A Real Bargain? 1955 Chevrolet 150 Station Wagon

When desirability is stable or high for a particular make and model of automobile, entrepreneurs sometimes set exorbitant asking prices, as is often the case in the popular Tri-Five marketplace.  We’ve seen numerous needy 1955 through 1957 Chevys fetch enormous amounts in the past, with no telling how much more the buyer had to spend just to get the cars roadworthy.  All things considered, this 1955 Chevrolet 2-Door Wagon here on Craigslist just might be one of the best values out there right now for a nice Tri-Five driver.  Priced at what sounds like a very reasonable $18,000, this one is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and we’d like to thank reader Rocco B. for spotting it and sending us the tip!

With the trim level outside, or lack of it, this one appears to be the entry-level 150 model.  The seller doesn’t go into much detail about this wagon, such as whether any bodywork has been performed or if this one’s always been as straight and sturdy as it seems to be now.  A part of me appreciates the minimalist exterior, but I can also understand the urge to make it a bit more eye-catching with custom stripes, or perhaps swap those whitewalls for white-letter tires.  I feel the beauty here is that this ’55 is perfectly acceptable as-is, but also has the potential to respond favorably to exterior work without too much additional effort or expense.

Things aren’t quite as tranquil once you step inside, as the interior has received tasteful, functional upgrades throughout.  A tilt column with an aftermarket steering wheel has been added, along with much more modern seats than would have been found here back in the mid-fifties.  I’m not sure where these were sourced from, but the leather looks comfortable, and at least the driver’s bucket is power-assisted.  The condition of most interior components appears more than satisfactory for a fun driver, and I’m not spitting much of anything that would require any immediate attention in here.

Unfortunately, no photo of the engine compartment is provided, though the seller informs us that power is supplied by a 350.  It’s attached to a 700R4 automatic, which seems like a good choice here as it features an overdrive gear, so this one’s probably a fine highway cruiser.  The clamshell rear-entry point is also a nice feature, and it looks like this 1955 Chevrolet Wagon would also be an impressive hauler with the rear seats folded down.  Though this one’s far from stock, what impresses me most is the condition, attention to detail, and especially the cost.  Is eighteen grand as much of a bargain as I’m perceiving here?