Best American retro cars: Chevrolet 210

Chevrolet Series 210 Sedan 4-doors

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.

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. Brakes were 11-inch (280 mm) drums. 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.

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.