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Parked For 30 Years: 1969 Chevrolet Kingswood Wagon

When I reflect back upon my childhood, I now find it quite surprising that the Clan Clarke never numbered a station wagon amongst the list of family cars. I mean, there weren’t a million of us, but if I could have relegated my little brother to a third-row seat, life would have been more pleasant for all of us on those long family journeys. With the demise of the full-size station wagon, classics like this 1969 Chevrolet Kingswood 9-seater have grown in both popularity and value. This one is a clean and tidy survivor and is now looking for a new home. It is located in Englewood, Colorado, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $8,900, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

Until fairly recently, the Kingswood had spent some 30-years languishing in a barn in Montana. It isn’t perfect, but I have to say that the Champagne paint that the vehicle wears still looks fairly presentable. It is faded in a number of spots, and the wagon would definitely benefit from a repaint. However, if the next owner simply wanted to drive the vehicle as an original survivor, I don’t see that this would be a problem. There are a few dings and marks around the car, but none of these issues appear to be severe. The wagon isn’t completely rust-free, but the few spots appearing along the bottoms of both side windows are fairly small, and also seem to be about the worst of it. The chrome and trim look good, while the tinted glass appears to be free from significant chips or scratches. The chrome luggage rack is a nice touch, and while the wheels aren’t original, they still suit the vehicle very nicely.

I will agree with the owner on one point. Quite often when you find an original and unrestored family wagon of this age, the interior can look pretty tatty. After all, 51-years of children, pets, and luggage bouncing around in there is bound to take some form of a toll on upholstery and trim. That’s what makes this Chevy quite refreshing. The driver’s seat has received a repair at some point, but the rest of the upholstery and trim is said to be original. The seats and door trims look extremely nice, as does the headliner. There are no major problems with the carpet, but it is the plastic trim in the cargo area that is the real star in my eyes. If any single area of a station wagon is going to show high levels of deterioration, then this is it. Unrestrained luggage, groceries, and other assorted objects will do untold damage as it flails around the place. In this case, the cargo area might not be perfect, but its condition is a very long way above average. The wagon features a power rear window, and this works properly from all three locations. As previously mentioned, the Kingswood does feature third-row seating. Not only is this seat in good condition, but it would rate as the perfect location to place any unruly child who is turning a journey into an unbearable experience. Original luxury items are limited to that power rear window, along with a working factory AM radio. However, the owner has recently had vintage aftermarket air conditioning fitted. The installation of the under-dash components looks pretty neat, and the owner says that it does blow ice cold.

The owner regrets not adding engine photos to the listing, and I share his regret. What we know is that the engine bay houses a 350ci V8, and this one pumps out a very healthy 300hp. Shifting duties fall to a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, but it isn’t clear whether we receive power assistance for either the steering or for the brakes. The news here appears to be all good. The suspension and springs have been replaced, while the exhaust has been replaced with a Magnaflow system. The owner claims that the vehicle is maintained by a classic car specialist and that the Magnaflow exhaust isn’t loud, but it does sound very nice. He says that it will happily cruise at 90mph and that he would have no hesitation in driving it right across the country.

When I was a lad, owning a station wagon as a family car was about as uncool as it got. More often than not, people purchased them more out of necessity than choice. The proliferation of SUVs and people carriers spelled the end for the full-size station wagon, and I doubt that we will ever see their return. This has caused opinions to turn through 180° to transform classic station wagons into something of a “must-have” item. That makes nicely preserved originals like this one all the more desirable. I would be only guessing about where the reserve might be set on this one, but the seller does make it clear that he is fairly firm on his price. Still, given its generally clean and original appearance, this is one wagon that I suspect should have no problems reaching a realistic reserve. I hope that if it does sell, that it will go to a new owner who will appreciate this very clean survivor.

Comments

  1. Avatar Morgan Winter

    Cool car, I like the wheel treatment. Seems like it could be a little pricey for a “30 footer”.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Ken

    “1969 Original Paint with great patina” Patina is a politically correct word for rust. :) Seriously. It is a neat car. A wee bit pricey though.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    Posted on Denver Craigslist for $16,000.

    https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/englewood-1969-chevrolet-kingswood/7119902999.html

    Paint the section of the tailgate with the rust; the area between moldings and be done!

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Ken Carney

    Who the hell cares! I could use this thing
    right now to move my family into our new home with room to spare. What rust there is could be fixed after the move.
    From what I’ve seen here, I share the sellers sentiments when he says that he
    wouldn’t be afraid to drive it across country and back again. I would do the
    same in a Melbourne minute! Sis told me
    today that she wanted another SUV. My
    question to her is if you have something
    like this, why?

    Like 4
  5. Avatar jerry z

    Nice car but for $16K, that is a stretch. If it had a nice repaint, it could get close to that #. Too bad it’s not a big block.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar local_sheriff

    Last year for the really nice Chevy fullsize cars. Once again; if one is in the market for a 60s survivor longroof one have to adjust to liking tan hues…!

    That interior is in shockingly good condition, which is the real treat here. I imagine locating wagon specific upholstery and door panels for this model year to be a true PITA. If 16k is what seller expects he’s indeed optimistic, OK it’s a three seat wagon however not of the most sought-after years. I can see it sell in the 10-11k range on a good day and that is ONLY due to the unmolested interior.

    As a side note – power rear window should not be regarded as a true option as it was included when a 9pass setup was spec’d. Quite understandably as the tailgate is the only exit for passengers in the 3rd seat…!

    Like 1
  7. Avatar bone

    Ad says 69,000 miles, but odometer has rolled -106,000 miles and the steering column has all the key wear you would expect from a 100,000 + mile car. Still very nice, but that Bondo showing in pic would make me really want to check this out closely. The 69s were really prone to fender and lower quarter rust , I’m guessing the wide wheel arches must have been water collectors.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Mike Mimaran

    Grew up as a child in the back of my dads 68 Belair wagon. Sad they dont build wagons anymore. Kids are missing out.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar John S.

    Nice car… these things are incredible road cruisers and can easily pick up supplies at the parts store or Lowes. Sad how many of these beauties met their demise by becoming organ donors for the 2-door versions back in the days of my youth!

    Like 2
  10. Avatar dyno dan

    the prices of station wagons has become mind numbing.
    someone please explain this to me.
    thanks.

    Like 1
    • Avatar don

      Easy- Station wagons were very popular for decades , but few were ever taken care of – many were “mom” mobiles, hauling kids and all their interests which is hard on the interiors ,and later became the kids first car , which is worse on a car. Some were used for salesmen and delivery vehicles , very few if any were purchased because it was sharp looking and only taken out on Sunday cruises . When their usefulness was over, they could be purchased cheaply as no one wanted a worn out hulking wagon. the large engines were usually pulled out to put in smaller , 2 door cars . Because they were tough, many were destroyed in demolition derbies ; Speaking from experience , I usually paid $50.00 for wagons to wreck and the families were happy to see the car leave the yard ! . Finally, the price of scrap steel was high in the mid 1980s , and it made sense to crush them out for the cash .
      Now because of this , very few are left around in great shape , and the few left in junkyards had all their parts picked off of them years ago for the “cooler” coupes and ragtops. Lots of people want something different Since they are so scarce , a good one will command top dollar , probably now more so than a sedan of the same model.

      Like 4
  11. Avatar 1st Gear

    Kinda leads you to wonder why there’s no under hood pics. Cool wagon to be sure.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar dyno dan

    thanks don. you’re right about how things change with time. maybe someday. stay safe.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar techz

    i HAD ONE IN 1978, IT WAS A TANK VERY SOLID SHEET METAL THAT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DENT, WENT TO OVER 200,000 MILES.DEPENDIBLE AND TRUSWORTHY VEHICLE.
    FRAME SOLID AS A ROCK!!!
    techz.

    Like 0

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