We’re no strangers to Chevrolet Tri-Five project candidates at Barn Finds, with some showing more promise than others. This 1957 Chevrolet 210 2-Door Sedan could be ideal for someone wishing to place their mark on an unfinished build. It features an upgraded V8 under the hood, and its previous rust issues are a distant memory. The deal includes a selection of parts designed to help the winning bidder on their path of returning this classic to active duty. The seller has listed the 210 here on eBay in Easton, Pennsylvania. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $10,200.
The 1957 model year marked the end of the line for Chevrolet’s iconic Tri-Five range, and many enthusiasts believe that the company saved the best until last. The fins, which were a hallmark of the late 1950s, reached their peak. However, Chevrolet managed to incorporate these more subtly than some of its competitors, producing stylish, classy vehicles that remain at least as popular today as they were when they rolled off the line. The 210 was the mid-range variant, slotting between the 150 and the Bel Air. Chevrolet offered a broad selection of body types, with this classic’s first owner selecting the 2-Door Sedan. Like so many of its siblings, it fell victim to significant rust, though the seller has eliminated most of it. They replaced the floors and the rear quarter panels, while their deep investigation confirmed that the rockers, trunk, and front fenders are solid. There is no spare wheel well, leaving the buyer with a relatively small grinding and welding task to complete the metalwork. Once done, they could apply a fresh coat of the car’s original Onyx Black paint, although some enthusiasts may decide this is the perfect opportunity for a color change. The seller splashed plenty of cash to this point, replacing almost every piece of exterior bright trim. The buyer receives new weatherstripping for the doors and sparkling new Gray-tinted side glass to install. The 20″ wheels are eye-catching, and I suspect they will divide opinions. They were custom-made for this Chevrolet by US Mags. I’m not sure whether I like them yet, but I suspect they will grow on me.
This Chevy’s original mechanical specifications are unclear, although that is now irrelevant. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The car retains its original non-Posi rear end, and the seller confirms it runs and drives. The small-block is strong, and the transmission shifts as it should. The exhaust consists of headers and mufflers, with the system ending at droops before the rear axle. Depending on how loud it is, the buyer might choose to extend the system to the car’s rear. The seller states that it needs a front-end alignment. While it isn’t apparently roadworthy, the deal includes a new American Auto Wire harness and a complete power steering setup to lighten the driver’s load. As with the sheetmetal, it appears that the seller has completed most of the hard work, allowing the buyer to apply the finishing touches.
The seller’s interior images demonstrate how solid the floors are, which is great news. As with the exterior, it is a blank canvas. Originally trimmed in Code 654 Charcoal and Ivory vinyl, it requires a retrim. Most of the components to form a solid foundation are present, and the only missing items are the headliner and carpet. The bows are intact, and the deal includes a shiny new IDIDIT tilt column for the buyer to install. The buyer could follow the faithful path by using one of the many available high-quality trim kits. However, the custom features elsewhere mean the interior offers another opportunity for personalization. A Hurst shifter controls the Turbo 350, but the original pedals and shifter are intact if the buyer wishes to reinstall a manual transmission.
I acknowledge that some enthusiasts avoid tackling another person’s unfinished project, fearing that it may hide substandard work that will cost a fortune to rectify. However, this 1957 Chevrolet 210 Sedan looks promising, and the beauty of purchasing it as-is will be that the new owner can personalize their ride to create something genuinely special. The exterior is a blank canvas when the subject turns to a preferred paint shade, with the same true of the interior trim. It has attracted eleven bids since hitting the market, demonstrating that it has generated pretty healthy interest. If your mind is racing and you have a clear vision for this Tri-Five, are you tempted to make that dream a reality?
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