The Chevelle was a new car in 1964, filling a void between the full-size Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne and the compact Chevy II/Nova. It would become an extremely popular part of the Chevrolet line-up, selling more than 370,000 copies in its first year alone. The 300 Series was the entry-level model and included a 2-door station wagon that saw limited production, like this one. Located in Kellyton, Alabama, this ’64 300 doesn’t look to have been active in a long time and no longer has its drivetrain. The wagon is available here on eBay where the opening bid of $3,000 has yet to be cast. Our thanks to Larry D for turning us on to this project.
Not only did the Chevelle debut in 1964, but it also marked the return of the El Camino “gentlemen’s pickup.” Why is that important here? Because the platform of the 300 Series 2-door wagon would serve as the basis for the revived commuter truck. Good thing the El Camino would be more popular, justifying the continuance of the body style, at least for two years. 23,618 El Caminos were built in 1964 while only 2,710 of the 300 2-door wagons saw an assembly, of which just 1,101 had a V8 engine like the seller’s offering.
From the looks of things, this old wagon has been off the road for ages. With its engine and manual transmission having been previously extracted, it’s a roller that presents something of a clean slate for the buyer. That will include new floor pans and fixing rust and other body damage within the sheet metal. Also, the interior has largely been stripped, so seats, door panels, and floor coverings will be required once the body has been repaired. While there is a black finish on the exterior now, a look inside reveals blue as the original color. On the plus side, someone did a brake conversion to front discs.
For a closer inspection of this roller, the seller offers a video. But when you come to take it away, you will not receive a title, just a bill of sale. So, check first with your DMV to see what will be needed to title the vehicle in your name. And then start making plans for a unique restoration. Perhaps turn it into some sort of restomod with a modern V8 and transmission. Or make it into a low rider or a latter-day customized Nomad. You can do almost anything with enough money.
Had to smile reading the description of the seller. He has owned the car a year and the bad list he compiled was fairly simple and took him a year? Rusty floor pans, no engine or transmission and needs metal work. Just guessing going to be a long term project. Looking back I looked at one a long time ago in pretty much same shape. Was covered in black too! It hides terrible so we’ll in a photo.
My dad for orders to take over the Reno Air Defense Sector at Stead AFB in the fall of 1963-we were at Torrejon AFB Madrid Spain at the time, leaving our ‘57 Chevy V8 2 door 210 there 😱 . With connections through a program for military personnel he arranged to buy a ‘64 Chevelle 2 door wagon with a 6 cyl 3 spd on the column in Meadow Green. We drove it from New Jersey where we picked it up then down to Georgia (older brothers wedding) and across the the US. We kept that for a number of years after a later 283ci V8 transplant, leaving the shift on the column.
Wasn’t crazy about it then but many years later when I found it in a local junkyard I pried the VIN plate off as a souvenir..
It’s a damned shame this isn’t a feasible project-IMHO Chevy really got it right with the first iteration Chevelle but like many great car ideas bigger cars evolve because they make bigger money.
“If wishes were horses I’d own a ranch”-or a stable of ‘64 Chevelles anyway..
Great find, Larry D.!
Its rare, but is it really desirable monetarily as a restoration in this shape ? I’m thinking this cars future , if it has any future, will be as a classic drag car – you would be putting a built up engine in it anyway , dont need much interior ( and theres not much left anyway) , and you’d need to put in the safety equipment anyway .
I remember driving around in Olympia Wa about 1984 – 85 and spotting one of these 2 door wagons. Never had seen one before. I was shocked and it looked in fantastic shape and an everyday driver. Then a couple years later I went to a wrecking yard there and that same car was in there. They had roll it over. I didn’t know how rare they were. Wish I had bought it and saved it. It was very light roll.
Hilarious ask.
I have a 65 Chevelle Wagon, 283 2bbl, Power glide, Registered and inspected, runs great, for $6900 ,if anyone is interested
Please consider listing it here on the site.
I have 65 Chevelle Wagon, 283 2bbl, power glide, solid original car,Registered and inspected, runs and drives great, $6900 if any one is interested
Cool looking car but RUSTY!
Yeah definitely drag car material !! Big block with a blower would do the trick !! Someone like Gas Monkey could make a drag car with this and have a blast !!
2 door SW…so rare…so under appreciated…the small SW became the car of choice for house painters(and they destroyed them)…I personally didn’t appreciate ‘em until I turned 50… these are the cars that need to be saved for the future..the future looks good for the Jay Leno performance(or otherwise just expensive) transport…SW’s defined the 60’s family esthetic.. I miss those days… getting old sucks