32 Degrees Cooler: Gene Esaly's 1957 Chevy 210

This draggin’ wagon makes retirement look good.

It’s hard to believe that Gene Esaly’s 1957 Chevy 210 used to be a dedicated drag racing vehicle. He used to watch it race at the historic Dragway of Magnolia outside of Canton, Ohio, until it was forced into an undignified retirement. Years later, Gene was able to rescue it, and with a lot of help from his friends, gave it a brand new lease on life.

Click the slide show link for more stunning photos and the complete story behind this hot ride!

Photography By: Kaminski Studio

Art Direction By: Aaron Gray

Story By: Derek J. Manke

FAST SPECS

Gene & Brenda Esaly
Louisville, OH
1957 Chevy 210

Chassis
Front Suspension: Seamless “California” Mustang II package with QA1 double-adjustable coilover shocks
Rear Suspension: 4-link with QA1 double-adjustable coilover shocks
Brakes: Wilwood disc brakes
Wheels and Tires: Billet Specialties Black Street Lite wheels (15" x 6” front, 15" x 14” rear), Hoosier Pro Street radials (15" x 7.5" front, 15” x 18.5" rear)

Engine & Transmission
Block: Chevy 496, machined for stroker kit, honed, and decked
Cylinder Heads: Trick Flow PowerPort® 320, polished
Reciprocating Assembly: Callies Performance crankshaft, Eagle Specialty Products connecting rods, Ross pistons, Speed Pro piston rings; COMP® Cams hydraulic camshaft, lifters, pushrods, valve springs, and rocker arms 
Air and Fuel: Holley Pro Dominator tunnel ram intake, three 2-barrel Holley 2300 carburetors, custom scoop, fuel lines, and tank
Ignition: MSD distributor, 6AL ignition box, rev limiter, coil, and spark plug wires; Powermaster mini chrome starter
Exhaust: Fully custom system with 2.25" headers, 3" stainless steel tubing, mufflers, and exits in front of rear wheels
Transmission/Driveline: Hurst Pistol-Grip shifter, Borg Warner T-56 transmission, McLeod double-disc clutch, 9" Ford rear end, Moser 40-spline axles

Exterior
Body Modifications: Door pillar angled to 32 degrees, shaved door handles, flush 3rd brake light, belly pans, fiberglass hood, one-piece side glass
Paint: Candy Apple Red pearl with Molten Copper pinstripes

Interior
Dash: Modified stock dash
Seats: Acura bucket seats, ivory and buff leather upholstery

Special Thanks
My wife Brenda, Jim Palosi, Bill Watkins, Bill Philips, Bob Gregory, Dave Hart, Spencer & Zoey, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ