History

The Chevrolet Two-Ten, or 210 was the midrange model of the Chevrolet car from 1953-1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number (2100) by one digit in order to capitalize on 50’s numerical auto name trend. The numerical designation ‘”210″‘ was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline DeLuxe model available in previous years. This model was dropped following the 1957 model year to be replaced by the Biscayne.

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 a station wagon.

For 1954, the Two-Ten convertible and hardtop were cancelled, but a deluxe model called the Del Ray Club Coupe was introduced, which featured a vinyl interior. Outside, the Del Ray was virtually identical with the Two-Ten two-door sedan. This model was offered every year through 1957.

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. It never achieved the sales of its Bel Air sister however, since it was less than $100.00 cheaper than the Bel Air, 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 Beauville, Chevrolet’s luxury station wagon, was offered in 1953, but the Beauville was moved up to the Bel Air series for 1954, only to return to the Two-Ten for 1955.

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 Chevy 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.

First year 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.

Two engines were used in each of the ’53-’54 model years, the more powerful Blue Flame unit used with the Powerglide automatic transmission. All Two-Tens had a 3 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.

The ’55 model year marks the introduction of a new chassis and the debut of the Chevrolet’s legendary small block V8. The Two-Ten buyer was free to chose any powertrain option available.
235 cubic in “Blue Flame” I6 rated at 123 hp (manual transmission)
235 cubic in “Blue Flame I6 rated at 136 hp (automatic transmission)
265 cubic in “Turbo-Fire” OHV V8 rated at 162 hp or 180 hp (optional)
3-speed Synchromesh manual
3-speed Synchromesh manual with overdrive unit
2-speed Powerglide automatic.