Across the globe in the new car market, the large station wagon is definitely on the endangered list. The rise of the SUV has seen sales of the station wagon plunge, and the majority of manufacturers have either dropped their station wagons or are in the process of doing so. The classic car market is bucking that trend, with large, classic station wagons experiencing an ongoing growth in demand and sales. This 1969 Impala Station Wagon is a perfect example. Not that many years ago it would have been worth virtually nothing, but today it is an example of one of those cars that is in demand. Located in Ashton, Illinois, it is listed for sale here on eBay.
I would love to meet the owner of this Impala because he sounds like a pretty decent sort of person. He states that the wagon started its life finished in Aztec Gold, but was repainted some time ago in what he refers to as ” this ugly pale yellow.” Not a bad description. The body of the Impala looks quite good, with only a few minor dings, and a small amount of rust in the lower fenders, and behind the rear wheel arch on the driver’s side. There are a number of shots of the underside of the car, and they confirm the owner’s claims that the floors and frame are all solid.
A 350ci V8 and a TH350 transmission provide the motive power for the wagon. This is the optional 350, which delivers 300hp. This is a numbers-matching car, but the intake and carburetor have undergone an upgrade. Don’t fret about that, because the originals come with the car. The engine does leak some oil, but apparently, it is strong. The car is fitted with power steering, and power brakes with factory front discs. New rotors and pads have recently been fitted to the car, along with a whole list of new suspension and steering components. It makes quite impressive reading.
The interior is showing some wear and tear in places, but it isn’t too bad. The front seat will need a new cover, but the rear seat looks good, and the carpet is new. This wagon doesn’t have a third row, but there is still plenty of room, particularly if you have a growing family or teenage children. The heater core is currently bypassed due to a leak, but a replacement core is included in the sale.
At the time of writing, bidding on the Impala has reached $3,050, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is also a BIN option of $6,000. To put this price into perspective, I have seen unfinished project cars that weren’t as solid as this one selling for nearly twice the price, while immaculate examples can cost more than $24,000. I don’t know what the reserve is on this Impala, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone grabbed it at the BIN price.
I was never find of this series as a four door, but it looks great as a wagon! Funny, I don’t remember seeing many of these as a child. The previous and following series were popular, but I think I saw more ’69-’70 Pontiac wagons than Chevies in our area.
these can command a 6 grand BIN price???
wow. i am out of touch.
Full-sized Chevy wagons came in four trim levels in 1969: Brookwood (Biscayne), Townsman (Bel Air), Kingswood (Impala), and Kingswood Estate (Caprice). Unless it’s some oddball exception to the rule, it should have a “Kingswood” nameplate on the rear quarters and no “Impala” nameplates on the front fenders.
Correct. I expect the whole front clip was replaced at some point with one from an Impala.
It may have come from Arizona, but it appears to have spent way too much time in Illinois. This is way rough.
Vintage wagons are going up in value and that trend will probably continue, so considering the condition of this Chevy, $6k is probably fair. Address any rust issues, re-paint it in the original Aztec Gold and freshen up the interior and the mechanicals. You probably won’t be underwater on it and it’s value will surely keep going up.
Wagons are fairly scarce as they were not being produced in big numbers like their four door sedan or coupe siblings and the survival rate is probably low as these wagons were used hard. Many had their big blocks removed for use in hot rod builds and the bodies then scrapped. This ’69 wagon looks like a decent buy with a lot of potential.
This behemoth rea-lly needs a big block.
Currently at half the BIN, betting it stalls out around $4500.
A big block would be nice for towing. They actually had a 396 with a 2 bbl carb as a towing option that year. Don’t sell the 300 hp 350 short, though. It took a little more gear in the back but it was a strong runner, too.
it is totally mind boggling how car’s that were once great derby cars
have achieved “collector” status. what has happened to the mentality
of this country? I grew up in country squires, chevy kingswoods, and yes,
on a quiet night you could hear one rusting! talk about a group that’s fading fast
are the ones trying to re-live your teen years? lets take Sunbeam Mixmasters
and elevate them to a whole new level. I realize people can ask whatever
they want.. it’s their’s. I still have that 1937 john deer wheel barrel. missing
a handle and wheel, but it has great collector value, lot’s of patina and could be considered a time capsule! parts are still available. unbelievable. the truth is people will pay to acquire such things. just to have it sit in their driveway and on a quiet night listening to it rust.
Hey Dyno Dan, reasonable collector car are getting harder to find! For people to get into the vintage car scene, it’s getting expensive! A lot of wagons, especially big blocks, were stripped of front clips, doors and motors. They ended up in creek beds and chicken coops. Here in Ca, wagons have been popular with surfers, push cars for drag racing and swap meets. I have a ’66 Impala Wagon with #matching drive train(big block)and every time I take it out, it draws a lot of attention and offers to buy. My vehicle is estimated by my insurance at $30,000. I have been offered that twice! Won’t sell it because it was a Fathers Day gift, plus my son loves it!!
Greetings Gray Wolf. Thanks for the response!
It looks like a factory a/c car. It also has the cable fix for the bad motor mount.
I had a ‘69 Townsman wagon with a 350 4-bbl and a Turbo 350 transmission. It was the first truly quiet car that we owned. Ran like a top and always started right up.. Had to scrap her when a hidden monster pot hole ripped the right front wheel off the frame. One thing I thought was peculiar was that there was a cable that went from the motor mount to the frame that looks like it was factory installed.Chu
The motor mounts would break and cause the engine to lift and the throttle would stick. The cables prevented that problem.