Chevrolet’s Tri-Five range remains a staple of the classic scene, with any vehicle produced in 1957 considered by many to be the most desirable. This ’57 Chevrolet 210 falls within that category, and while the seller’s images aren’t great, they seem to suggest it is a worthwhile project candidate. It runs and drives, and lifting the hood reveals a 350ci V8. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in Bronx, New York. They set their BIN at $16,500, and there is already one active offer on this old Chevy.
The seller has been this Chevy’s custodian for approximately a year, and it appears they may have planned a project build. However, they have elected to send it to a new home where it can receive the love it deserves. The paint shade is interesting, and doesn’t appear on that year’s color palette. It gives the car a classy look, but the imperfections in the listing images suggest that a cosmetic refresh is warranted. It is unclear whether there are deeper problems, because the engine bay and some chrome trim pieces carry surface corrosion. That could be a sign of deeper penetrating rust problems, but only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth. However, there are no significant dings or dents, the glass is clear, and the vehicle rolls on a set of vintage American Racing Torq Thrust wheels.
This 210’s interior is pretty tidy, and the lack of upholstery rips and tears means it is serviceable. It would be worth treating it to a deep clean before spending any money, because the results may render a retrim unnecessary. I did notice a couple of smaller items missing, but replacements for those that have gone AWOL should be easy to locate. The paint is in good condition, the dash bright trim is excellent, and the wheel has only a few minor chips and marks. The only aftermarket additions I can spot are a more modern stereo that occupies the spot reserved for the factory radio and an extra gauge by the driver’s left knee.
The VIN confirms that this 210 would have featured the 235ci “Blue Flame” six under the hood when it left the factory. It generated a factory-claimed 140hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance by the standards of the period. However, much has changed since 1957, with this classic now powered by a 350ci V8. The small-block’s specifications are unclear, but it will deliver a significant power and torque gain. It appears that other mechanical upgrades include a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The V8 sports a shiny new Edelbrock carburetor, and the seller states that this classic runs and drives. It doesn’t see much action, but it appears ready to deliver immediate motoring joy.
Some sellers leave me scratching my head, and this 1957 Chevrolet 210 is a prime example. It is an inherently desirable car that should find a ready market amongst dedicated enthusiasts. It runs and drives, although it doesn’t see regular action. That makes me wonder why the seller didn’t move it to a better location to get decent images for their listing. They haven’t helped their cause with their approach, although the listing statistics confirm that it has generated interest. Can you see enough in the photos to tempt you, or would you negotiate an in-person inspection?
Lousy pictures and not much information.
Unless there is something egregious not visible, this is an entry level bargain into the joys of ’57 Chevy ownership!
price is right if it’s not a Bondo bucket and runs well you are in the hobby with an iconic car looks pretty darn good from the lousy pics
Nice to see a 210 that hasn’t had Bel Air inserts added.
Seems a bit fishy- the description in the Ebay listing is oddly worded. Be careful out there…
There is a lot of that lately, the sellers seem to be using a template or AI prompts. If I was interested and lived within driving distance I’d make to time to check it out in person, what I wouldn’t do is wire the seller a deposit.
Steve R
I agree Wayne. It looks like it’s written by AI with minimal information given it. I’ve been buying and selling on ebay for 20 plus years and I won’t buy anything that’s not described fully by the seller. The way I see it is if they’re not willing to take a few minutes and accurately describe their product they probably either don’t want to be bothered or they have something to hide and either way I want to part of it.
Is there some school out there that is teaching a course entitled “How NOT To Take Pictures of a Car”?…(just asking for a friend)
There’s plenty about this car not to get excited about. The passenger-side edge of the hood shows some chipping. One appears seriously deep. The others are thicker than expected but there’s some cracking running along the vertical edge of the hood. In an engine image a large, thick portion of paint and body filler is missing from the passenger-side fender’s top. The leading edge of the driver’s door shows chipping and the doorjamb shows noticeable rust. The left quarter shows an unfinished repair. The trunk lid is showing bubbles in the paint. It’s someone else’s abandoned project. There’s a lot of little things to be wary of. Even the steering wheel is upside down.
My expectations would include the floors having some see-thru patina and elsewhere plenty of body filler. For $16.5k there are too many unknowns for a car ‘currently in a drivable condition.’
The seller has at least one other 57 for sale at a higher price. There is a reason the price seems reasonable, but the lousy picture make it impossible to tell, one way or the other.
Steve R
I like the 1957 Two-Ten: you get almost everything that comes with a Bel Air, save for the too-flashy trim. I prefer the more toned-down dashboard especially. What spoils this particular one, is that pillar: you want a hard-top on one of these; otherwise, it has that “1950s utility” look, and it might as well be a one-fifty. What you want, is either a Two-Ten station wagon, or a Two-ten hardtop, with its original 283: I would have that over a Bel-Air every time! Oh — and original factory air-conditioning would be nice. But, all other things being equal, the aftermarket radio is a deal-killer for me. I am one of these “all-original” kooks, with some exceptions. If the car came with a blank-out plate where a clock would be, I would be happy for an original 1957 Chevrolet clock.(yes, I repair them). And the only radio I want in one of these would be an original 1957 Chevrolet A.M. unit (which, when working properly, is a great radio, incidentally!). I guess you could say that I would go for an excellent survivor/driver grade 1957 Chevrolet Two-Ten at the higher end of Two-Ten, all original, with a factory 283, automatic shift, air-conditioning (somewhat rare for 1957), interior close to “showroom”, less than 50,000 original documented miles on the clock, and an exterior with only slight wear. And also, the accessory back-up lights and rubber bumper-tips. NO ADDED GAUGES OR CUSTOM WHEELS!!! But I would accept disk brakes and a double master-cylinder, and other “hidden” mechanical upgrades (no seat-belts added, please!
Nice to see it not called a Bel-Air,lots of people think if it’s a Tri 5 it’s a Bel-Air..
I’ve owned every model of 57 except a Nomad. I will always prefer a two door sedan over a Sport Coupe. Sport Coupes often have rattly doors, balky flippers and and wind noise.Even if you get the doors perfectly adjusted they still won’t don’t shut as nicely as a sedan.
Right on Steve, you saved me from typing 🥃cheers..