The Tri-Five Chevies from 1955-57 have had a collector following since they became something more than just used cars. You still see them around as the original inventory was plentiful – a collective five million of them built in three years. The 210 was the middle-of-the-road model, like this ’57 2-door, the third most popular model/body style built that year. It’s been parked for more than 40 years and has some rust in the lower extremities but runs well after being revived. Located in Greeneville, Tennessee, this Chevy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $18,000.
Styling of the mid-50s Chevies was in demand with car buyers as they began to lose their boxy post-war looks. The ’57 was especially “modern” given the addition of pointed fins in the rear, which seems to make them the most desirable of the three model years today. This edition appears to have been Highland Green back in the day, although it comes across almost as black now. The interior is two-tone, perhaps aqua and black. The 210 was a step up from the basic 150, but not nearly as chrome laded as the upscale Bel Air.
The seller’s car was one of 162,851 built as a 210 2-door post model. Because of those large quantities and collector interest even after 65 years, replacement parts are not hard to find, so replacing the rusted sheet metal in places like the quarter panels and fenders shouldn’t be an uphill battle. This Chevy was trapped in a barn from 1980 until recently but doesn’t look as forlorn as many you might expect to find.
To get it running again, the 210 was treated to a new gas tank and fuel lines, rebuilt carburetor, brakes, and tires. As a result, the 235 cubic inch inline-6 fires up and runs, complete with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The odometer reading is 62,000 miles, which could be accurate but there are no guarantees. There is no history available on the Chevy to document its life before being stored. A restoration is in order, but the asking price just to get started would be easier to swallow if this was a hardtop (for future resale value). A V8 would have helped, too. Another tip brought to us by Barn Finder T.J.!
Cutting the price in half will at least get you through the rust repair. Can’t see where 3 on the tree and a Blue Flame Six is worth much more than 10K.
3 on the tree needs to make a comeback .
3 might have worked on the tree, but the average stick today is 5 or 6 speeds. Not sure that would work real well. Besides, the snotty nosed kids of today are lost in the shift yourself world.
Please! Someone, buy this 210 and turn it into a Project X tribute – with a proper engine. Return some dignity to that iconic hot rod.
Yes Sir, “what color is that? Piss yellow?” And now I’m out, gonna go watch “The Hollywood Knights” 😜
To be fair, the original purpose of Project X was to a test-bed for the current advances in hot-rodding technology. EV swaps are something futuristic and are just coming out, so Project X still has dignity. I agree that EVs will never give the same emotions as gas-powered cars, but EVs are still the “new” in technology.
This car is within 30 miles of my home.. I might have to take a closer look..
Super Chevy Indy late 80 early 90 sumpin, hotel parking lot having cocktails, quick oil change place next door ,I see Project X pull in,I go over ,I had the honor to go in the pit and check it out.