How many 1957 Chevy 210 hardtops were made?

The exact production count for the 1957 Chevrolet 210 two-door hardtop is not publicly published by General Motors, and there is no single authoritative figure widely accepted by historians or registries.

Chevrolet’s 1957 lineup, part of the so-called Tri-Five generation, included the 150, 210, and Bel Air models, with a range of body styles. The 210 "Two-Ten" line encompassed several two-door configurations, including hardtops. Because GM did not routinely publish production totals by specific body style, enthusiasts rely on factory catalogs, dealer data, and registries, which can yield different estimates and interpretations.

Context: the 1957 Chevrolet lineup

In 1957, Chevrolet introduced a redesigned lineup widely known as the Tri-Five Chevys, spanning the 150, 210, and Bel Air variants. The 210 series was the mid-range line and included various body styles, among them two-door sedans and two-door hardtops. The specific production counts for each body style in that year were not consistently published in public records, complicating precise tallies for the two-door hardtop within the 210 line.

Why exact figures are elusive

Public records and archival gaps

General Motors did not publish a public, easily accessible breakdown of production by body style for 1957. Factory build sheets and dealer-sourced data exist in archives, but not always in a form that distinguishes "210 two-door hardtop" from other 210 variations. As a result, the exact number remains uncertain and source-dependent.

Role of registries and hobbyists

Automotive registries, clubs, and publications compile counts from period sources and later restorations, which can yield different totals. The lack of a standardized taxonomy for body style codes in the era further muddies the numbers, leading to widely cited estimates rather than a single definitive figure.

How collectors approach the question

Primary sources to consult

For those pursuing precision, the recommended avenues are factory assembly records, original build sheets (GM documentation), and trim/option codes that identify specific body styles. In some cases, these documents are accessible through GM heritage centers or registered archives, sometimes with a fee.

Practical guidance for collectors

Ultimately, restoration projects and valuations frequently rely on a combination of registries and market data, cross-referencing body style representations with known production ranges and confirmed configurations. When a precise count is essential, pursuing primary documentation and multiple reputable registries increases reliability, though a universally published figure may still be elusive.

Summary

The exact number of 1957 Chevy 210 two-door hardtops remains unsettled in publicly available records. While the Tri-Five era is well documented in broad strokes, the specific tally for this body style is not uniformly published, and numbers cited by enthusiasts vary. For most purposes, historians emphasize historical context, design significance, and collectability rather than fixating on a single production total.

What is the most desirable 57 Chevy?

Less than one percent of 1957 Bel Air production (6,264 units) were in Nomad form. Today, '57 Bel Airs of any type are highly sought after, but it's the 1957 Bel Air Nomad that stands atop the mountain due to its rarity.

How much is a 57 Chevy 210 worth?

The value of a 1957 Chevy 210 varies widely depending on its condition, model, and modifications, but a good-condition average example can be valued around $26,857. Prices range from approximately $10,000 for a car in poor condition to over $190,000 for exceptionally rare, high-end models sold at auction. A 210 in "good" condition with average specifications typically has an average retail value in the $17,000–$30,000 range, depending on the source.
 
1957 Chevy 210 value by condition

• Low Retail: Around $10,000 for a car in poor condition. 
• Good Condition (Average): Around $26,857 according to Hagerty Valuation Tools. 
• High Retail: Around $30,600 for a car in excellent condition, according to J.D. Power. 
• High-End Auction: The highest sale price in recent years was over $192,000 for an exceptionally rare example. 

Factors that influence value

• Condition: Rust, original parts, and the quality of a restoration all significantly impact the price. 
• Model: The 210 series included various body styles like the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and 2-door wagon (Handyman). Some models, like the Delray, a higher trim for 2-door sedans, may command a premium. 
• Modifications: While some buyers prefer a fully restored original car, others will pay a high price for well-executed "restomods" with modern components. 
• Provenance: The car's history, including its ownership and original equipment, can add to its value.

Where to find a 1957 Chevy 210

• Classifieds: Websites like Classic.com, Hemmings, and Classics on Autotrader list numerous 1957 Chevy 210s for sale. 
• Auctions: Both public and online auctions often feature a wide variety of classic cars, including the 1957 Chevy 210. 
• Dealerships: Classic car dealerships often specialize in these vehicles and may have a selection available. 

How many 1957 Chevy 210 were made?

The top-selling models in 1957 were the 210 four-door Sedan (273k built) and Bel Air four-door sedan (264k built).

What is the rarest 1957 Chevy?

The rarest 1957 Chevy is the El Morocco, a limited-production custom luxury car built with a Cadillac-inspired style, with fewer than 35 convertibles made. Other extremely rare models include the Black Widow and certain highly-optioned Nomads, particularly those equipped with the Rochester Ramjet fuel-injected V8. 
El Morocco

• What it is: A customized version of the Bel Air, built by Reuben Allender to look like a more expensive Cadillac. 
• Key features: It had unique trim, badging, and tailfins to mimic Cadillac styling. 
• Production: Only a handful were made, with fewer than 35 convertibles produced, making it exceptionally rare. 

Black Widow

• What it is: A specialized, factory-built car intended for NASCAR racing. 
• Key features: It was a high-performance 150 model with a "fuelie" engine. 
• Production: Only eight were made for racing purposes. 

Nomad

• What it is: The two-door sport wagon variant of the Chevy, and is the rarest of the "Tri-Five" Chevy models.
• Key features: Some rare Nomads were equipped with the powerful Rochester Ramjet fuel-injection system.
• Production: The 1957 Nomad itself was produced in low numbers, making it desirable and valuable.