West Coast Classics are proud to present a very fine mostly all original example of this 1957 Chevrolet Two Ten 2 Door Hardtop in its beautifully repainted two-tone 'Harbor Blue Metallic' (color code 809) paint over 'Larkspur Blue' with a 'Medium Blue Cloth & Vinyl' (trim code 656) interior, with a 283 V8 engine matched to a 'Powerglide' automatic transmission, full wheel covers with 14" white wall tires, three spoke steering wheel with full horn ring, electric clock, stainless steel trim on windshield, no posts with side windows & rear windows, stainless steel front fender trim, full carpeting and with added factory options of the AM radio, Tinted Glass and DeLuxe Heater & Defroster.
One of the USA's most recognized classic cars ever, the Two-Ten series, introduced for the 1953 model year, replaced the Styleline DeLuxe series. It was actually the best-selling Chevrolet model during 1953-54, offering a balance of style and luxury appointments unavailable in the base 150 series, but was less costly than the top-of-the-line 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 cheaper than the Bel Airs, which provided some 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 transmission, power window lifts and seat adjuster. Today, the Bel Air series of Chevrolets from 1953 to 1957 are considered the most desirable models for collectors. However, well maintained and preserved Two-Ten models such as this partuclar example do have similar appeal, especially the convertible (very rare), the Del Ray Club Coupe with its upgraded vinyl interior, and of course these 2 Door Sport Coupe hardtops of 1953 and 1955-57 with the last year of 1957 being it's final and most handsome incarnation of the series and therefore obviously being the most desired.
Indeed there's no better example of GM's styling and engineering prowess in the late fifties than these 1957, last of the model year, Chevrolet's with their exciting new looks which included a complete restyling of both the front & rear of the car. At front, an integrated bumper and grille for a massive wide expanse of chrome. A full width center grille bar held the parking lights at each end with the Chevrolet 'Bowtie' crest in the center. Headlight surrounds included screen-type trim that actually doubled as fresh air intakes. The face of the hood featured the Chevrolet script with a 'V' under it on cars equipped with the new V8 engines. Atop the hood were new twin 'windsplit' ornaments instead of the traditional hood ornament of the older models. At back were higher rear fenders with tail fins lined in chrome. These would be the only true vertical tail fins to appear on a Chevy with the later 1959 & 1960 models having horizontal tail fins. Luxurious new interiors featured new fabrics, colors and designs complimented by a new instrument panel design with gauges centered over the steering column in two small round pods flanking a larger speedometer pod.
This particular example was originally built at the Van Nuys plant in California and was reportedly owned and always garaged by only three southern California owners since new with the most recent southern California owner having owned the car since the early 1980's and it has obviously always been cherished as a 'Garage Queen' with only very few miles (68,500) since new. The car boasts its all original specifications of 'Harbor Blue over Larkspur Blue two-tone' color paint matched to a 'Blue' cloth & vinyl interior and still boasting it's original spare wheel and jack in the trunk.
The 283/185HP 2 barrel V8 engine is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent and this particular car drives very well - must be driven to be appreciated - does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver! The transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the car is an absolute pleasure to drive!
