When most folks think of the ’56 Chevy sport coupe (unpillared), the Bel Air usually comes to mind. But the mid-range 210 (or Two-Ten) could also be had in that body style, although they sold just one-seventh as many compared to the Bel Air. So fewer are left today. This one is a roller with no engine or transmission, but it will give someone a solid place to start from in building it their own way. Located in Windsor, California, this ’56 is available on here on craigslist for $13,500. And the seller is a car guy, so interesting trades will be considered!
The Chevy 210 was built between 1953-57 as the stepping-stone between a stripped down 210 and the snazzier Bel Air. The name was simply derived by shortening the production series number (2100) by one digit as other car makers were doing something similar in the 1950s. That trend was fading in the later years, so the 210 became the Biscayne in 1958. Besides some differences in trim and about $100 off the sticker, the 210 could pass for a Bel Air at a glance, but most folks opted to spend the extra C-note. Chevy built 19,079 of the 210 sport coupe for 1956 compared to 130,778 Bel Airs in the same body style. Together, they were almost 10 percent of total Chevy output that year, 1.6 million cars, including the Corvette.
This 210 looks like a project that got stalled at some point. At one time it had a V8 engine (likely the 265 cubic inch) and a 3-speed manual, but they’re long gone but the clutch pedal assembly is still intact should the buyer want to go that route. The body looks solid and there is evidence of older sheet metal work that was performed. There is some rust in the rear tail pan between the trunk and rear bumper, a common area for this to occur. The floor and trunk are said to be in great shape and the chrome, trim and glass seem to be up to par.
Inside the car is a complete interior less the carpeting. The dash is clean and unmolested, but a new interior kit is recommended although most of what’s there doesn’t look bad at all. The car has likely been inside for some time, perhaps perched on the lift above a very cool-looking 1950s Chevy restomod. The 210 has a clean California title with plates (Black?) but is currently registered as non-operating.
For buyers that don’t intend to go back to 1956 gear, the seller has some supporting hardware for the car that a deal could be made on. That includes a complete 350 V8 with camel hump heads and a 700r4 transmission, both of which have been rebuilt. Some other components are also available, which consist of drop spindles, control arms, 4-wheel disc brakes, a newer fuel tank, and two sets of wheels and tires. As a car guy himself, the seller with consider trades and he dangles several possibilities. If you have a 1958-65 Impala, 1967-73 Camaro, 1964-72 Chevelle, 1955-57 Bel Air, and other stuff including rat rods, hit him up.
The difference in resale value for the 210 vs. the Bel Air is interesting given the minimal physical differences in the cars. For example, Hagerty tags the average resale on a 210 at $18,300, yet a Bel Air is about 50 percent higher at $27,000. I think a decked out 210 would be a better conversation piece among Chevy collectors because there are so few of them by comparison. BTW, the last photo is what this car may have looked like back in the day, with aftermarket wheels, that is.
If Hagarty is correct about the average resale, there’s not much room to finish this car with all it needs, and not be way under water. I like it, but wouldn’t touch it at this price. Maybe half?
A ’56 BelAir hardtop is only worth $27K?
The deck lid is wearing 6-cylinder trim. I wonder if the deck is original to the car. I can’t see for sure, the hood emblem… looks like it might have been V8. And, the underneath shot, showing that aftermarket crossmember… tells me this car has been messed with.
Bargain day baby 😂
Just paint and assemble for another 30 and your done ✅
I do like Hardtop tri-fives baby
I might argue that the 210 became the Bel Air in ’58 as they offered a hardtop one step below the new Impala. I don’t think the Biscayne was available in a hardtop version, could be wrong just going on memory…
210 didn’t come in hardtop in 56 the drivers side rear has a Bel Air emblem.
56 Chevy did come in a 210 2 Door hard-top or Sport Coupe as the sales literature calls it. I’ve seen a few and it’s listed on Chevy 1956 model list. The only BelAir emblem I see may be on the red car which isn’t actually the one for sale.
With all do respect, the 210 was available in a hardtop in 1956 and in 1955. I personally never have seen a ‘55 but I have seen pictures of them on line, I have seen and rode in and my parents owned a ‘56. The emblem on the quarter would say “Chevrolet “ not “Bel-Air”.
Just add the engine, that 700R4 tranny,
fix the brakes, and drive it while you
finish the rest of it. I really like the car,
but have no place to keep it. The color scheme on it is very sharp and will be a
standout when properly done. If you can get all you need to finish the car,
his price is quite fair for what you’ll get.
It’s the shipping that’s gonna kill your
budget!
Worried about making money restomod it put 30 grand into it sell it for 65.Me personally I would put a motor and a transmission and some killer shag carpet in it and drive it
Price is right for a guy with some talent and tools to put it together fun project
13K No engine or interior. Been rode hard and put up wet. WAY to much money. enjoy it. cuz you better it aint no where.
Shame these once elegant cars get bastardized by poor taste and bad judgement. It spoils the image of once American classics that were the en vie of ownership around the world.
My parents bought a 1956 210 hardtop brand new, green and white two tone, my mom didn’t like the Bel-Air trim on the sides, so they got the 210. they got rid of it when I was 3 years old. It was a V8 with a powerglide, many years later my mom said” I would’ve have kept it had I known you would want it,to us it was just another car”. Mom what a sense of humor.
My uncle’s parents had one, and it was black, grey, salmon and white. One of the very few cars that lent itself to quadra-tone, it was a real beauty. People wanted to buy it whenever they parked.
My Dad gave me a black/white 210 for my high school graduation gift in 1956. I had to order the car from the factory as I wanted a Corvette engine plus three on the column. Few Americans had ever heard of a 4 speed tranny in a car 1n ’56. I met the woman I would marry later that year. She was living with a married couple that drove a 1955 VW sedan. David Petrie tried to convince me that his VW was the car of the future. What an wIdiot! After our first child, I got a used 1957 VW. I might be able to trace the VIN???
I like it.
I would paint it one color though. Havr never liked those 50’s 2 color paint jobs.
How about a 327 corvette motor, 4 spd tranny, discs up front and a nice dark primer grey paint job? Oh and dump that heavy front bumper …
I own a 1956 210 Sport Coupe/2-door hardtop. These are a pretty hard model. They were an extremely low production. Around 13k made. I am search for a door for the passenger side. The Bel airs, will fit, but the door lock how is about twice the distance down under the door handle, as the 210.
My parents bought one of these brand new. It was a 265 with a powerglide. My mom didn’t like the trim on the Bel-Air so that’s why they got the 210 Green and white two tone. They got red of it when I was 3 years old.