This 1957 Chevrolet 210 Two-Door Sedan demonstrates how a project build can take on a life of its own. The seller has invested over 2,000 hours into transforming it into a thing of beauty, with no apparent shortcomings. However, the seller feels the time is right to rationalize their collection, listing the Chevy here on Craigslist in Churchville, New York. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that could be yours for $64,999.
Chevrolet introduced the 210 to its model range for the 1953 model year, with the badge remaining available until 1957. This Two-Door Sedan is a final-year version that has been lavished with considerable TLC. As previously stated, the seller has plowed over 2,000 hours into their build, and the results seemingly justified the effort. Starting a project build with the best possible candidate is desirable, and that is the approach they took. The car retains almost all of its original steel, with only the trunk pan replaced to ensure that the vehicle was rust-free. The panels were meticulously massaged before receiving five layers of DuPont Black paint. The seller sealed this with five layers of clear, producing a finish that you could almost walk into. The Chevy’s beauty is more than skin-deep, with the underside shots revealing spotless floors and a perfect frame. The 210 featured more bright trim than the 150, but less than the range-topping Bel Air, and the trim on this classic provides a sparkling contrast to the Black paint. The glass is clear, and the Cragar wheels provide a period-correct look that is hard to beat.
The exterior represents the first course in this tasty Chevrolet meal, with the inside equally impressive. The seller sourced a complete interior from Ciadella Interiors, located in Tempe, Arizona. The Black and White combination looks stunning, and the lack of wear confirms the seller’s claim that this 210 has only clocked around 500 miles since the build ended. However, there is more to this interior than mere looks because, with air conditioning, a power front seat, and a Custom Auto Sound retro-style stereo, life on the road is guaranteed to be extremely pleasant.
Lifting the hood reveals a 283ci V8, which was a new addition to the 210 range for 1957. This motor is teamed with an automatic transmission, but it is unclear whether it is a two-speed Powerglide. The brakes have received an upgrade to power-assisted front discs, improving safety and stopping power. The seller states that the V8 received a rebuild that included a 0.040″ overbore. It inhales deeply via a Quadrajet carburetor with an electric choke, and the engine’s specifications suggest that the buyer should have over 200hp at their disposal. It appears to need nothing mechanically, and with only 500 miles under its belt, its performance should continue improving with each additional mile.
Some classics are like automotive chameleons, blending effortlessly into their background. Others possess a “wow” factor, guaranteeing that they turn heads and draw crowds. This 1957 Chevrolet 210 undoubtedly falls into the latter category, and it wouldn’t look out of place on the show circuit. The seller’s price isn’t cheap, but the listing suggests that potential buyers won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price. If you crave a vehicle where you can slip behind the wheel, twist the key, and hit the road, this Chevy could be perfect for you.
The WOW factor does fit this car. Nicely done.
Always will have an issue with “2,000 Hours Invested” statements.
Figuring acquisition costs and parts / materials / some outside labor at $30k, that results in an hourly ‘wage’ of $17.50 at full ask. Then, only putting 500 miles on the rebuild, its too bad they didn’t enjoy their investment more.
But then I ‘spend’ too much time with spreadsheets…and not enough driving…
When l say “2000 hours” l mean l did it myself, and since l’m an incompetent amateur a pro could have done it better in 500 hours.
I think those are probably “I did it myself” hours. When you care enough and have the skills, no shop will do it better.
Stunning car and kudos for not turning it into a Bel Air.
One of the nicest 1957 Chevys I have seen! This one is clean and restored very nice down to certain details. Other than the add on A/C this one gets a A-plus in my book. The owner spent a lot of time and money on this one!
This must have been restored a long time ago when labor was only $3.20 an hour.
nicely done and well detailed
Beautiful car, but way overpriced…..
Especially today. Those years cater to the 60+ year olds. Ones on or about to be living on SS & their 401’s. So there’s only a handful of possible buyers out there. If that.
Very nicely done, lot’s of effort and time involved. Yet, I feel overpriced for a AUTO ? Three on the tree would have moved this along much better. Just saying.
Beautiful looking 57. But with all different engines GM makes why stick to the original one. I would get a stroker, 383 with 450 horsepower. Turbo 350 trans work over. Either 3.55 or 3.73 posi gears out back. Make the 383 look period correct. Nobody would know it’s not a 283. Until you start it up.😂 Then the price can be justified. Oh.. the AC would stay of course. And have fun before selling it. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
A very nice 57 Chevy for sure. But I would not pay any more attention to it at a car show as it sits in line with several more 57 Chevys. I’d probably spend more time checking out the 57 Nash.
Dozens more… Sad but true. Although I will stop and look at all of them and let the owner know when I find my personal best!
This is a great looking car.
With paint jobs costing 10 k – 20k,now. how much did these 5 coats of black and 5 more clear cost.Owner do the work of a shop ?
I like this car a lot and I think it is extremely well done. I liked the statement of the owner about his work and the hrs. involved. I get it, because I have done the same thing several times. The only thing I would change is tires and wheels and that is just personal preference. I think his price point is a bit high, but that doesn’t imply it is not worth it!
I’d be too nervous to drive it, so I understand only having 500 miles on it, between how much time they put into it, the winters up there. If this were me, driving it to the store I’d be itching to get back out to it to make sure nobody let a shopping cart roll into it, or parked too close to it. No, this is a show car.
Craters + 57 Chevy made in heaven
Hmmm,not saying this isn’t a nice car because it probably is and looks like they have invested some time and or money it this car,although does that equate to value maybe,hmmmm,maybe not,about the only thing l see holding this back it the price.This is what they call a 210,not a Belair so this will hold it back a little more so 60-70 k seems kinda high in price to me.