The full-size Chevrolets were redesigned in 1955 and their three year-run would turn out some now iconic vehicles. Three versions of a 2-door station wagon were offered: the top-of-the-line Nomad with its own body, the mid-range 210, and the working man’s 150. The seller’s wagon is one of the latter Chevies and is said to have been used as a police car at one time, though the colors don’t seem right to me. Located in Lignum, Virginia, this wagon has a modern drivetrain and runs well, but it could stand some cosmetic attention. The asking price is $10,500 here on Facebook Marketplace.
Chevrolet sold far fewer 2-door wagons as they weren’t as flexible for family use as they (generally) were for hauling stuff. The Bel Air Nomad at 8,530 copies in 1955 appealed to an entirely different audience, whereas the 210 saw 29,419 deliveries and the 150 another 18,496, both called “Handyman” wagons with only the trim level differentiating them.
At some point, this ’55 Handyman was drafted into police service. While you would expect it to be painted black and white, it is beige and white instead with a brown interior which might mean this was the original coloring of the vehicle. As a cop car, this vehicle still has its Motorola 2-way radio, a siren under the hood (does it work?), and a portable light for the roof. There must be more rust than we see on this old girl as the seller is providing new or gently used rocker panels, floor pans, front fenders, one door, and both bumpers.
Before its 138,000 miles, this Chevy gained a 350 cubic inch V8 engine and TH-350 automatic transmission. Disc brakes have been added up front and they along with the steering are now power assisted. Since this is a runner, you might want to enjoy the vehicle for a while as it is before initiating a restoration. The seller will take cash or trade for a 1967 Pontiac GTO.
This would be a fun driver. I would drive it for the rest of this season (Vermont) and do the refresh over the winter. I like the upgrades. ’55 is my favourite out of the tri-5s.
More than the trim level differentiated the 210 and 150 Handymans. They were both wired differently. The 210 had a fuse block and the 150 had in-line fuses. If this was indeed a police car, the municipality would have been dollars ahead getting a 210 because they would have had to rewire this one with a fuse block for the extra siren and lights. All glass on the 150 was fixed, except for the doors. The 210 had window regulators for the rear seat passengers.
Yep the one I sold right before the internet took care of prices,210 2 door,55 with a 57 283/301,3 on tree,210 had small upright chrome piece on side trim.
Our next door neighbors had one like this,except
theirs was white with a blue top.
Colors could be correct a lot of county sheriffs departments ram white and brown or white and green back in the day to differentiate them from city black and white and state patrol colors
Virginia Sheriffs all run brown or brown+ vehicles. I think it’s so the red Virginia mud is hidden.
Hmm, possibly a coroner’s vehicle or forensics vehicle or some other odd department??
Considering all the parts that come with this one, plus it is a runner makes it a decent value for the money.
sold.