1954 Chevrolet 210 Deluxe

During the 1950s, sedan-based station wagons were popular means of transportation for large families, and major manufacturers offered station wagons in all their lines and trim levels. For Chevrolet, they offered the 210 that could be ordered with power windows, power steering, and power brakes, the first time such options were available on an American production car. They could also select from 13 single-tone body colors and 11 two-tone combinations.

Unlike the One-Fifty series, Two-Tens had a fair amount of chrome trim and deluxe interior appointments. Styling cues included factory wheel covers and fender skirts. The 235 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine was backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Revised styling for 1954 gave the 210 Delray, a two-door club coupe with seating for six, a sleeker appearance, extra bodyside brightwork, and sunshades for the windshield and side glass. They had an all-vinyl interior with waffle pattern upholstery and matching two-tone door panels. Other body styles in the lineup included a 2- and 4-door sedan, and a 'Handyman' station wagon. The station wagon was upholstered with vinyl materials or contrasting colors and textures with horizontally ribbed door panel inserts. The convertible and 'Townsman' station, a part of the 1953 lineup, were not offered in 1954.

The 1954 Chevy Deluxe 210 Series had factory prices that ranged from $1,720 for the two-door sedan and rose to $2,133 for the station wagon. 235,146 examples of the sedan were built, 194,498 of the two-door, 66,403 of the Del Ray Coupe, and 27,175 of the station wagon.

The eight-millionth Chevrolet wass built during the 1954 model run.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2003