First offered in 1964, the Chevrolet Chevelle would eventually become a legendary vehicle in the muscle car world. When those first examples rolled off the showroom floors, nobody could have envisaged where the journey would go for the newest Chevrolet. For my money, I believe that the First Generation cars were the best looking that the company produced due to their crisp styling. As a later convert to the world of station wagons, I find this ’64 Chevelle Two-Door Wagon a tempting proposition. It appears to be a stalled project, but it’s also a blank canvas for anybody who wants to create the Chevelle of their dreams. Located in Lakeside, California, you will find the Wagon listed for sale here on eBay. It has received a single bid of $13,000 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this brilliant project for us.
The supplied photos indicate that the current owner had a custom build in their mind when they commenced this project. This is clear when you look at some of the body modifications they have performed. These include removing the outer door handles and locks to achieve a smooth look. The project has stalled reasonably early, leaving potential buyers to choose what route to pursue. Some of the panels wear Ermine White paint, while others remain bare metal. There is evidence of some Bondo, but this doesn’t seem extensive. There is no visible rust, and the owner mentions nothing in his listing. If the vehicle has spent its life in California, it may have remained largely rust-free. That would be good news for potential buyers. Along with the body modifications, it is evident that this Wagon has been slammed. That brings me to an area where the current owner and I have differing opinions. As you will later see, there remains a question about the relative rarity of the Chevelle Two-Door Station Wagon, and this would have led me to perform a faithful restoration. However, looking beyond that, the Wagon is essentially complete. It seems that the owner has all of the external trim and chrome, along with the glass. If the buyer chooses to continue with the custom build, it appears that everything is there to complete the exterior.
The “blank canvas” theme with this Chevelle continues when we look at its drivetrain. The VIN indicates that it rolled off the production line with a 283ci V8 under the hood, but it isn’t clear which version this was and what transmission was bolted behind it. That is largely academic now because no engine or transmission is included in the sale. This will allow potential buyers the scope to slot in whatever they choose, whether it be something period-correct or something more potent. I know we’ll have a few readers who will be itching to add a big-block to the equation, and I understand this approach. It will be a matter of horses for courses in this case. The story is much better when it comes to the question of the interior. It appears that the owner has all of the interior trim and hard items, and the seats have been reupholstered. It seems that it will only be a matter of reassembly for the buyer to return this aspect of the Wagon to its former glory.
I am pretty surprised that this 1964 Chevelle Station Wagon hasn’t generated more interest since the current owner listed it for sale. The Chevelle in all forms remains a desirable classic, and people are generally tripping over themselves to park one in their garage. If the bidding doesn’t liven up, somebody could become its new owner at a relatively affordable price. It rolled off the production line with a 283 V8 under the hood, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case in the future. The next owner could choose to slot something more potent into the engine bay, making this a practical muscle Wagon. However, it is also a vehicle that leaves me slightly torn. It appears that the current owner was intent on creating a cool custom, but it probably wouldn’t be the path I would’ve chosen if I found the Wagon in my workshop. Chevrolet only produced 1,101 examples of the ’64 Chevelle Two-Door Station Wagon in V8 form, making it a relatively rare classic. The project hasn’t proceeded beyond the point of no return, so a buyer could undo the existing changes and return it to something close to its original form. That would be my preference, but what path would you follow if you were to buy this Chevelle?
If I may run a scenario, new owner buzzing off the paint to see why it looks a bit funny underneath, and why the magnet slid. Oh, mud, and not just a bit. Hmmm…
Missing “C” pillars.
Sedan delivery aspirations (?)
There have been a few 300s converted to SDs. I had a 65 project t sold it to a guy who had one made into an unfinished SD. He bought mine for parts and the wo dow sliders
It appears that single bidder must have changed their minds, and it is now listed as a reserve auction…and to answer your question, Adam, back to original would be my choice…beautiful car, and great find!
I love the 64-65 Chevelle 2 door wagons. Personally I prefer the grille and front end of the 65, over the 64’s, but not enough that I wouldn’t want a 64 in my garage.
While the 2 door wagon’s are rare, I don’t know that they’re desirable enough, or that restored ones bring enough money, to make it worth the time and investment to justify a stock restoration. I don’t usually like to see a rare vehicle cut up and modified, but I think a tasteful and nicely done restomod build, is just what this wagon needs.
In 1964 my family and I landed in the USA. Having left our 1957 210 2 door in Madrid we needed transportation as we were headed to CA. We’d arraigned for a white 1964 Chevelle 4 door with a 283 ci, auto, We got to the dealership in NJ to find they had “mistakenly” sold our preorder, that all they had left was a avocado green 2 door Chevelle wagon with an inline 6 and 3 spd on the column. We had no choice at that time and with many angry words for the NJ dealership sales manager we loaded up and drove across the USA without any problems, save the time my then 5 year old brother yanked the keys out of the ignition on the Highway at 60MPH in Texas and threw them out the window..fortunately (and amazingly) we found them again and my brothers life was extended after all 😆..
Really enjoyed that car. We put a junkyard 283 in it later (column shift unchanged) and drove it for many years.
Always thought it was a unique wagon, and for years tried to find one back when they were far more affordable but to no avail-just not enough of them around here to turn up anywhere we looked.
This would be a great project for someone with the financial wherewithal to do it up right-replace the C pillar/slider windows and do it up like a 2 door wagon version of the ‘64 SS!!
Just a thought/vision..
Always liked these 2 door wagon bit finding one is a bit difficult. It seems that when one does show up, its at a bad time. Good luck to whoever purchases the wagon.
Were 1964 and 1965 the only years 2 door Chevelle wagons were made?
Yes
The initial bid was probably entered by the seller or a shill just to test the waters, and once they saw it wasn’t going anywhere they changed it to a reserve auction with presumably a reserve lower than $13k…
Know a guy that has one of these. Was taking an engine out of a 2000 something chevy van to put in it.
Looking for a project car, or truck. What is available.
4 pictures don’t help the sale much
nor does slamming it
Why little interest? Because an unusual car has been butchered rather than restored and another piece of automotive history has been lost.
Thank you, Adam!
Awesome find! I have my grandfather’s 64 two-door wagon. He bought it in 1965 and it has been in the family ever since. It is unchanged – same white paint, 230 six-cylinder and Powerglide as the day it was built. I’ve been tempted to swap in a small block a few times, but it is only original once. I get more than my share of gawkers at the C&C when I drive her.
I’d love to put this one in the garage next to her, but $13K+ is a bit rich for me… and the wife would point out the already-too-many projects in the garage!
I
25 Jan-
“$12,500”
“Bidding ended-reserve not met”
Apparently no one else thought it was complete enough to afford finishing for that price either