Rescued from a field, this 57 Chevrolet station wagon has seen better days but still holds some merit. With plenty or rust, some tree mold, and probably a few mice, this wagon project is described as being relatively complete minus the engine and transmission. With time ticking down in the auction, this ’57 Chevy is currently bid up to $2,000. Check it out here on eBay out of Bonne Terre, Missouri.
Although missing its heart, many of the engine bay basics are still in place. Based on the wheels, I would guess that this wagon may have been swapped with a hot engine and transmission at some point making it worthwhile to remove. Equipped with manual brakes, this wagon wasn’t the quickest stopper either. You can easily spot surface rust in various areas of the engine bay, as well as mold and dirt accumulation. There is also some pitting on the radiator support and valence area sheet metal.
The interior appears to be relatively complete, although the headliner has fallen, and there is a lot of dirt, leaves, and branches inside. I would guess a few field mice considered this Chevy their personal mansion.
While the exterior appearance seems rather fair, there are some grave rot concerns with this wagon. The quarters and rear wheel arches are actually in decent shape. The bad news is it seems that this wagon sat for a very long time as the inner and outer rockers are gone. A portion of the driver side rear door jamb area is missing as well. I hold concern over the condition of the floors, as well as the condition of the frame. Perhaps the frame has held out okay, but I think there is a fair reason to speculate about the floors. Although there is severe rot in this wagon, make no mistake that there are still some very worthwhile parts on this machine. It appears that all of the trim is in place, and in reasonable condition. Also the doors and quarter panels look as if they would be useful for another wagon restoration. Could you make use of this field find?
Forget the frame, cut out what remains of the floors and put it over a mid 90’s Caprice. Leave the newer car’s floor, firewall, dash etc. patch what holes that are left and keep the patina.
Yucho!! This is from a field next to a river bank. Check out the mold!! They would have to (1) pay me to take it, (2) give me hazardous duty pay to work on it and (3) pay to have it shipped back to my place. I didn’t even look at the listing, and that is saying something because I really have a soft spot for ’57 Chevy’s. Just not this one.
The color-matched Z/28 wheels suggest this was once a sharp red ride. Wonder who gave up on it and why.
Wearing my favorite Chevy wheels !
Radial T/A tires were introduced around 40 years ago, my first set around 35 on my dad’s Firebird. So, the upgrade could only have happened after this car was already 20 years old. Because the lettering is still showing white, they aren’t the new formulation T/A because the whole world complains they can’t keep them white after a few miles.
This car screams “homebuilt 90’s cruiser.”
Looks like the Salmon and White wagon my dad bought new in 57. 283, power glide. Dad and a neighbor did a drag race in 57. The neighbor bought a new 57 Ford Country Sedan wagon. The Ford beat him 3 out of 3 races.
This sat under trees and rotted. Lots of rain and humidity. At least it is not a phony fuelie.
Engine long gone as most 265 and 283’s did not stand the test of time.
Anyone want eyes on let me know. Aisha I had room this is only a few miles from me. If only I had found it first.
It might buff out and look pretty good!! Stick a modern motor and drive it like you stole it!! There’s nothing like fish tailing a big boat like this on a black top road!!!
That’s a rough piece of iron….
Let’s face it the laselle from a few posts ago is a better project than this. For this wagon you better have good welding and fabrication skills if you want to bring this one back. You might be able to mount this body on a 90’s 1/2 ton frame. No matter what you do this is a big job. I’d be more inclined to keep looking unless your buy for a parts car.