Great Bones: 1955 Chevrolet 210 Station Wagon – SOLD!

September 15th Update – in another example of a private seller realistically pricing their driver-quality collector car, we confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ’55 Chevy 210 wagon has been deleted after only one week on the market.  Consequently, we’re calling this Tri-Five “Sold!”

While nicely restored, show quality, “Tri-Five” (1955-1957) Chevrolet 210 Townsman Station Wagons can easily be found for sale almost daily for prices well north of $30,000, it’s nice to come across a driver quality example for much less such as this Turquoise one recently listed on Craigslist in Syracuse, New York with an asking price of $14,900.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his wagon priced $500 above the #3 “Good” estimate of $14,400.

The Chevrolet 210 was the GM Division’s midrange model from 1953 through 1957. It took its name from shortening the production series number (2100) by one digit in order to capitalize on the 1950s trend toward numerical auto names. The numerical designation ‘”210″‘ was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline DeLuxe model available in previous years.

The ’55 model year marked the introduction of a new chassis and the debut of the small block V8. The center door frame was beefed up for more safety.^[2] Brakes were 11-inch drums. 210 buyers were free to choose any powertrain option available.

The YouTube Channel Cars & Stripes provides a link to a ten-minute 1955 Chevrolet promotional film detailing all of the changes built into the all-new Chevy line-up that year:

While we love the look of this ’55 in Turquoise and have no doubt its a great driver based on the upgrades performed, the trouble rust spots the private seller mentions yet doesn’t provide pictures of needs to be investigated in more detail before continuing your negotiations any further.  To the seller’s credit, he’s quick to manage expectations that this is a driver-quality car and not a showpiece.  As long as you realize that going in, you may end up with a great old Tri-Five to have fun in.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“It’s a great car. I bought it from Pennsylvania. 350 V8 auto Power glide. The previous owner has about $10,000 worth of receipts from motor work and transmission work and front end work completed in 2008. So it runs and drives great. I installed a new front bumper new carpeting lower front springs and a one-inch block in the back. Sits just right. New brakes. I also replaced rear taillights and emblems I’ve got about $3000 into it. Inner rockers need a little work. Outside rockers have some pinholes. One rear dog leg needs some rust repair. It does have lots of chips in the paint. But it shines really well. You can restore it or leave it as is. Looks great just the way it is. Unless you wanna make it a show car.
It’s a great old wagon. Probably restored late 90s early 2000. It’s not a show car but it’s a great driver. Would easily make it back to your home.“

Do you have a Tri-Five 210 Station Wagon story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!