Wagon buyers whose main priority was focused on luxury were probably instantly drawn to the Nomad at their Chevrolet dealer in 1957, as it originated from the top-tier Bel Air trim level of the iconic ’57 Chevy. However, over twice as many customers ended up choosing the Handyman that year instead, probably because it cost less and still offered the roominess of a station wagon. The Handyman could be had as either an entry-level 150 or the one-step-up 210, with this 1957 model here on Craigslist being based on the latter. This one’s located in Camas, Washington, a river city about 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon. This cool tri-five is priced at $31,000, and we’d like to thank Barn Finds tipster Curvette for making us aware of it!
1957 marked the debut of the new 283 engine for the 210, and while that’s what can be found under the hood here, the seller indicates it’s not the numbers-matching component. However, the bay is nicely detailed, and I’m sure the small block gets plenty of stares at car gatherings. A two-speed Powerglide automatic is also present, plus a few upgrades have also been added, such as disc brakes, power steering, and sway bars underneath. The wagon has been lowered as well, giving it a more aggressive stance for passersby to admire.
Photos have a way of sometimes making an auto look better than it does in real life, and to my eyes, this one appears to have a very nice finish outside. However, the seller states that the black sections were repainted in the nineties and show numerous imperfections. Although the white areas still wear their original paint, they are also said to have many cosmetic imperfections, as does the chrome. These details are hard to spot, at least from the pictures, and I might consider leaving the exterior as-is for a while. When you’re ready to address the body, it shouldn’t require much prep, as the owner indicates there are no dents and no known corrosion.
The interior is also mentioned as having numerous imperfections, but it’s also said to be all-original, and the condition looks satisfying enough for me, especially considering it’s not far from being 70 years old. Maybe I’m missing some things here, but this 1957 Chevrolet Handyman seems like a great driver without doing anything, and I would be hesitant to begin quickly making improvements anywhere. What would you do here?
I had a 55 2dr handyman for several years, everywhere I went people would say nice Nomad,I finally got so tired of explaining I would just say thanks…
I had one too and like you say, everyone said nice Nomad….I gave up also…
I love the two door wagons whether it is Chevy or Ford. What a great hobby car that’s also at least as useful as an suv.
Beautiful! Buy it and drive it. How cool is this one.
Buy this gem and drive as-is. You can’t get anything for $31K these days that will draw the crowd this does. And that engine bay is spectacular. If I had room, I’d bring this one home!
I’d have at least change the wheel/tire combo. The black wall tires/black steelies and dog dish caps at the bottom of a black car just doesn’t set well w/ me! Otherwise, it’s great! GLWTS!! :-)
It’s so much more interesting than almost any ’57 Chevy! In today’s market the price is a little over, but for an interesting daily driver I love it.
I love this car. The color combination has a certain presence that most cars don’t have. The 2dr wagons have a strong appeal to a segment of the market, which is willing to spend money on what they like. The imperfections listed aren’t really a negative, they help hold the price down while simultaneously not scaring most owners from driving it.
Steve R
Nicely done and not significantly resto-mod or “hot rodded.” Not quite sure about the necessity to lower it, but to “each his own” and someone will love it, at what I see to be an appropriate price or for what has been performed on it. Nice to see the 283 dwelling under the hood, and the maintaining the Power Glide… Very nice driver. Congrats to the seller.
I like it, now I need to go check my lottery tickets and see if I’m in a position to get it..
Seller doesn’t say if it’s the original cast iron powerglide or the later alloy version. Hopefully the latter.
This is a pretty neat car, ( as well as attractive) but I am skeptical of the price. I just don’t see an entry level 2 door wagon bringing that kind of money. That is coming from someone that has a huge soft spot for the body style, as I had a ’57 Sedan Delivery with a heated up 327 and Borg Warner Super T-10 that was one of my street warriors in the 60’s. At any rate, I wish the seller good luck, (I think he, or she, will need it)
Had one as well – a nice builder – got an offer and it went down the road….this one’s nice and would be hard to build for that kind of money.
I have to disagree with older Rodder, I think the price is very fair. Almost any decent tri-five starts at 40 K. I would rather have this handyman than any other body style. I would just buy it and drive it. I am sure as time went on I would do some things,but mostly just enjoy it!
All I have to say is NICE!! This is a clean wagon and looks to have been done right.