1956 Chevrolet 150 and 210

1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten sedan
The 1956 Chevrolet 210 sedan's
two-tone paint emphasized its clean lines.

Four 1956 Chevrolet 150 models and eight 1956 Chevrolet 210s went on sale that model year, including a pair of 210 pillar-less hardtops: a two-door Sport Coupe and new four-door Sport Sedan.

A nine-passenger Beauville station wagon joined the 210 lineup, giving Chevrolet a total of six suburban haulers. The Delray coupe returned, too, rounding out the 210 selection.

Even a looks-tame 210 sedan promised "quick and nimble ways," with up to 225 horsepower available from a 265-cubic-inch V-8 carrying twin four-barrel carbs -- the same engine as offered in the Corvette.

A chrome "V" on the hood revealed the presence of V-8 power, starting with the basic 162-horsepower version. Inside, dashboards repeated the symmetrical look from '55.

In each series, proclaimed the sales brochure, "fine-car quality has been delightfully blended with heart-stirring, high-stepping performance." Properly equipped, an ordinary Chevrolet could reach 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Not even the venerable six was forgotten, earning a boost to 140 horsepower.

Ads promoted "frisky new power...to make the going sweeter and the passing safer." Chevrolet once again beat Ford in sales -- though not by much -- but competition was heating up as the horsepower wars continued, and no one could count on staying in the number one spot forever.

1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten sedan
This 1956 Chevrolet 210 sedan
shows off the optional Continental body kit.

1956 Chevrolet 150 and 210 Facts

Model

Weight range (lbs.)

Price range (new)

Number built

150

3,117-3,299

$1,734-$2,171

157,294

210

3,167-3,490

$1,912-$2,348

737,371

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