Classic Chevrolet, 1953 Chevy 210 2DR Sedan

This 1953 Chevy 210 two-door sedan was recently featured at a Classic Muscle Car show sponsored by KODL radio station in The Dalles, OR, in conjunction with a local Cherry Harvest festival. Owner Bob Peickert (a current resident) has a long history of classic car restoration. Over the last 38 years he has been involved in full or partial restoration of at least 17 vehicles.

The first restoration, a 1949 English Ford (different form American Ford) was his inspiration in seeing what could be accomplished in the hobby of car restoration. Other restoration projects he was involved with were a 1953 Chevrolet F10 pickup; two 1965 Chevy pickups; a 1949 Mercury; a 1953 one-ton truck; a 1950 Ford Club Coupe, and he also took two MGB’s and made one good car.

The 1953 Chevy 210 he currently restored, which he named “Hugo” was found alongside the road on a trip through Hugo, Colorado. Hugo was brought home and disassembled in Bob Peickeret’s shop, fully equipped with a car lift, air conditioning, heating and professional lighting, all of which makes any lengthy project like this bearable. It is a must to have such a quality shop like this to be able to put in approximately 3000 hours, which were put into the restoration of “Hugo”.

He did all of the work himself, with the exception of the paint, an “Atlantic Blue Pearl Coat” – which was done by Sky’s Collision Repair of The Dalles, OR. The upholstery was done by an upholstery shop in Portland, OR.

Engine: GM HO 305 Crate engine
Transmission: GM 5350 automatic

Other specifics:
• Power brakes – front disk, rear drum
• Heidts front suspension
• 73 Nova differential
• Power rack and pinion steering

Interior options added:
• Hot Rod air conditioning
• Dakota digital cruise control
• Power door locks & a power trunk

Since completion of “Hugo” in January 2008, it has won awards at every Classic Car show it has been entered into, such car shows as, the 1949-1953 Resto Rod class at the Portland Rod and Custom Show (second place award), and the Judge’s Choice Award at another in Heppner OR. Other car shows such as the Peach City Cruise, Pentiction B.C. in June and Salmon River, Idaho are just a few of the events planned for the future.