What is the difference between a 1957 Chevy 150 and 210?

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 is the base-trim model, while the 210 sits in the mid-range. They share most mechanicals, but the 210 adds more chrome, interior trim, and available features. This article explains how they differ in exterior appearance, interior equipment, and driveline options.

Overview of the Tri-Five lineup

In 1957, Chevrolet used a three-model approach for its full-size line: Bel Air (top), 210 (mid-range), and 150 (base). The main differences between the 150 and 210 are in trim level, equipment, and interior presentation, rather than fundamental engine or chassis changes.

Exterior and trim differences

Here are the key exterior cues that differentiate 150 from 210 across most body styles.

• Trim and chrome: The 210 generally carries more chrome trim and brighter exterior details than the 150, giving it a more upscale look (while Bel Air has the most ornate trim).


• Badges and emblems: 210 models typically feature a visible 210 badge on the rear fenders, which base 150 models usually lack.


• Grille and front-end cues: The 210 often shares the same overall grille as Bel Air but includes more brightwork on certain trims; the 150 tends to have a plainer front-end appearance.


• Body-side options: The 210 is more likely to include additional exterior trim options and chrome accents compared with the base 150.

In practice, you can identify a 150 by its simpler exterior with fewer chrome accents, while a 210 will show more chrome detailing and mid-range styling cues.

Interior and equipment differences

Inside the cabin, the 210 typically offered more comfort-oriented features and nicer trim than the 150, though exact contents depended on body style and option packages.

• Instrumentation and trim: 210 cars often had upgraded interior trim, with more chrome and nicer upholstery compared with the plainer 150.


• Standard features vs options: The 210 was more likely to include features such as a better radio, heater/defrost, and other conveniences that were optional or absent on the 150.


• Seating and upholstery: 210 interiors tended toward more comfortable or two-tone upholstery schemes; 150 interiors were generally plainer and more utilitarian.

Despite these differences, both models shared the basic dashboard layout and core controls, with variations largely tied to trim packages rather than fundamental design changes.

Mechanical options and performance

The mechanical underpinnings were largely shared across the 150 and 210 lines, with engine and transmission choices varying by year and body style rather than by trim alone.

• Engines: Inline-6 (235 cubic inches) and V8 options (including early small-block V8s around 265 and later 283) could be found in both 150 and 210; higher-performance V8 configurations were typically tied to option packages rather than strictly to trim level.


• Transmissions: Three-speed manual was common, with the two-speed Powerglide automatic a popular optional choice across both models.


• Drivetrain: The basic chassis and suspension were shared; differences were mainly in trim, not structural design.

In short, performance differences between the 150 and 210 are minimal; choose between them primarily for preferred aesthetics, features, and value rather than raw power or handling.

Body styles and market positioning

The two models offered similar body styles, but their trim and content varied to meet different buyers' expectations within Chevrolet's lineup.

• Body style availability: Both offered sedans and hardtops across several configurations; Bel Air remained the top-tier option, with 210 and 150 sharing many body styles beneath it.


• Pricing and value: The 210 typically carried a modest premium over the 150 due to its additional trim and features, while Bel Air commanded the highest price.

For collectors, a 150 represents a straightforward base car to restore, while a 210 offers more visual appeal and interior features that approach the Bel Air experience without the flagship price.

How to tell them apart at a glance

Use these cues to distinguish a 1957 150 from a 210 quickly, though variations can exist by year and region.

• Emblems and badges: Look for the 210 badge; Bel Air uses Bel Air insignia, while the 150 typically lacks the 210 badge.


• Chrome and trim: Expect more chrome molding and window surround trim on a 210 than on a 150.


• Interior cues: A 210 is more likely to have upgraded upholstery and interior trim compared with the plainer interior of the 150.

Note that dealer-installed options or later restorations can blur these cues; verify with VIN and option labels when possible.

Summary

The 1957 Chevrolet 150 and 210 sit at the base and mid-range ends of Chevrolet's Tri-Five lineup. The difference is primarily trim, equipment, and appearance rather than major mechanical changes. The 150 is the value-focused, simpler model, while the 210 adds chrome, interior refinements, and a few extra features that elevate it above the base model but below the Bel Air flagship. In practice, both share most engines and driveline options, with the choice driven by desired aesthetics, convenience features, and budget.

Summary: In the 1957 lineup, Bel Air is top-tier, 210 is mid-range, and 150 is base. The 210 offers more chrome, interior upgrades, and available features than the 150, while mechanical options overlap across the two. Your pick depends on desired style, features, and budget.

What is the difference between a 57 Chevy Bel Air and 210?

Besides the outer and interior differences mentioned, the dash trim is much different. Also, the bezels for the controls and ignition for a Belair are chrome and the 210 and 150 had silver paint, instead of chrome. The knobs were also different in a 150. Belairs have chrome rear view mirrors and the mirror support.

What does Chevy 210 mean?

The Chevrolet 210 or Two-Ten is a midrange car from Chevrolet that was marketed from 1953 until 1957. It took its name by shortening the production series number 2100 by one digit in order to capitalize on the 1950s trend toward numerical auto names.

What's the value of a 57 Chevy 210 today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,857 for a 1957 Chevrolet 210 in good condition with average spec.

What is the difference between a Chevy 150 and 210?

The main difference between the Chevy 150 and 210 (both part of the classic "Tri-Five" era, 1955-1957) is their trim and features: the 150 was the base, economy model with minimal trim, while the 210 was a mid-range model with more features and chrome than the 150, but less than the top-tier Bel Air. Visually, the 150 had no side trim, while the 210 featured a distinct L-shaped trim line along the side, with the Bel Air having even more extensive trim and other luxury appointments like gold accents. 
Chevy 150 (One-Fifty)

• Positioning: The entry-level, economy model. 
• Exterior Trim: Minimalist design with no side trim. On the 1957 model, it had a single spear of trim. 
• Target Market: Fleet buyers, police departments, and racers, who appreciated the lack of extra weight and cost. 
• Body Styles: Available in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, business coupe, and a two-door wagon (Handyman). 

Chevy 210 (Two-Ten)

• Positioning: The mid-range model, positioned between the 150 and the Bel Air. 
• Exterior Trim: More extensive than the 150, with a distinctive L-shaped trim piece that runs along the side, with the triangular rear section often painted in a contrasting color. 
• Features: Offered a good mix of affordability and style, with a wider variety of body styles and options. 
• Target Market: Families and a broader range of general consumers who wanted more than the base model but at a lower price than the Bel Air. 
• Body Styles: Available in a wider range of styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, club coupes, sport coupes, and eight-seater wagons. 

Key takeaway
The 210 was a step up from the basic 150, offering more style and a greater variety of options, while remaining a more accessible choice than the top-of-the-line Bel Air.