Owning a desirable classic that could double as a practical daily driver is a dream for many, but such cars are few and far between. However, that could be a reality with this 1957 Chevrolet 210 Two-Door Sedan. Don’t be fooled by its dusty appearance because this beauty is solid and ready to roll with a new owner behind the wheel. If you wish to fulfill your dream, you will find it listed for sale here on eBay in Waukon, Iowa. The bidding sits below the reserve at $15,300, and I must say a big thanks to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this splendid survivor.
Once it emerged into the light of day and was treated to a clean, this Chevy revealed itself to be a tidy classic. The vintage wheels aren’t original but suit the car’s character. If the winning bidder craves authenticity, locating the correct steelies and hubcaps shouldn’t be challenging. The Larkspur Blue and India Ivory color combination is classy, with the paint retaining a respectable shine. There’s no mention of prior restoration work, so if it is sixty-six-year-old paint, its condition is impressive. A close inspection reveals chips and marks, but they do little but add to the car’s character. A complete restoration would have the car shining like a new penny, although its existing imperfections allow it to wear its survivor badge proudly. There is minor rust in the lower rear quarter panels, but it hasn’t progressed far. Repairing it and matching the paint should be possible if the winning bidder follows the preservation path. Otherwise, the floors and frame are rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good order for a survivor-grade vehicle, meaning this ’57 is ready to provide immediate enjoyment.
The original owner chose the entry-level path when ordering this 210. Its engine bay houses the original 235ci six that sends 140hp to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. It may not be a high-performance model, but it should cruise all day at 60mph while returning excellent fuel economy. If you want a classic for a cross-country adventure, it could be the perfect tool for the job. The seller purchased the car in 2019 after it spent years in storage. Revival proved straightforward, and they now drive it at every opportunity. The fact that they used the Chevy to teach their son to drive indicates how user-friendly it is. It runs and goes exceptionally well with no vices or problems. They supply this YouTube video to support their claims. It provides an excellent walkaround and lets us hear that six in action. It sounds as sweet as a nut, ready to launch this gem on the open road.
The Chevy’s interior isn’t 100% original but presents extremely well. The seats wear spotless replacement covers installed by the previous owner. The seller fitted a new headliner and carpet kit but touched nothing else. It isn’t perfect, but its condition is easily acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle. The winning bidder might decide to replace the armrests and wheel, but neither task is urgent. Everything works as it should, including the AM radio and all lights.
Tri-five Chevys remain a firm favorite with enthusiasts, with many feeling those built in 1957 are the ultimate versions of those cars. This may not be the ultra-desirable Bel Air, but it is still a gem that could make a satisfying restoration, Many would choose to leave it untouched, and that approach is valid. It is also the path I would choose because although the line is overused, they’re only original once. Do you agree?
Thanks for not calling it a Bel Air Adam,I would personally put a small block in it and enjoy.
Me too.
Though the wheels are in keeping with 60’s-‘70’s mods, with the I6 under the hood it’s kinda like a bad Botox job-it ain’t real.
Put the old wheels and hubcaps on it and enjoy it as an original. After all these were meany to be the more affordable models.
Besides if you make all original it’ll make all the customizers go crazy!
Best way to have a 57, said by a guy who had 11 of them. That 6/3 speed will get you close to 20 mpg at 60 mph. Great cruising car. There are some things that are not original, however in this day and age, unless you are going for national trophy status, doesn’t make a whole lot of difference. Being as it is a used car dealer, I’m guessing the sell price will be in the upper @20K area. And being a used car dealer, why doesn’t he invest in a steam cleaner to really dress up the engine compartment, and change out the radiator hoses, before they give up the ghost?
Paint it yellow and start on a Project X clone. Love the Keystones. You rarely see those anymore.
This is exactly the condition I like to buy classic cars. No excuse drivers!
The question that I would love to know the answer to is how did this 2 door 57 Chevy retain its original 6 cyl. engine all these years without somebody yanking it in favor of an 8?
This would be cool with a 292 straight 6 built up a little with a 4 barrel and twice pipes, and an overdrive standard tranny
302 GMC 6 with webers or fuel injection, split header, nice cam and flowmadtets.
I really like this car, and it looks to be in great shape for a car that is about 66 years old. This is a classic, always will be. I wish I could afford a third car (but alas only a 2-car garage and I believe garages are foremost for cars). I would be a “semi star” here in the Village (as well as outside the Village) driving this one.
Look at those “Old School” Keystones…Awesome! Car is Great also!
Can’t be original paint, All of the emblems have been removed, that would of called for some paint work. Myself I like the 235, I had one like it when I was a kid back over 50 yrs ago. But to be different I went the modified six route, and put in a 261 truck engine with a ported 235 head, 2-2 barrel rochesters, corvette dual exhaust and a small cam. It did good had a lot of torque, but did not have the top end of the v8’s. top speed was 105, it was wound pretty tight at 4500-5000 rpms
Very nice 57 but I wonder how the trunk on the center edges got bent uppward in the center ???
I like it and I especially like that it’s a 6cyl 3 on the tree if I had it I would definitely make it my spring and summer driver
I would replace the rims with originals and add dog dish hub caps.
Up to$20 k, body and chrome has some problems, underside looks ok in pictures, but it’s 65 years old! Held up pretty well. Engine compartment will be vastly improved with detailing and 327 .
Reminds me of mine with the blue interior, 6 banger, 3 o on the tree 210. Floors look great. Bubbles here and there but I’d just drive it. I never finished mine…
Our papa traded the ’51 Mercury coupe for a ’57 210 2dr, in June, ’62. It was a 6, three speed manual, 0 options. The color of Comet cleanser, with a black and gray cloth/vinyl interior. Found out a few days later from a gas station attendant who owned the exact car, that the Mercury dealer papa got it from, turned the odometer back to 33,000 miles. I don’t know what the station attendant ended up with, but papa swapped the ’57 in ’64, for a ’62 Chevy II 100 2dr, with a 4 cylinder, standard trans, 0 options, but nice two inch whitewalls. Later, we ended up with a ’57 210 4dr, again, 0 options, base power train, and trans. That was supplied by a very kind boss papa worked for, to supplement his Army retirement. That freed up whatever mama had to drive for the family. Maybe it was the Chevy II. Strange that I don’t remember.
There’s a piece of steel welded to the frame rail behind the spare tire well and the right rear bumper bracket is not bolted to the frame. The relationship between the left door bottom and rocker is not right and I suspect there are lower quarters tacked over the originals. All I see are flags in these photos.
And you will also notice that the spare tire well has a good-sized dent in it. Did someone use that to jack up the car with their floor jack or did the car experience some off-road action?