Rough but Rare: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon Project

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Chevrolet Chevelle enthusiasts often go straight for the coupes and convertibles, but the wagons have a charm that’s hard to deny, especially when a builder is searching for something a little different. This 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle wagon, listed here on eBay, is very much a project from the ground up, but it’s also a blank slate for someone who wants to bring one of Chevy’s most versatile family muscle haulers back to life. It comes with a clean title and is being offered at a low reserve, which already separates it from many basket-case listings.

This one appears to still wear its original paint, and the seller makes no attempt to hide the condition. In fact, that honesty is probably the strongest selling point here: they emphasize up front that the wagon is not running and is a total project. The factory 307 V8 with automatic transmission is still under the hood, though the seller suspects the engine is locked up. That alone will put this firmly into “restoration or custom build” territory, depending on the buyer’s vision.

The wagon is rear-wheel drive and configured with four doors, making it a practical classic once restored. The seller notes that the front 12–14 inches of the passenger-side frame will need replacement. That’s a key detail to factor into any offer, as frame repair is more serious than simple cosmetic rust. While described as located forward of the suspension, it’s still a structural repair that requires proper welding or a replacement section stitched in. The seller says they’ve priced the car accordingly, which will likely appeal to buyers with fabrication skills or access to a capable shop.

Most of the glass is said to be in good shape, although the windshield is cracked. That’s not unexpected in a long-stored project, and replacements are available. The interior is listed as black with seating for two. Whether that means the interior has already been stripped or modified isn’t specified, but any buyer should expect interior rework as part of the project.

One small perk: if the buyer hits the Buy It Now, they’ll receive the wheels and tires currently shown; otherwise, it will come on rollers. For long-haul transport planning, the seller says they’re flexible and experienced with shipping, and mentions they can also provide a transport contact if needed. They point to their 100% positive feedback, which adds a layer of reassurance during a sight-unseen purchase.

This won’t be a quick flip or a weekend revival, but for someone who’s been waiting for a Chevelle wagon to rebuild their way, factory, sleeper, LS swap, restomod, or even a surf wagon throwback, this could be the right foundation at the right entry price. Would you restore it to stock or turn it into a custom long-roof cruiser?

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Comments

  1. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    …was really kinda hoping it would have had a 396 onboard…having seen wagons done up like ‘442’s.

    Like 5
  2. Calipag

    “Rare” not sure if that would be the word I’d use to describe this. “Rough” is an understatement, reasonably priced. Not desirable by any stretch of the imagination and I love wagons but frame problems and a locked up engine are probably the beginning of the issues with this.

    Like 10
    • gbvette62

      I too love wagons and don’t see anything at all “rare” about this rusted out, no steering, no brakes, no air, two row seat, base V8 and worn out old wagon either. All I can figure is “rare” was a Barnfinds clickbait headline to get readers to look at what is at best a $300 parts car?

      Like 7
  3. gbvette62

    I too love wagons and don’t see anything at all “rare” about this rusted out, no steering, no brakes, no air, two row seat, base V8 and worn out old wagon either. All I can figure is “rare” was a Barnfinds clickbait headline to get readers to look at what is at best a $300 parts car?

    Like 1
  4. Casey

    13,739 were produced. ….There can’t be too many around today. ,,,,,I own a 1969 Chevelle Nomad wagon …3,806 were produced. I’ve only seen one other one. …That was in the woods at an old junk yardyard. …It was total junk.

    Like 2
  5. Gary Gary

    I’m more interested in the ’59 Chevy Parkwood wagon behind the Chevelle

    Like 5
  6. mick

    I don’t know, looks like a $3350.00 parts car, to me.

    Like 1
  7. charlieMember

    I owned one, special order to tow 2 horse trailer, and get decent gas milage. Solution was heavy duty everything, cooling, electrical, suspension, clutch, wheels, 396, 4 speed stick, and economy rear axel. $3000 and change out the door. Dealer wanted $1000 up front, since “nobody else will want this”. Stood tall next to a usual one. Only used first to start to tow, or start up hill. Got decent gas milage, handled superbly for a late 60’s American car. At only 5 years and 130,000 miles, rust was killing it, not just the fenders, but the frame, then a mechanic, later jailed for selling cocaine, “fixed” the carbourator wrong and it burned up. For its time, one of the best cars I have ever owned.

    Like 3
    • Rogue1

      I hope you “fixed” the mechanic when he got out of jail… Lol. Sounded like a sweet ride…

      Like 0
  8. Tom C

    Looks like a lot of frame rust in more than one area.

    Like 2
  9. Robert Atkinson, Jr.

    Can you say “restomod”? Sure you can! Skip the frame repair, just put an aftermarket frame under it from the usual suspects (Art Morrison, The Roadster Shop, Schwartz Performance), along with an LS or LT “Connect & Cruise” crate motor and transmission combo under it, while the body goes off to the body shop for restoration. Then just write a bunch of checks, totaling about $75k, and this fully restored beauty can be yours, LOL!

    Either that, or it’s a parts car! As a parts car, the price isn’t bad, but there are better restoration candidates out there, with less rust and running motors. Not many, but they can still be found.

    Like 2
    • Tom C

      I like the new chassis idea, probably starting around $20,000 plus options, but that doesn’t fix the floor. CSB crate engine $5500 and up. Trans $3500. Car $3350. That gives you $28,888. Paint $10,000-$15,000. Interior $10,000. That gives you $53,000 if you do all the work.

      Like 1
      • Robert Atkinson, Jr.

        Add about $20k-25k if you hire someone to do the work!

        Like 0
  10. hairyolds68

    i like it but way too much rust for even me. frame swap and all the other rust. not economically viable. looks good with the wheels. shame too i have a s/b 400 in a 70-crew cab Chevelle that needs a home, but this is too bad

    Like 1
  11. Wayne

    Well, at least it has Z28 wheels!

    Like 1
  12. Mark

    Ouch on that frame rust 1000 parts car here.

    Like 0

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