From 1959-61, Chevrolet gave its full-size stations wagons their own names. The Brookwood was the equivalent of the entry-level Biscayne, the Parkwood the middle-of-the-road Bel Air, and the Nomad trimmed along the levels of an Impala. This ’61 Parkwood hasn’t run in several years and needs both mechanical and cosmetic attention. Located in a storage structure in Renton, Washington, this people mover is available here on craigslist for $16,000.
The big Chevies had all-new bodies in 1961, dropping the “batwing” theme of the prior two years. Wagons were offered with either a 235 cubic inch inline-6 (135 hp) or a 283 V8 (170 hp) which would have been better suited to carrying people and cargo. While the V8 was only $110 more than the “6” it would weigh five pounds less. After 1961, the name differentiations for the wagons was dropped and became the same as their sedan counterparts,
As sometimes is the case with “barn finds” little history is imparted about this ’61 Parkwood. It’s a 6-passenger version (you had to go for the Nomad to get 9-passenger seating) that has a reported 106,000 miles on the odometer. It’s been idle for several years, but the engine will try to turn over with a fresh battery connected to it. The 283 is paired with Chevy’s venerable 2-speed automatic transmission. Options on this transport included power steering and an electric rear window, though no mention is made if the latter works.
This Chevy is not rust-free with some apparent corrosion along the lower left side of the vehicle. And one of the photos shows a big hole in an area that’s hard to decipher. Should you deem the tailgate needs replacing, the seller is providing a spare that we’re told has no rust. One interesting side note about these Chevies is that they use a shortened version of the company’s “Safety-Girder” cruciform frame that was introduced in 1958. It features box-section side rails and a boxed front cross member that is bowed under the engine. A channel-section cross member tied together with the rear section. This design was criticized as providing less protection in side-impact collisions, and yet were not changed until 1965.
Could be a cool old wagon. I would fix whatever it needs to be safe & reliable, then I personally would lower it a couple inches & redo the interior in the “Mexican blanket” type upholstery. If bodywork needs to be done, spray it in “hotrod black”, if not…leave it as it is. Once all set, take her on a road trip to Phoenix, visiting route 66 as much as possible along the way.
The price on this is what happens when your state legalizes pot.
Tell him he’s dreaming. The sellers mum should have told him, “Don’t do drugs.”
Chevrolet must have sprayed 10 million gallons of that Fawn paint in the 1960s.
My first car was a 61 Bubble Top. When I got it it already had a BAD A$$ 350 in it and a 4 speed. It was a blast to drive. My girlfriend at the time was driving her parents 69 Impala Wagon (1973) I have lot’s of memories in the back seat of my Impala and her wagon. Maybe I could have the best of both worlds with this. Till I Saw The Price. Not A Chance In Hell.
9-passenger was available as a Kingswood without buying the Nomad package in 1959 and 1960
Correct, Jerry. My folks owned a ’59 Kingswood 1959-65.
You didn’t mention the 348 c.i. and the all new 409 c.i. motors…
Also 6 and 9 passenger wagons were available in all 3 trim levels…
When Chevy decided to offer 9-passenger seating on all wagon models for 1961, the Kingswood was dropped because the only difference between the Parkwood and Kingswood in 1959-60 was the 9-passenger seating of the latter.
Just because it’s a wagon doesn’t mean it’s worth a exhorbatent… exobuhtent… exorbatunt… lot of money.
rust hole photo is the spare tire well.
the other mystery photo shows the cargo floor
I grew up with a Parkwood in the 60’s, it was a 9 passenger, didn’t have to jump to Nomad for 9 passenger.
Never understood why GM touted the X frame as being so safe. I would think it would bend out of shape over time from normal use and I agree with Russ about the side impact collisions. It was a good move to return to a conventional frame for 1965. However, the Buick Riviera used it until 1970.
Great $2000-$3000 wagon. Not rare, high performance or well preserved. Should offer someone $$$ to tow away !
Oh, so many years ago I bought a ’60 Chevy wagon from an uncle for $50. It had been employed as a funeral home vehicle to carry people around, so to speak. I limited my driving to back roads and at slow speeds due to the overall worn-out condition of the vehicle and that one wheel had but two lugs holding the tire on. Memories!!!
A rust bucket wagon version of the stripper- in= black 4 door my cheap Dad bought new in ’61. Maybe worth Sixteen hundred if it doesnt burn oil.
Little rusty, but nice overall starting point. Front fenders both rotten above the headlights, that will cost you, but it does have one piece bumpers. Big money for missing rear valences, would love to have the spare tailgate! Mine’s rotten. No side rails on the X frame, 4door HT models had an extra inner rocker to reinforce body. Wonder how the rest of the floor looks…