If you bought a Chevy 210 brand new in 1956, you could have ordered it with a 265 cubic inch V8. Introduced the year before, the 265 was the GM division’s first V8 since 1918. At first glance, the seller’s two-tone ’56 210 looks rather tame, so who would know there’s a big-block lurking there now. Located in Maryville, Tennessee, this nifty restomod is available here on craigslist for $28,000. This time, the tip comes from Jack M.
The 210 was the mid-range model in ’56, flanked by the 150 on one end and the snappy Bel Air on the other. More than 200,000 210 2-door sedans were built that year, which is why they’re not scarce commodities today. This edition has no doubt been restored and upgraded, perhaps at the same time. The 454 may have some performance upgrades, and it’s hooked up to a TH-350 automatic transmission (why not a TH-400?), a pairing that wouldn’t be on the Chevrolet payroll before 1970. We’re told it runs and drives as well as it looks.
Extras or newer parts include front disc brakes, master cylinder, and power booster. Vintage air conditioning was added, and the interior was done up to a custom “new age” look. The two-tone paint may be the original combination, and the only flaws might be in one door panel, where the material is a bit out of shape.
Considering the cool factor of this car, the seller provides no history, nor does he or she brag. It’s mostly a statement of features. The only thing I would change is the wheel covers. They’re not from 1956 and just make the car seem a bit cartoonish (to me).
Like the 56 Chevys more than the 55s or 57s!!
454 seems like overkill to me but try and replicate this build for the $$ ask. From the looks of the steering column the front suspension probably got upgraded too. Gotta agree with @Russ Dixon on the TH350 and the wheel covers. Nonetheless, fine cruiser.
I might have chosen another color combination, but this thing is awesome.
I would put a set of black rims, perhaps wider on rear, with a set of simple dog dishes with a Chevy emblem in the center. Keep them all 7” for the sleeper look but you could go wider on the rear so you have a chance to hookup with that BB…no whitewalls. I bet this thing is a blast to drive!
You probably don’t want to hook up too good with that Turbo 350.
Depends on how or even if it has been built. I have a B&M built 350 in my C3 restomod with a crate engine pulling 415 ft lb of torque and it handles it with no issues.
Look a TH-350s at Jegs website…you can get one to handle purdy much anything.
TH 400 is heavier for One reason..
What a weird mix of parts used. Luckily it wouldn’t take much to correct it all.
Correct what? It’s a restomod not a restoration.
This car doesn’t have a cohesive theme to it. The interior is hideous with those seats and console. The engine looks like it was pulled out of a boat. I hate buzzwords like restomod but tell me the last time you saw a nice one with freaking hubcaps.
Nice car. Wheel covers ’55 Dodge.
Weren’t those wheelcovers the Dodge Lancer’s that were so very popular for male highschoolers in the early 1960s?
cheap money for a pretty 56 chevy
Nice 56 Chevy, my friend had fun back in the day betting people that they couldn’t find the gas cap filler on it. He won a few bucks.
I’m not gonna lie, this is a good looking car. Blue two tone is different and works well. Looks ready to go.
I’d ditch the hubcaps and get some Americans.
from a transmission guy- the 350 has better gear ratios and is just as strong as a 400
I like all the tri-fives, but when selecting the paint colors one thing has always puzzled me: Why not use the dark color on the post area of the car? Take this combo, I’m a visual guy and by simply using the dark blue on the post section it would create the illusion that the post is a hardtop. I’m not saying that it would always work, but if you are doing custom colors and originality is already gone…a great way to have the look of a hardtop (or at least the lack of a post). I’d like to hear any thoughts, you have about this idea since usually I’m not the smartest guy in the room.
Post cars look better than hardtops IMHO…
Not what I would do with a ‘56, but then not mine either.
Lot’s of serious work, effort and I’m sure money in this one. I’d be interested in what it’s condition was before the resto.
Finally, a 56 I think is a good deal. But alas the coffers are empty. Hope someone truly enjoys this vehicle.