1957 Chevrolet 210 Custom

Description

All Tri-5 Chevys are alike, right? Wrong! Take a good, long look at this amazing 1957 Chevrolet 210 Custom 2-door and you'll find a huge amount of time, effort, and money went into the build, resulting in an absolute show-stopper that can hammer down the highway better than almost any other classic on four wheels. "Open-checkbook" restored by the pros at House of Hot Rodz, this beauty packs a wallop with a 350 V8 ZZ4 crate engine under the hood, a 700R4 automatic handling the gears, and a performance suspension underneath, and it's dripping in STUNNING Garnet Red paint wrapped around a Bone ultraleather interior loaded with modern goodies. Tri-5s don't get much better than this, so if you've been looking for the best, you search is likely over...

Before we get into the details, it's important to know that this 210 has been fully restored twice in the last couple decades. First in 2002 when it was taken off-the-frame and fully rebuilt, and then once again in 2018 by the pros at House of Hot Rodz. The most recent restoration saw the car be totally dismantled, brought all they way down to bare metal, and then systematically built back up from scratch. The reason we're spelling this out is that it's rare enough to purchase a car that's been frame-off restored, let alone one that's been frame-off restored twice in two decades. What that tells us is that the people that have owned this vehicle had enough time and assets to appeal to their changing tastes, not the car's needs, meaning this 210 is loaded with the best-of-the-best. And it shows, starting with the laser-straight bodywork, the exact gaps, and the flush panel and door fitment. That nearly impeccable canvas is the backdrop for that wonderful paint job you've probably been drooling over (don't worry, so have we), a gorgeous shade of Garnet Red Metallic that's so vivid and slick it nearly jumps off the sheetmetal. The miles-deep, high-gloss basecoat/clearcoat finish not only makes heads turn with its flashy look, but it's surprisingly easy on the eyes, and it was applied to such a high standard you might just be afraid to drive it. Don't be, treating this Chevy like a trailer-queen would be a disservice to the engineers that built it into the killer it actually is out on the streets. Nevertheless, it certainly looks the part of a show-winner with nary an imperfection to be found in the mirror-like finish. No liberties were taken, no chopped roof, no shaved handles, and no chrome deletion, as it was important to the builders to pay respect to the timeless '57 210 design. Spectacular chrome only enhances the sparkling, high-quality look and you know few things are more expensive to refinish than the brightwork on a Tri-5. Add in the bright aluminum quarter panel trim that's a highlight of the 210 models and you have a classic car that doesn't have a single wrong line on it anywhere.

There's not much 1957 left inside after a full-blown custom restoration featuring high-end, Bone ultraleather-clad benches fore and aft, ornate door panels at the flanks, a custom headliner above, and unmarked, plush carpets that insulate the floors. The stock Chevy dash was slightly reworked and now houses a full set of Dakota Digital gauges inside a flashy chrome 3-gauge instrument panel, and even though the overall look pays homage to 1957, it sure seems sleeker and more high-tech, doesn't it? A Budnik steering wheel with beige leather on the rim anchors the cockpit atop a polished tilt column, and a long expanse of bright trim is the perfect contrast to the otherwise Garnet Red metal dash. Options include a retro-style AM/FM/Cassette head unit in the center of the dash, cold R134a A/C, billet door hardware, and chrome door hinges. Out back, the back seat looks untouched and the trunk was beautifully finished to match the cabin, with matching carpets and hidden side panels that add a trick touch.

Instead of a ho-hum drivetrain, this beautiful 210 packs a venerable ZZ4 350 V8 crate motor under the hood. Like you, we're tired of seeing garden-variety engines in these cars, and this high-horsepower (355Hp to be exact) small block will definitely impress passengers and onlookers alike. It's supremely smooth and thanks to a polished Edelbrock 650CFM 4-barrel carb, a polished aluminum Edelbrock intake, and an MSD ignition, it starts quickly, idles smoothly, and pulls without a hitch. At shows, you'll be extra proud to pop the hood and show off the all the bling, including the chrome alternator and A/C compressor, as well as the finned air cleaner and valve covers, just to name a few components that shine bright inside the Garnet Red engine bay. It's really dressed for show under there, and the Ron Francis wiring kit and giant Griffin aluminum radiator and dual fans keep it reliable. The shine and detail continues to the painted chassis where you'll find polished and detailed components throughout, including a performance suspension that features tubular A-arms, a big sway bar, and adjustable coilovers up front, upgraded leaf springs and chrome shocks in the rear. Power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes greatly improve the driving experience, and ceramic-coated, long-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers provide an awesome sound that won't be easy to forget. A 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission feeds a rugged Currie 9-inch rear end that's ready for red light-to-red light action and long-distance cruises alike. Flashy Budnik chrome wheels wrapped in staggered 245/40/18 front and 275/35/20 rear Nitto radials finish off the killer look perfectly.

With just over 18K miles since BOTH frame-off builds, this 210 cost a heck of a lot more to restore than the current asking price. If you like a bit of sophistication with your performance, this Tr-5 Chevy delivers in a very big way. Call today!