Chevrolet made a lot of noise in 1955 with a full range of all-new cars available with GM’s optional first V8 engine since 1918. The 210 was the mid-level Chevy that offered a few more creature comforts over the rather pedestrian 150 model. The seller has a revived ’55 210 Townsman wagon that came with four doors, a tailgate, and 6-passenger seating. With ample patina, this Bow-Tie people mover can be found in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $8,600 with a technical reserve that the seller may not impose.
The “Tri-Five” Chevies of 1955-57 were huge sellers, approaching five million units before the beefier ’58 models came along and turned out to be a single-year design. Nearly 1.8 million 150s, 210s, and Bel Airs came down the assembly line in 1955, including more than 84,000 Townsman wagons like this one. While a bundle of them were ordered with the 235 cubic inch six-banger, a lot of buyers had been waiting for Chevy to do a V8 (Ford had one for years). The displacement was 265 CI, and one of them found its way into this station wagon.
Including the seller, this 210 has only had three owners in its 70 years. We’re told the Chevy is original, although much of the interior is nicer than the exterior because of previously used plastic covers. Besides opting for the V8, the order form had a box checked for the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. It was in storage for many moons, yet the seller tells us it runs and drives now (how well?). The gas tank had to be flushed, the carburetor rebuilt, and the water pump replaced, along with some other items.
If you’re wondering about rust, the car doesn’t seem to have any, sans some of the surface variety. The rubber seals around the doors and windows are worn out and should be refreshed. The seller says the mileage is 264,198, but we wonder if a decimal point is missing and the odometer only went around once, not twice. Would you go for a full restoration or do just what you have to do to drive it whenever you please?
This wagon is in surprisingly solid condition. We all know they weren’t bought to be kept protected in a climate controlled garage. These were used. And many times once a family was done with them, contractors would buy them and use upnwhat was left of them. ( I’ve personally seen this, one guy was a roofer, imagine loading up a 1970 Impala wagon with roof shingles and a ladder on top). I almost wonder if this was 2 tone when new due to the coral (?) Color paint you see on the interior of the doors. This would’ve looked nice in a two tone. Either way, this looks like a great wagon deserving of a new home.
Paint it and drive it. Just not a lot of these showing up these days. Could be a nice one and some fun.
This car us nice, but I would rather have the Ford truck that is parked in the driveway. I’m a truck guy.
I was gonna ask about the truck, you beat me to it!
You’d never get the cost of restoration back…I think there may still be an Earl Scheib in the Bronx if you want fresh paint, but I’d get those door seals replaced and do standard maintenance, and drive it.
Presently at $12,500.
generator replaced with Alternator…
Nice wagon. Amazing survival.
Nice wagon. Just as it is. Get it road worthy and drive it! This would be a nice one to do some mild hop-ups too as you go. Suspension, maybe disc brakes up front, maybe a healthier cam. Oh and seals as seller mentioned. But keep it simple, and drivable. No reason this old beast couldn’t be a daily with a little tlc. Hopefully it doesn’t got too price with the auction.
My one peeve is the tinted windows. Why?
Maybe add dual exhaust and cruise it!
Sold 9/20/2025 for a high bid of $19,100.
Steve R