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Why is a 55 Chevy called a 210?

The 1955 Chevrolet known as the 210 is named for its position in the carmaker’s mid‑range lineup, and not for engine size or year-specific performance. It’s short for “Two‑Ten,” a trim designation used to distinguish the mid‑level model between Chevrolet’s base 150 and the premium Bel Air.

To understand why the name stuck, it helps to look at how Chevrolet organized its passenger cars in the mid‑1950s. The company split models into tiered offerings within the same generation, using numeric or descriptive labels to signal price, equipment and style. The 210 sat between the basic 150 and the upscale Bel Air, providing more features than the base version without reaching the luxury‑leaning Bel Air. The exact origin of the “Two‑Ten” nickname is a matter of automotive lore, but it’s generally regarded as an internal shorthand that became a public shorthand over time.

The lineup and what set them apart

Here are the core differences collectors and historians point to when distinguishing the 150, 210 and Bel Air in the 1955 model year.

Position in the lineup: 150 is the entry-level model, 210 is mid-range, and Bel Air is the top trim with more amenities.

Trim and styling: The 210 typically carried more chrome and body trim than the 150, but fewer premium touches than the Bel Air.

Interior and features: The 210 offered more comfort and convenience options than the base 150, while staying below the Bel Air’s higher-end materials and detailing.

Badges and branding: Distinctive 210 badging and script helped buyers and current owners identify the mid-range model at a glance.

Engine options: All three trims could be equipped with multiple powertrains available that year, including the new small-block V8, with the 210 often ordered to balance performance and price.

Whether you’re mapping a car’s provenance or evaluating a restoration, these distinguishing traits frame the 210 as a pragmatic middle ground within the Tri‑Five era.

How the name endures in collector circles

Today, the “210” designation remains a shorthand used by enthusiasts to denote a specific mid‑range 1955 Chevrolet. It signals a model that offers more style and equipment than the bare-bones 150 but stops short of the Bel Air’s luxury level. That historical positioning helps explain why the name continues to surface in auctions, restorations and car‑club discussions.

Origins of the "Two-Ten" name

There are a few theories about how the label came to be, and no single, definitive public statement from Chevrolet. Here are the primary ideas you’ll encounter in historical write‑ups and collector circles.

The most widely cited explanation is that “Two‑Ten” referred to the mid‑price tier within Chevrolet’s 1953–1955 lineup—two digits suggesting a middle rung between the base 150 and the premium Bel Air.

Another view holds that “Two‑Ten” originated as an internal model or series code used by GM in its accounting and marketing divisions, which later leaked into public branding as the cars were sold.

A less supported theory posits a connection to two-tone paint offerings being a defining feature of the mid-level line, though two-tone styling was also a hallmark of Bel Air models.

Some historians note that the nickname may have roots in earlier nomenclature (for example, a shortened form of a longer numeric designation) that stuck with enthusiasts over time.

While documentation varies and GM did not issue a formal, public explanation at the time, the prevailing consensus among historians is that the name reflected a mid‑range position in Chevrolet’s hierarchy rather than a specific technical metric like displacement.

Legacy and modern understanding

In today’s vintage‑car and collector markets, “210” remains a practical shorthand for a mid‑range 1955 Chevrolet. It helps buyers, sellers and restorers communicate about trim levels, features and the car’s era‑specific appeal without requiring a long description every time.

For someone shopping for a 210 today, look for mid‑range trim cues—moderate chrome, interior appointments that sit above the bare bones of the 150, plus the distinctive 210 badging. Confirming the year‑specific options and verifying through VIN/trim tags helps ensure you’re dealing with a true 210 rather than a later rebadge or misidentified model.

Summary

The 1955 Chevrolet 210 is named to reflect its role as the mid‑range trim level between the base 150 and the premium Bel Air, with “Two‑Ten” serving as a shorthand for its position in Chevrolet’s early postwar lineup. The exact origin of the nickname remains part of automotive lore, but the practical meaning is clear: a 210 sits in the price/feature middle ground of the Tri‑Five era, a distinction that has endured in collector and enthusiast circles for decades.

What is the nickname for the 55 Chevy?

Shoebox Chevy
"Shoebox Chevy" Nickname: The 1955 Bel Air, along with the 1956 and 1957 models, earned the nickname "Shoebox Chevy" due to its boxy, modernized styling, which was a significant departure from previous rounded Chevy designs.

What makes a 55 Chevy a 210?

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. The numerical designation "210" was also sporadically used in company literature. It replaced the Styleline DeLuxe model available in previous years.

What is a 1955 Chevy 210 worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,033 for a 1955 Chevrolet 210 in good condition with average spec.

What's the difference between a 55 Bel Air and a 55-210?

The main differences between a 1955 Chevy 210 and a Bel Air are the trim levels and interior appointments, with the Bel Air being the higher-end model. While both were available in similar body styles like sedans and hardtops and offered the same engine options, the Bel Air featured more stainless steel trim on the exterior, upgraded interior upholstery, different dash trim, and a more upscale steering wheel.

Feature	1955 Chevrolet Bel Air	1955 Chevrolet 210
Exterior Trim	More extensive stainless steel trim running the full length of the side from front fender to rear quarter panel.	Less trim, with chrome accents on the front door only.
Interior	More premium interior with upgraded upholstery, different headliner and carpet materials, and special dash trim.	Standard interior with vinyl trim, but also offered available upgraded upholstery.
Wheel Covers	Standard equipment.	Not standard, though they could be added as an option.
Steering Wheel	Often featured a more upscale steering wheel.	Standard steering wheel.
Dash/Speaker Grill	Included a unique dash trim and speaker grill badge.	Standard dash and speaker grill.
Body Styles	Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles.	Available in sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles.
Engine Options	Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8.	Available with both six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the new 265 cubic inch V8.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.