Lately, we’re seeing a flurry of “Tri-Five” Chevies popping up here on Barn Finds. Perhaps it’s the time of year, you know “Spring is in the Air” and all that! This ’57 210 2-door sedan could be considered a survivor except the original 235 cubic inch inline-6 has been replaced by a more recent 350 small-block V8. But most of the paint and everything else seems to be as it was on the day of production 67 years ago. Located now in Solana Beach, California, this nice desert-find Chevy is available here on eBay where bids of $13,155 have yet to crack the seller’s reserve.
When this ’57 Chevy was built in Los Angeles, California, it was treated to two-tone paint, Adobe Beige over Sierra Gold and it’s held up well considering the age. Sure, there’s some patina working here, but it would be a shame to repaint the vehicle – at least not for the near future – as they’re only original once. The car has lived in the Southwest all its life (as we’re told), which helps explain the lack of rust (for the most part) on this old workhorse.
While you could skip the paint for a while, the interior does need some more immediate attention. The original upholstery on the front seat has had it (the back seat looks fine), and at least one door panel and the floor coverings need work. But a few days with your local seat guy should be able to rectify these issues and present you with a nice daily driver.
We don’t know how recent the engine swap is and from the bling it wears it may well not be stock. The motor is paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic which was enough transmission for the I-6 but is it enough for the 350 (I had a 1970 Nova was a 350 and a Powerglide and that thing wound up to over 50 at times before getting into second gear)? We’re told the auto was in dry storage from 1997, so some recent work has been done, i.e., the fuel delivery system and the brakes were attended to. But it may not be ready for an interstate triathlon just yet. The seller has been kind enough to include a video.
Is it Tri-Five week on BF? Every time I see one of these I think of my childhood and my next door neighbor and the daughter’s boyfriend that owned a red and white ’55. The car was extremely clean and sharp looking, but that was not what is memorable for me. It was the boyfriend always beating on something in the engine compartment with a hammer. I’ve no idea what he was doing. My dad, an aviation mechanic by trade and a car mechanic and tinkerer by hobby, I know he could not stomach watching that kid beat on the car and he offered several times to help him work on it. The boyfriend would always say, I got it, it’ll be fine, it’s just about to turn over…whack, whack, whack. To his credit, he did keep it running though.
My 1st car was a 1957 210 like this but in a solid green that was not original. It wasn’t running when I got it. Had bucket seats and a 3 speed manual with floor shifter when I got it. My dad and I built a 300hp 283 (dyno tested) and a M21 4 speed in it. Wish I could afford to bid on this one!
When older cars had starter issues, the remedy was usually banging on the starter to get the engine to turn over, until a foray into midnight auto could glean another one.
@Mike76…My guess would be is that he was banging on the starter solenoid that was sticking.
Kudos Russ for not calling it a Bel-Air and please don’t anyone post Bel- Airs only come in hardtop or convertible, because it’s not true..
I had a 57 Bel Air 3 door sedan this color.
2 door sedan
The powerglide is indestructible. With it being set up for a six cylinder it will have a high stall converter for the six cylinder not indestructible. However, take it easy and drive it normal with a little bit of heavy pedal now and then that thing has got to be a blast to drive. I personally don’t feel that you should ride around with your foot to the floor In any car much a less classic car. If this car could be bought for a reasonable price, check it out mechanically, if it passes, fill it with gas. The brakes are gonna suck unless you change them to dual master one more reason not to pound on it. I personally would be proud of this rig.
Nice looking ole Chevy, Been well kept fa 67 years, Just no heat an no air!!! Lol.
Is this a “barn find”? What exactly is the criteria?
Boy I would cherish this car and drive it as is and just repair the interior and the drivers issue. Think I might have to itch my 55 57 scratch when I retire- problem is I have a lot of itches..toronados, Saab sonnets, gtos etc lol glwta
Not original upholstery!
As a kid. We had a 1956 Black 210 2 door with a 327 V8 and muncie 4 speed. It had bucket seats, PS and PB. My older sister’s drove it throughout HS and I thought I was Heir apparent. I was 15 and had my learners permit. I thought I was going to be drag racing, street racing, and cruising chicks. Two weeks before I truned 16 my Dad traded it for 1963 VW Beetle. Dreams dashed…
Oh Mitch!….Horror of HORRORS!
I love VW’s but would have been crushed if that 56 was traded for a 63 VW
Very interesting “VIN”? or idk what plate screwed to the firewall with numbers written with a sharpie..
I like the car, just curious about that very official looking number plate 🤓
Um… firing order…
You were kidding; yes!? I couldn’t tell.
I like the solid California front bumper!
Chevy 350 firing order … 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
That is a really rare piece, being a Two-Ten based Delray coupe. Built in Loas Angeles. The interior is correct. Model Identification Code 1011A (210 Del Ray Club Coupe). Check out 1957 Chevy brochure for interior sample:
https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2023/04/bedford-classic-cars-1957-chevy-delray/
Upholstery is original. It is a Delray Club Coupe.
57 factory air, wow!!!