Member’s Feature - 1955 Chevrolet 210
Harold & Deborah Jardine, Member #84
Beaverbank, Nova Scotia
by Gary Porter		  
Harold and Debbie Jardine have been members of the Classic Chevy Club for more than 20 years, joining in June 1985. They have always been very active in the club, attending most functions and meetings. Harold also served a term as president in 1987.

Harold and Debbie’s first ‘55 as members of the Classic Chevy Club was a sedan delivery. Harold was attracted to it because it was rare. Only 8,811 1955 sedan deliveries were made, about 500 more than the Nomad, which was the lowest production passenger car body made that year. Although they got a lot of enjoyment out of the sedan delivery for 15 years or so, it’s limited passenger space led to a decision to find a ‘55 with a back seat.

After selling the sedan delivery, Harold found this white over maroon 210 two door sedan in Hammonds Plains. The owner at the time had brought it back from British Columbia.
Always looking for ways to make his cars perform and look better, Harold and Debbie’s ‘55 has undergone many improvements since purchasing it five years ago. One the most obvious is flames by Kenny Wentzell, Darren Jewers and Dwayne Higgins. Wheels of choice are 15" Torque Thrust II’s carrying 225's up front and by moving the springs inboard of the frame rails, 295's out back. From the rear you will notice LED tail lights and a third brake light
Nestled under the cowl induction hood is 385 cubic inches of small block Chevrolet machined up by Nova Automotive. The 2.02 heads have been ported and polished and are fed by a 650 Edelbrock carburetor on a RPM intake. A new cam, CDI distributor and MSD 6AL ignition are in the works along with a possible set of Patriot aluminum heads. Harold anticipates that the new combo will put the horsepower over the 400 mark.
Also before the ‘55 hits the road in 2008, the TH350 will be replaced with a manual valve body, 700R4 complete with a TCI 2,800 stall converter. The final link in the drive train is a nine inch Ford with a 3.55 posi.

In the handling and safety department, the stock front drums have been tossed in favour of the popular ‘68-‘72 Chevelle discs activated by a dual master cylinder and power booster. A 605 steering box and front anti sway bar provide a big improvement over stock. The front end will be treated to new ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. as well this winter.

The interior has been refinished in red and white using a combination of cloth and vinyl. Harold built a custom consul to fit snugly between the front bucket seats. It provides some added storage as well as housing a B&M shifter with line lock, several gauges, remote trunk release and the all important cup holders. A keyless tilt column from a late ‘70's van topped by a Camaro wheel complete the steering package. A column mounted tach, upgraded sound system, tissue dispenser and a traffic light viewer have also been added to the interior.
Like most hot rodders, there is always a wish list. A new red paint job with ghost flames and 3.73 gears are a couple of improvements that the ‘55 may be treated to in the not too distant future.