Chevrolet 210

Last updated
Chevrolet 210
1956 Chevrolet 210 Sedan (15975184218) (cropped).jpg
1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten 4-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors)
Production1953–1957
Assembly(main plant)
Flint Assembly, Flint, Michigan
(branch assembly)
Baltimore Assembly, Baltimore, Maryland
Janesville Assembly, Janesville, Wisconsin
Lakewood Assembly, Lakewood Heights, Atlanta, Georgia
Leeds Assembly, Leeds, Kansas City, Missouri
Norwood Assembly, Norwood, Ohio
Oakland Assembly, Oakland, California
St. Louis Assembly, St. Louis, Missouri
North Tarrytown Assembly, North Tarrytown, New York
Van Nuys Assembly, Van Nuys, California
Oshawa Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario Canada
Body and chassis
Layout FR layout
Platform A-body
Related Chevrolet 150
Pontiac Super Chief
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Deluxe
Successor Chevrolet Biscayne

The Chevrolet 210 or Two-Ten is a midrange car from Chevrolet that was marketed from 1953 until 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number 2100 by one digit in order to capitalize on the 1950s trend toward numerical auto names. The numerical designation "210" was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline DeLuxe model available in previous years. The 210 was discontinued after the 1957 model year to be replaced by the Biscayne.

Contents

History

The Two-Ten series, introduced for the 1953 model year, replaced the Styleline DeLuxe series. It was actually the best-selling Chevrolet model during 1953 and 54, offering a balance of style and luxury appointments unavailable in the base 150 series, but was less costly than the glitzy Bel Air. Two-Tens offered the widest choice of body styles for 1953, including a convertible, Sport Coupe hardtop, two- and four-door sedans, and four-door station wagons.

As the American public began to prefer posh to economy, the Bel Air began to outsell the lesser series, including both 150 and 210 models. As a partial answer to this, Chevrolet re-introduced the Two-Ten Sport Coupe hardtop in the middle of the 1955 model year, and also added a four-door Two-Ten hardtop Sport Sedan for 1956. Neither achieved the sales of their Bel Air counterparts, however, since they were only about $100.00 cheaper than the Bel Airs, which provided more luxury and premium exterior trim.

Unlike the 150 series, Two-Tens were always available with the same luxury options as the Bel Air, including the Powerglide automatic transmission, power window lifts and seat adjuster. The Two-Ten Townsman was the top station wagon model offered in 1953, but the Townsman was moved up to the Bel Air series for 1954, only to return to the Two-Ten for 1955. The lower-priced Handyman station wagon, a four-door model in 1953–54, became a two-door for 1955–57. Both were joined by a nine-passenger Beauville four-door wagon in 1956–57.

First generation (1953–1954)

First generation
1953 Chevrolet 210 Coupe (20641814804) (cropped).jpg
1953 Chevrolet Two-Ten 2-Door Coupe
Overview
Production1953–1954
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door hardtop
4-door wagon
2-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine 235 cu in (3.9 L) OHV I6
Transmission 3-speed manual [1]
2-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115 in (2,921 mm)
Length195.5 in (4,966 mm) [1]
Width75 in (1,905 mm)

1953–1954 models

First years for the Two-Ten. These model years are essentially the same except for minor front and rear trim items, and of course the reduced model offering in 1954. Turn signal indicators on 1953 dashboards were white, green in 1954.

Powertrains

Two engines were used in each of the 1953-54 model years, the more powerful Blue Flame unit used with the Powerglide automatic transmission. All Two-Tens had a three-speed Synchromesh manual transmission as standard, with two optional transmissions (see below). All engines are of the overhead valve (OHV) design. They are commonly referred to as "Stovebolt Sixes" because of the large slotted-head screws used to fasten the valve cover and pushrod covers to the block. 1954 was the last year for 6 volt electrical systems in Chevrolet vehicles.

  • 235 in3 "Thrift-King" I6 rated at 108 hp (81 kW) (1953 manual transmissions)
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 115 hp (86 kW) (1953 Powerglide)
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 115 hp (86 kW) (1954 manual transmissions)
  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 125 hp (93 kW) (1954 Powerglide)

Transmissions

  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic.

Second generation (1955–1957)

Second generation
1956 210.PNG
1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten 2-Door Sedan
Overview
Production1955–1957
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door hardtop
4-door hardtop (1956–57)
2-door wagon
4-door wagon
Powertrain
Engine 235 cu in (3.9 L) OHV I6
265 cu in (4.3 L) OHV V8
283 cu in (4.6 L) OHV V8
Transmission 3-speed manual
2-speed automatic

1955

The 1955 model year marks the introduction of a new chassis and the debut of the small block V8. The center door frame was beefed up for more safety. [2] Brakes were 11-inch (280 mm) drums. [2] The Two-Ten buyer was free to choose any powertrain option available. The ammeter and oil pressure gauges were changed to warning lights.

This was the second Chevrolet to have a V8 engine installed. The first one was the Series D introduced in 1917 - before Chevrolet joined General Motors - and built for two years.

Engines

  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 123 hp (92 kW) (manual transmission)
  • 265 in Turbo-Fire OHV V8 rated at 162 HP (121 KW)
  • 265 in Turbo-Fire OHV V8 rated at 180 hp (134 KW) Optional

Transmissions

  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic.

1956

Engine choices remain the same except they were now rated with higher power output. The 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 was available in three versions. The I6 had a new unified build no matter the transmission.

Engines

  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 170 hp (127 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with quad barrel carburetor rated at 210 hp (157 kW)
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual-quad barrel carburetors rated at 225 hp (168 kW)

Transmissions

  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic

1957

New for 1957 was the optional 283 cu in (4.6 L) small-block V8 engine. There were three versions of this engine with conventional carburetors, as well as a fuel injected option.

The Two-Ten shared the wedge-shaped side trim with the Bel Air, but unlike the Bel Air (which had the wedge filled with an aluminum trim panel) the Two-Ten's wedge was painted either body color, or top color with the optional two-tone paint package. "Chevrolet" in script was mounted inside the wedge.

Engines

  • 235 in3 "Blue Flame" I6 rated at 140 hp (104 kW).
  • 265 in3 "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 162 hp (121 kW).
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at 185 hp (138 kW).
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with 4 barrel carburetor rated at 220 hp (164 kW)
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual 4 barrel carburetors rated at 270 hp (201 kW)
  • 283 in3 "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with Rochester Ram-Jet fuel injection rated at 283 hp (211 kW)

Transmissions

  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual
  • 3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic
  • Turboglide variable-speed automatic

Today

Today, the Bel Air series of Chevrolets from 1953 to 1957 are far and away the most desirable models for collectors. However, Two-Ten models do have appeal, especially the 1953 convertible (very rare), the Del Ray Club Coupe with its upgraded vinyl interior, and the Sport Coupe hardtops of 1953 and 1955-57. Other models are less valuable, but again, can be purchased for less money than Bel Airs, for Chevrolet collectors on a budget. Unlike the One-Fifty series, Two-Tens do sport a fair amount of chrome trim and de luxe interior appointments, making them attractive and comfortable.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Skylark</span> Series of passenger automobiles produced by Buick

The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick. The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Sunbird</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Sunbird is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Caprice</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Bel Air</span> American full-size automobile

The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1981 model years. Initially, only the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952. With the 1953 model year, the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations, and it had gone from a mid-level trim car to a budget fleet sedan when U.S. production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for its home market only, through the 1981 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Catalina</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Catalina is a full-size, junior series automobile produced by Pontiac from 1950 to 1981. Initially, the name was a trim line on hardtop body styles, first appearing in the 1950 Chieftain Eight and DeLuxe Eight lines. In 1959, it became a separate model as the "entry-level" full-size Pontiac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Tempest</span> Automobile manufactured by Pontiac

The Tempest is an automobile that was produced by Pontiac from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1987 to 1991. The name "tempest" is from Old French tempeste, from Latin tempestas ("storm"), from tempus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet El Camino</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–60 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.

The Y-block engine is a family of overhead valve V8 automobile engines produced by Ford Motor Company. The engine is well known and named for its deep skirting, which causes the engine block to resemble a Y. It was introduced in 1954 as a more modern replacement for the outdated side-valved Ford Flathead V8 and was used in a variety of Ford vehicles through 1964.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac LeMans</span> Car models marketed by Pontiac division of General Motors

The Pontiac LeMans is a model name applied to automobiles marketed by Pontiac. The name came from the French city of Le Mans, the site of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car endurance race that began in 1923. Originally a trim upgrade package based on the Tempest, the LeMans became a separate model in 1963.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Omega</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile Omega is a compact car manufactured and marketed from 1973 to 1984 by Oldsmobile, as the brand's most affordable, entry level vehicle — across three distinct generations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Monte Carlo</span> Two-door coupe manufactured by General Motors

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a two-door coupe that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Deriving its name from the city in Monaco, the Monte Carlo was marketed as the first personal luxury car of the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1970 model year, the model line was produced across six generations through the 2008 model year, with a hiatus from 1989 to 1994. The Monte Carlo was a closely aligned variant of the Pontiac Grand Prix through its entire production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Delray</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Delray, named after the Delray neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on two-door models of Chevrolet's mid-range 210 series of cars. In 1958, it became a distinct series of its own at the bottom of Chevrolet's lineup, and added a four-door sedan, and sedan delivery, but it only remained in production for that model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1957 Chevrolet</span> Make of US auto

The 1957 Chevrolet is a car that was introduced by Chevrolet in September 1956 for the 1957 model year. It was available in three series models: the upscale Bel Air, the mid-range Two-Ten, and the One-Fifty. A two-door station wagon, the Nomad, was produced as a Bel Air model. An upscale trim option called the Delray was available for Two-Ten 2-door sedans. It is a popular and sought after classic car. These vehicles are often restored to their original condition and sometimes modified. The car's image has been frequently used in toys, graphics, music, movies, and television. The '57 Chevy, as it is often known, is an auto icon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Corvette (C1)</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the Corvette sports car produced by Chevrolet. It was introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962. This generation is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet 150</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet One-Fifty was the economy/fleet model of the Chevrolet car from 1953 until 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number (1500) by one digit in order to capitalize on the numerical auto name trend of the 1950s. The numerical designation "150" was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline Special model available in previous years. This model was discontinued following the 1957 model year and replaced by the Delray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1955 Dodge</span> Motor vehicle

The 1955 Dodge car lineup, consisting of the entry-level Coronet, Royal, and ornate Custom Royal, was a major departure for the company. Driven almost out of business in 1953 and 1954, the Chrysler Corporation was revived with a $250 million loan from Prudential and new models designed by Virgil Exner. The Dodge lineup was positioned as the mainstream line in Chrysler's hierarchy, between DeSoto and Plymouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1955 Chevrolet</span> Motor vehicle

The 1955 Chevrolet is an automobile which was introduced by Chevrolet in Autumn 1954 for the 1955 model year. It is considered a huge turning point for the manufacturer and a major success. It was available in three models: the 150, 210, and Bel Air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Impala (fifth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The fifth generation of the Chevrolet Impala is a line of full-size cars produced by Chevrolet from the 1971 to 1976 model years. The largest generation of the model line, the fifth-generation Impala grew to a 121.5-inch wheelbase

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Impala (fourth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Impala (fourth generation) are full-size automobiles produced by Chevrolet for the 1965 through 1970 model years. The 1965 Impala was all new, while the 1967 and 1969 models featured new bodies on the same redesigned perimeter frame introduced on the 1965 models. All Impalas of this generation received annual facelifts as well, distinguishing each model year. Throughout the early 1960s, Chevrolet's basic body designs became increasingly subtle, while the bright trim that was part of the Impala package added more than a touch of luxury to the look. The same pattern was followed in the interiors, where the best materials and equipment Chevrolet had to offer were displayed. In short, the Impala was on its way to becoming a kind of junior-grade Cadillac, which, for both the company and its customers, was just fine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tri-Five</span> 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles

In automobile parlance, Tri-Five refers to the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolet automobiles, in particular, the 150, 210, Bel Air, and Nomad. Revolutionary in their day, they spawned a devoted following that exists in clubs, websites and even entire businesses that exclusively cater to the enthusiasts of the Tri Five automobiles. All featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. They remain some of the most popular years for collectors and hot rodders.

References

  1. 1 2 Flory, J. "Kelly" Jr. (2008). American Cars, 1946–1959: Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company. ISBN   978-0-7864-3229-5.
  2. 1 2 "Directory Index: Chevrolet/1955_Chevrolet/1955_Chevrolet_Prestige_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.