1953 Chevrolet 210 Convertible

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1953 Chevrolet 210 Convertible
Chassis no. (see text)

235.5ci OHV Inline 6
Single Downdraft Carburetor
108bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Column-Shifted Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Longitudinal Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Top down motoring
*Lovely Horizon Blue over dark blue interior
*The final year before the Tri-Fi's

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Chevrolet had an all new look and model line for 1949 and that was good news, despite an all new model from arch-rival Ford. Styling of the new Chevrolet was conservative and not nearly as modern-looking as the new products for Dearborn, yet the fenders were much better integrated into the main body shell than on the company's prior models.

What the new '49s gave up in styling, they certainly regained when it came to durability and usefulness supplied by sound and good build quality. There was nothing sporty about the new Chevy's, but the handling was safe and predictable thanks to GM's "knee-action" independent front suspension and solid rear axle located by longitudinal leaf springs. Braking was by way of 11-inch hydraulic drum brakes at all four wheels. Under the sculpted hood sat a straight six with overhead valves.

Four years on, the '53s were still very much like the models introduced back in 1949. The sub-models and body styles were reorganized and carried their own designations. Base Chevrolets were called the 150 Series, and then came the 210 Series, followed by the Series 2400C Bel Air models. All manual transmission models used a 235.5 cid L-head inline six rated at 108 horsepower by way of a 7.1:1 compression ratio and a single-throat Carter or Rochester carburetor. That base solid-lifter engine came with the column-shifted three-speed manual transmission, while a buyer of a 210 or Bel Air could opt for the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

The Horizon Blue 210 Convertible offered here appears to have been subject to some restorative work—but is otherwise looks to be largely unrestored. Little is known about the car at the time of cataloging, but it should be noted that the VIN tag in the door has long since been removed and the engine number pad relieved of its number, so the vehicle will be sold on a state-issued vehicle identification number.

Saleroom notices

Please note. upon further inspection, the correct chassis number plate was located on the vehicle. It reads 53B050050.

Additional information

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