Owning a Legend: The Journey of Preserving a One-Family-Owned 1956 Chevrolet 210
Originally delivered to Schanzmeyer Chevrolet of Meta, Missouri, this 1956 Chevrolet 210 two-door sedan entered the possession of the seller’s family in March 1956. Following a chain of ownership, the car was inherited by the seller themselves in 1985. Subsequently, an extensive one-year refurbishment was undertaken, involving body repairs, fender replacements, and a fresh coat of red and white paint that matches the upholstery.
The vehicle is powered by a 235ci inline-six engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. It also boasts features such as 15″ red-painted steel wheels, whitewall tires, drum brakes, chrome trim, a wraparound windshield and back window, a column shifter, and a heater. The Chevrolet 210 now comes complete with an owner’s guide, paperwork from 1956, spare parts, and a clean Missouri title registered in the seller’s name.
During the 1986 refurbishment, the car received new fenders and underwent repair work around the headlights using body filler. It was then repainted in a red and white color scheme. The vehicle is equipped with distinctive features like hooded headlights, window visors, a hood ornament, wraparound windshield and back window, and a hidden fuel filler within the left taillight. Additionally, chrome trim can be found on the bumpers, side moldings, window surrounds, and grille. The provided image gallery displays paint imperfections, yellowing near the headlights, and signs of body corrosion.
The car rides on 15″ steel wheels finished in red, complete with chrome hubcaps and Goodyear whitewall tires. A spare wheel featuring a treaded tire is stored in the trunk. Braking is managed by unassisted drum brakes, and the seller has mentioned that the brake master cylinder was replaced in 2016.
The front and rear bench seats were reupholstered in red and white vinyl as part of the refurbishment and are joined by matching door panels. Interior appointments include vent windows, a heater, door panel armrests, a locking glovebox, sun visors, a dome light, and bright door sill protectors. The push-button AM radio does not function, and an image showing a scuff on the backside of the driver’s seat is provided in the gallery.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a full horn ring and fronts a 110-mph speedometer along with readouts for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 77k miles, approximately 1k of which have been added since the refurbishment was completed.
The 235ci inline-six is equipped with a single downdraft carburetor, braided stainless-steel fuel and coolant lines, and a chrome valve cover, fan, starter, and generator. The oil and filter were changed in 2022.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Additional underside images are provided in the gallery.
The 1956 invoice shows initial delivery to Schanzmeyer Chevrolet of Meta, Missouri, and lists factory options, equipment, and a total cash price of $2,348.