has a factory Ford AM radio? And yes, at a car show I’ll walk by the Chevelles, Camaros, Mustangs etc to look at a car like this one. That’s my rant. Sorry (?)
I have to agree with you. What fun is having a car you can’t drive because “its too pristine.” Cars are made to drive. Sure, I appreciate the beautifully restored classics as much as anyone else. But what’s the point if you’re afraid to drive it? This is exactly the type of classic that I would buy and use as a daily driver.
Sometimes paint is just thing a car needs to help preserve it. This is a perfect candidate for a nice single stage respray. Not 5 coats color, three coats of clear, wetsand etc. Just a nice 2 coat respray to keep the stock appearing finish and stop the surface rust that is starting to show.
Price is low right now, but perhaps the color is holding it back. But it is a nice original hue and I wouldnt change it. A set of Fenton headers and glass packs is just the thing with that 3 speed! I love these low mileage 4 doors, they are the hidden gems of the tri-fives. Got my eye on this one.
I’d choose to drive it & enjoy it as it is for a few years.
Enjoy the signs of age & use that it shows with pride.
Then in a few years, when you get tired/bored of the cosmetic flaws, repaint it.
It would be “new to you” again.
2 for the price of one. (y) (y)
Lovely looking car. 1956 was always my favourite year for the “tri-five” Chevy. It’s nice to see an original survivor. I also like this has a six cyl. engine.
You can dump a ton of cash into this unit.
However, at the end of the day you still have a Chevrolet that has two posts per side and four doors. Granny would be proud.
Paint it its original colors, if it doesn’t have Power Steering get that from Flaming River I think, give it what else it needs and enjoy.
Beautiful color combination!
The 1956 year has always been my least favorite, until recently.
I don’t care for the paint scheme, but I would repaint her, in original colors, she deserves to look pretty again.
I would add a/c and power steering.
My grandmother had the exact same car, color combination, four door, six cylinder.
We have an old super 8 movie with her driving it. Brought back memories.
Well I own a 56, 210 4 door that I bought and restored to the prefect little Chevy 210, that was white over blue. I gave it to my Mom and Dad, on their 50th Wedding Annin., because it was a copy of the first new car my parents ever bought. Mom returned it to me back in April after Dad passed, she just didn’t want it anymore.
Having grown up around and working for my Fathers body shop, I have always had a love for classic cars and trucks. I would buy this, repaint it with the correct paint, and then repair anything that leaks, and drips, then drive it, just like I drive the other 15 classic Chevys that I own. I drive each for 1 month at a time, then switch to another one. When I get the ones, I have in different stages of repair, I will be back up to 20, but a couple of these are far from being rebuilt for now!!
I have about a dozen classic 35mm cameras and I do the same rotation as you Big Mike. It keeps it fun and you appreciate the nuances of each that way as well.
I look forward to the day when I can do the same as you with cars!
I pity the fool who gets hit with THAT front bumper.
Memories. One of my Uncles bought a new 56 Bel Air 4 door sedan in these very colors. Ordered factory air. Huge unit around engine in rite side of engine bay by Harrison. V8, think it was a 283
If I owned it the huge amount of paint missing on the front fender would bug me . I would find the best shop that could get as close of a match and just get the top fender redone . That would be all I would do to the body ; the interior I would clean up and then just enjoy it.
Paint the top of that fender and drive it! I would much rather this look than a boring “seen a million times ” redone one.
We had the wagon version in these colors with 8 kids. The 60/40 rear seat could get you pinched if not careful when piling in. The kid between the parents in the front seat was an ass kisser.
This is the car I learned to drive on. Same color, no P/S, P/B, 6 banger. My Grandfather bought it new. Radio delete. Vinyl on the floor. Traded it for a ’65 Biscayne. Fond memories. My Grandma and myself would sing to each other while driving “uptown”.
Great car, but why no mention of the paint issue on the front fender? Yes, we all see it, but what’s the story? Low miles plus very respectable condition shown, very tempting for someone who graduated from HS in ’62 and lusted after the popular Chevys.
Kevin, I just read your post and it left me wondering if we are related. My grandmother also had this same car, same color combination, same 6 banger, with a 3 on the tree. I was about 7 or 8 at the time, and this brings back memories of trips from MD. to upstate PA to visit with her aunt. I understand all the hope surrounded 2 door cars, but these were what people drove and I would bet left the most memories. For that reason alone they deserve to be preserved. If I could afford it, I’d build an entire museum around these family sedans and wagons.
Kevin, I just read your post and it left me wondering if we are related. My grandmother also had this same car, same color combination, same 6 banger, with a 3 on the tree. I was about 7 or 8 at the time, and this brings back memories of trips from MD. to upstate PA to visit with her aunt. I understand all the hipe surrounding 2 door cars, but these were what people drove and I would bet left the most memories. For that reason alone they deserve to be preserved. If I could afford it, I’d build an entire museum around these family sedans and wagons.
This car is bid to exactly half the ask of this identical twin brother in Columbus, OH.
https://www.cruisinclassicsinc.com/1956-chevrolet-210-c-839.htm
The Blueflame is one of the best Chev engines built, I had one in a 1952 GMC truck could not kill it even with broken rings and spitting oil from every orifice, and fitted to the best looking tri 5 what a great combination
$10,100 and still going. Someone is going to get a nice old car.
My fear with a beauty like this is that someone will decide to cram a big block in there and ruin it.
Yes, or an LS engine..what would be even worse would be to lower it and put giant diameter chrome(or God forbid, black)wheels on it..all while leaving the original paint on it.. :(
This 56 Chevy is a nice survivor that should be tidied up and driven. Em Tasol.
The problem with trailer queens is that no-one will ever give you what you have in it.
This is the elephant in the room for the vintage car hobby. The kids and grandkids could give a stuff about your “classic” car. To them it is old junk. But keep telling yourself that one day you’ll sell your prized concours automobile and make a fortune. Rubbish.
The road to happiness is simple. Drive what you like. Fix what you can the way you want it to be. And drive the bloody thing.
Cars like this one are owed at least that much.
This is a mirror image of my 1st car. Brought back a ton of memories
This was one of my Dad’s company cars without the white walls. He was a factory sales guys driving the roads of Iowa. No air, power brakes or power steering. Company picked color. We thought it was quite ugly at the time. He had to buy his own radio and was always made it never got his next one.
Original factory paint that old… I would keep it. Tons of aging cars have had a repaint at some point, not having had that makes it much more special.
NOT to be made into a shorty.
I owned this car several years ago, and hated selling it. If I could find the new owner I would buy it back. Best car I have ever owned.