The 1955 Chevrolet 210 remains a foundational pillar of the American hot-rodding scene, serving as the middle child of the legendary Tri-Five lineup. This particular two-door sedan has been transformed into a potent street machine under the seller’s long-term ownership, which began in 2001. Clad in a vibrant and deep House of Kolor blue, the car moves away from its utilitarian roots toward a more aggressive, custom aesthetic. By integrating a fuel-injected small-block V8 and a modern overdrive transmission, this 210 offers a reliable and spirited driving experience that honors its heritage while embracing contemporary engineering.
House of Kolor Depth and Lowered Stance
The exterior of this 210 is defined by its custom blue paintwork, applied in 2004 to create a high-gloss finish that highlights the car’s iconic body lines. Classic elements like the egg-crate grille, wrap-around windshield, and chrome hood ornament have been preserved to maintain the 1955 silhouette. The car sits significantly lower than stock thanks to a modified suspension featuring lowering springs and traction bars, giving it a purposeful “nose-down” rake. Chrome 17-inch Cragar S/S wheels complete the look, wrapped in Cooper Zeon tires that bridge the gap between vintage styling and modern grip. Tinted windows and a shaved firewall further emphasize the clean, customized nature of the build.
Blue Cloth Comfort and Digital Instrumentation
The cabin is a dedicated space for long-distance cruising, anchored by a split-folding front bench seat upholstered in blue cloth with custom bowtie embroidery. Modern amenities have been seamlessly integrated, including a cold-blowing air conditioning system, cruise control, and a B&M shifter. The driver interacts with an aftermarket steering wheel and a modern digital instrument cluster that provides precise readouts for speed, voltage, and engine vitals. Billet door handles and an upgraded audio system add a touch of contemporary flair to the mid-century dashboard. While the interior is largely complete, the seller notes that final finishing touches like door and trunk seals await the new owner.
Tuned-Port Injection 350 V8 and Overdrive Gearing
Performance is significantly improved over the original 1955 offerings thanks to a 350ci V8 equipped with tuned-port fuel injection (TPI). This setup provides modern throttle response and reliable cold starts, producing an estimated 245 hp / 248 PS and 345 lb-ft / 468 Nm of torque. The engine bay is a showpiece in itself, featuring a chrome-finished intake manifold, matching valve covers, and an aluminum radiator with twin electric fans. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, which was overhauled in 2019 and features an auxiliary fluid cooler. Four-wheel power disc brakes ensure the car stops with the same authority that it accelerates.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 350ci V8 w/ Tuned-Port Injection |
| Transmission | 4L60E 4-Speed Automatic |
| Curb Weight | Estimated 3,450 lbs / 1,565 kg |
| 0-60 mph | Estimated 6.5 Seconds |
| Brakes | Power 4-Wheel Disc |
| Wheels | 17″ Cragar S/S Chrome |
The Enduring Market for Tri-Five Customs
The 1955 Chevrolet 210 occupies a unique space in the market, often preferred by customizers over the more ornate Bel Air for its cleaner, simpler lines. Its primary competition at auction comes from other Tri-Five Chevrolets and early Ford F-series restomods. The unique selling point of this example is its long-term ownership history and the choice of a TPI engine, which offers a classic “period-custom” look compared to more modern LS swaps. As 1955 models continue to lead the demand for 1950s American iron, well-sorted examples with power disc brakes and air conditioning remain highly liquid assets in the collector community.
A Proven Cruiser with Custom Pedigree
This 1955 Chevrolet 210 represents over two decades of refinement and care under a single Arizona owner. The combination of the 4L60E overdrive transmission and the fuel-injected V8 makes it an ideal candidate for events like the Power Tour or local weekend shows. With 27,000 miles added since the custom build was completed, the car has been thoroughly sorted and “shaken down,” proving its reliability as a functional driver. For the enthusiast seeking a Tri-Five that stands out from the sea of red-and-white Bel Airs, this House of Kolor custom provides a distinctive, ready-to-enjoy alternative with a fantastic mechanical foundation.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
