Every time I think we’ve featured all the “Let’s put an unusual body on a 4×4 chassis” we find another one! But this 1964 Plymouth Valiant/Barracuda/Jeep/Buick is different, especially once you take a look inside! It’s for sale here on eBay where the buy it now is $8,500 and bidding hasn’t hit $3,000 yet. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Scott R. for this somewhat strange submission located in Canyon Country, California!
Yes, those are Pinto or Maverick tail lights and I’m guessing the rear bumper came from the same source. It’s apparent that a lot of time was spent turning this vehicle into a personal statement. Starting with a 1964 Valiant wagon, a Barracuda front end was added and the entire car was mounted on a 1968 Jeep chassis. I think the wheelbases matched quite well as the Jeep’s 108.7″ isn’t far off the Valiant’s 106″.
I’m not saying the style is for everyone, but it is at least obvious that a lot more thought and effort went into this conversion than most of the “stick a body on a 4×4” vehicles I’ve seen.
The interior is where things really get interesting. While this may not be your style, you have to admire the wood carvings that completely decorate the interior. Someone put a lot of work into this car!
Again, perhaps not to your taste, but you can’t argue with the effort and craftsmanship.
Another surprise awaits under the hood, where what the seller says is an Oldsmobile (but I’m pretty sure is a Buick) 455 V8 resides. Certainly sufficient power! What do you think about this crafty vehicle — be sure to let us know in the comments!
Crack pipe 😇
I think the seller is way ahead of you on that 🤫
A talented wood worker. They should have started with a woody wagon.
Having done furniture restoration (among other things) for over 30 years, I can appreciate the time spent in carving out the dash. It takes a very talented person to even come close to this work.
The Buick 350 has a front mounted distributor and was available in the Wagoneer in ‘68, so that’s my guess.
Well a two-fer as a wagon and opi induced car build 4×4 which both are ugly step kids
This… oddly works.. on the outside, at least. All that specialized wood carving is impressive and shows talent… and would be the first thing removed and handed back to the seller.
This needs a steel dash.
Excellent, mom had the same car. Spent a few road trips in the way back. My concern is that the drivers door doesn’t close completely. May indicate the entire wagon body is out of shape. Great hauler for off grid living and or middle of no where camper.. Note to all smartphone photographer’s. Always take pictures with the phone on it’s side, not up right. If you want the portrait look then crop.
So a barracuda, dodge wagon,jeep Cherokee, and a 455 ,v8 from a gm car and then PRESTO ,that’s what happens when ya start drinking light beer 💣
I’d like to walk out to my shop and start fresh with this ride…the wood has to go! The taillights, exterior door mirrors, aux lighting and bumpers have to go in favor of my take on what they should be. Then add 20x10s with low-profile rubber. Work the performance and sound upgrades and get busy…I like this one.
Not a bad looking job on setting the body on to the frame, it doesn’t sit too high and the length/width works well. One of the better looking conversations I’ve seen.
I was intrigued until I saw the interior… nothing practical about a carved wood interior… especially if the vehicle is going to be taken off road.
I think this looks real nice. A diesel would have been even better, with low rpm torque.
These conversion things are usually bloody awful but his particular one looks like a fine job on the outside and mechanically at least and I have to say, without reservation, that I really like it. The interior woodcarving, while certainly artfully and skillfully done is, well…….. embarrassing, to put it mildly.
I especially like the ironing-board-cover dash pad.
What a waste of a classic station wagon…sorry owner
I know this car is in the US, but that grille came from the factory on some 1965 Valiants in Mexico.
I am not sure of the models, but I have seen a lot of them.
Sold. I’m strangely really attracted to outside of this car/truck/Jeep/wagon/thing. However I also want to vomit as I see the inside. I’m so lost right now with what I’m looking at.
It’s a slushbox so nothing else matters. :) The woodwork is beautiful………I would put the original bumpers back on and rework the rear tail lights . ………but then taste is so subjective.
The owner can only hope that someone shares the builder’s exact taste
How would one register something like this at the DMV? I think it is neat-o, carvings and all!
Oh, Hell no.
So its only wood worm n not tin worm you’d be dealing with?
Why not carved woody side panels? Think of the cave-drawing inspired possibilities! Altamira on wheels! I like this, interior and all (ok maybe not to drive). It’s rolling art and must be appreciated as such. Anyone with mechanical skills and money can put a car like this together-but that carving took time and talent! (although the aesthetic choices might be open to question)
If someone buys this and doesn’t want the wood… I’ll take it and pay the shipping!!!! We always say wood is for the rec room and not the car…but in this case it will go in one of my beaters and I’m gonna brag and say I carved it!!! Heck, I might even get a date out of it!!!! It’s a win win win for everybody!!!!!
The more I look at it the more I like it great wood work!
This vehicle should cost at least $25000.
The 4wd lever looks awfully precarious by the passengers left foot. No such thing as “on the fly” two to four-wheeling in this baby. Ouch! Knuckle buster.
The only thing Im 100% sure of, is that the owner never mistakenly tries to open a look-alike in the parking lot.
I had the white ’64 Dart waggy. I like the ‘cuda nose on it, most of the rest not, but I don’t like custom anyway (not sos ya can C it anyway).
Not sure of the practicality of those bumpers in off rd travel (looks only? – ie hide the lift?). I DO agree w/others on results (good height, width, lift) and make that the vehicle’s best point.
Also agreed: that wood is best on furniture and is top shelf artistry.
I like it. It gives you old school cruiser in the woods. I live in Colorado and do you know how many times I wanted to take my 60 Oldsmobile wheeling. Red neck engineering for sure awsome!
That front bumper looks like a rear bumper off an early 80’s F150 stepside bed. Should have put one of those in the rear as well.
Having worked one pretty extensively I would guess the dash took awhile to design and about one day using a CNC router.