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?
I had a 55 2 dr. Handyman for several years,I got so tired of explaining to people it’s not a Nomad when they would say ” Nice Nomad”…I just said “Thanks”
I had a 2 door Handyman also, same thing here “nice Nomad”. Like you I got tired of explaining it…..
Looks like the rear seats are the same as the fronts. I doubt if they fold flat.
Good catch, Mike. I was going to say that they took a perfectly good (?) six seater and made it a quad-butt.
At least the back ones appear to fold so all is not lost.
$18000 (Cda)? Is that Canadian? Ad says call and leave a message. Would have been nice if the seller had left a number.
Cda is local shorthand for Coeur d’Alene. It’s a lake and city in north Idaho, east of Spokane, WA.
I would say it sounds reasonable. Nice upgrades, including the 350 and newer automatic. The first year 265s didn’t have full flow oil filtration and typical first year bugs to work out. Drive it and enjoy.
For $18K, Mike must be seeing things that I’m not. The thing is a running driver and decent, but otherwise it’s all over the map.
It’s a great white whale. The thing is way past factory stock, so tack on some Belair trim, make it two-tone retro (maybe match the interior???), and get rid of those wheels and white walls, and put on some 1960s Chevy Magnums or some Torq Thrust, or even steelies with mini moon caps with some wide radials.
A really cool car , but , for me , the upgrades don’t work.
Probably very comfortable and functional, but the seats , and the wheel look like they’ve been dropped in from another planet.
Let’s get back to the bench and old school steering wheel.
In the 80s I had one of these along with a 55 sedan delivery (which I still own) and will be on here soon. Got so many comments about its mistaken identity, my personalized AZ plate read NO MAD!
There is a 55/56 not sure because they look similar to me, anyway it its sitting in a yard full of junk in Clarkston Washington about two hours south of where this thing is says its for sale but I couldn’t catch a price did see best offer, its sitting behind a Toyota Dolphin motor home that’s also for sale. I personally would prefer a 57 model year but this one would be fun to have.
I actually like it, a nice blend of old & new. Engine & underbody shots would have been nice.
I too think the seats look terribly out of place. I bet they are comfortable on long rides, but would prefer something more era appropriate.
cool but a bit too modified for me though. somebody will take it i am sure.
Again screwed up something nice by putting those seats in why not redo the originals then you could ask for that cash you’re way outta your league, 10,000 maybe, but no more
In a perfect world I would buy this before the owner screws it up any more than he already has! Get that late model interior our of there, this car is very rare and deserves a nice build. I am not saying it needs to be all original, it doesn’t! It just doesn’t need someone putting
crap on it just because they think its a great idea. I wish them luck selling, I hope whoever gets it, understands what they have. Don’t screw it up.
Perfect lil wagon …….EXCEPT all those modern interior bits look as out of place as a w8264 in church . They would have to go .