Too Fast! 496-Powered 1955 Chevrolet 210

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Eagle-eye readers will spot the Cobra Jet shaker on this Chevy from a mile away. That and the fat rear tires suggest the driver enjoys more than an occasional goose of the throttle for kicks. In fact the seller describes this 1955 Chevrolet 210 in Highlands, New Jersey as “too fast!” The 496 cubic inch big block Chevy-powered ’55 seeks a new owner here on eBay. Over a dozen bidders have driven the market price above $20,000, and it’s sure to go higher. Those who get peeved by sellers who don’t seem to know which model they own (150 / 210 / Bel Air) will decode the exterior trim and assume it’s a 210.

Refreshingly, the seller has owned this car for over 20 years, and knows what has been done and not done to it. the ignition box and other upgrades were done without modifying the firewall, and the mini-tubs are stock bits with an extension welded down the middle to maintain a factory appearance… if the factory mounted giant tires that is. Few potential buyers will object to the dual-circuit master cylinder and the front power disc brakes. An aluminum radiator cools the angry rat motor.

Though listed as a “manual” transmission, the details state that a GM TH400 (three speed automatic) switches cogs at the back of the monster mill. The giant tachometer and separate shift light challenge the seller’s assertion that this big block has about two-hours of run-time and this potent Chevy has never been raced. No wonder it’s up for sale!

The always-popular and reliable Ford 9″ rear end spins the mini-tubbed meats at a 4.11:1 ratio. Big block street cars can run a milder gear set since torque induces wheel spin without high-speed gears, but this red and white beast wasn’t built with comfortable highway cruising in mind. Is this your kind of Tri-Five Chevy?

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Comments

  1. CadmanlsMember

    This car looks like it could be a handful, I like! Nothing too fancy and looks to be sorted out.

    Like 8
  2. dave smeaton

    two lane blacktop!!!!

    Like 6
  3. Poppapork

    I dont understand the 4.11:1 diff ratio philosophy here. It would make sense on a small block but a big block and stroked to 8.2 liters? That should have plenty of low end torque (wheel spin) yet should be limited by lowish red line hence a 4.11 sounds too tall to me. Wouldn’t it hook up better with a 3.X:1 yet had a higher top speed and shift points?
    Im not being a smartass just asking!

    Like 23
  4. Dave

    “Yo, Falfa! I’ll see your 454 and raise you…”

    Like 8
  5. 19sixty5Member

    Sweet!

    Like 0
  6. Troy s

    Definite road kill, don’t let ‘er get out of shape or else…..496 just sounds menacing don’t it. Seen one in an old Datsun 240 Z, wheelie bars and all to keep the 496 honest.
    I like the look of this car, it’s not an over done show boat or blinding me with a bunch of sparkling chrome…everywhere, just a down to basics street/strip car that will attract plenty of grins. Even the cops will give it a thumbs up.
    I should check the ad but it could be a full manual valve body in that turbo 400, they’re neat-o.

    Like 9
  7. TimM

    What a ride but I can honestly say I got slightly disappointed when I read it had an automatic transmission!! A 4,5 or six speed would really put the fun factor over the top!! It would still be a blast to go stop light to stop light though!! Like the custom buckets too!! My wife told me just the other day I should have been born rich instead of so damn good looking!!!

    Like 8
  8. Matt Murray

    Looks like ponch from chips high school car?
    He pulled it out for a street racing episode

    Like 3
  9. Steve R

    The shaker scoop is from a 70-71 Torino, and wasn’t exclusive to Cobra Jet equipped cars they were also available on 351 equipped cars.

    Steve R

    Like 5
    • Todd FitchAuthor

      Thanks, Steve R. The only pointed one I found was a Cobra Jet shaker. Do you happen to know which cars got the flat front vs. the point? Much appreciated!

      Like 2
      • Natec185

        I think Mustangs had the flat front shakers and Torino’s had the pointed shakers. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

        Like 1
      • Steve R

        Todd, the 69-70 Mustang used the flat front shaker. It’s easy to overlook. I only became aware of the difference after I bought a 70 Torino with a shaker.

        Steve R

        Like 3
      • Todd FitchAuthor

        That makes sense. Thank you Sir!

        Like 2
  10. benjy58

    Check your life insurance policy. I would like to have it but I couldn’t afford tires every week.

    Like 6
  11. Comet

    Nice Chevy. If you’ll notice the (presumed) seller looks to be at or approaching retirement age. These 80-90’s pro-street cars were all the rage at the time. I’m betting there will be many more up for sale in the near future. For the most part, younger folks have not warmed up to american hot rods. Unless history repeats itself, these cars may become a fond memory.

    Like 7
  12. Bennie C Davis Jr

    I love the way this car looks, just a basic down to earth car. The younger generation today probably wouldn’t keep it the way it sits. I’m with Poppapork about the 4.11:1 rear end, with that much under the hood a 3.73:1 would have worked out just fine.

    Like 5
  13. Steve S

    I would get rid of the shaker for a supercharger with dual 4 barrel carburetors and not the pro charger that looks like a turbo charger.

    Like 1
  14. 19sixty5Member

    Depending on the rear tire size, that 4:11 gear may not be much of an issue. the rears here look fairly tall, but no idea of the size. You could also run a more modern 4 speed automatic overdrive and solve that issue!

    Like 1
  15. Stevieg

    I too agree with Poppapork, too much gear in the rear. A numerically lower gear will hook up a bit better, along with make it more pleasant on the freeway to drive it to the drag strip. But I would still love to have it as it is lol! I would probably kill myself, but I would die happy!

    Like 4
  16. Troy s

    Lots of interesting points about that Ford shaker hood scoop, which would of had a regular base with a filter. I’m not seeing any filtration here at all which gets me thinking of all the wonderful things being sucked into the carb.
    Another hood with no scoop and a 14Xat least 3 inch open air cleaner, if it will fit,, some kind of filter!
    The way the exhaust is set up it must scream in your ears, or roar and resonate like crazy. No radio needed with those tunes. Interesting comments on the gear ratio too,,, I don’t believe this car has ever been used for much more than showing, no racing at least with that 496, despite those trick looking rear tires. One full quarter mile pass in this rig and for lack of better words,..hope you know what you’re doing, seriously.

    Like 1
  17. Dave Rhodes

    video ????????

    Like 1
  18. 1st Gear

    ME W A N T S ! ! !
    Dual quad tunnel ram and go
    Love it…

    Like 1
  19. Dennis M

    That big block is heavier than any of the original engines, so understeer will be a bit of an issue, but then again who cares! It was built to go straight – one quarter mile at a time!

    Like 0

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