Flat black cars scare me a little. I’m not sure whether it’s because of the trashy hot rods that had straight pipes and never sounded good when I was a kid, or the fact that too many folks try to camouflage crappy body work with rattle-can paint now. Either way, I’m a little skeptical when I see a car in flat black. This 1965 Checker wagon located in Redmond, Oregon is listed for sale here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $4,999 or you can make a lower offer.
According to the seller, this Checker is rust free. I don’t think the last part of that last sentence has ever been uttered since about 1990, as Checkers seem to be filled with built-in rust traps. It would be a major coup for this to actually be without the corrosion bug.
The interior could certainly use some help, although that may be the nicest dash I’ve seen on an old Checker. The seller tells us there isn’t a back seat. I’ve always thought one of these would make a heck of a tow vehicle if you modernized the brakes and drive train a little.
Speaking of drive trains, this one comes with what is probably it’s original 235 230 cubic inch Chevrolet 6-cylinder engine, hooked to a GM automatic. The seller is confident enough in the car that they state you could drive it home if you wanted to.
Of course, one Checker may not be enough for you. If that’s the case, you also get this parts car sedan that comes along with the wagon. It’s a 1977, so as the seller says you could use it to convert the wagon to disc brakes and the stronger rear end that was available. The parts car is only a little rusty, but comes without a title, engine or transmission.
I’m guessing this is where they have been spending their time. It would be nice to have the Checker-specific spare parts from the ’77, but I’d have a hard time scrapping a car that is that solid looking. And what would you do for an engine?
As it turns out, the seller has that covered as well, with a ’62 283 V8 that’s been rebuilt. They will throw this engine in the deal for another $800. So what would you do with the Checkers?
Not a 235, a 230 I think.
Fixed, Tyler :-) Thanks!
Well, the Checker wagon I’d restore it and use if for a tow vehicle. Since the parts car doesn’t have a title, that’s code for making it a race car! I’d picture something like this, with a hotted over small block Chevy and long travel suspension!
Flat black sux, BUT a satin or semi-gloss looks great, and syill shows contour if you have crappy bodywork. i have had a mess of Satin rods. looks cool if done right. This Checker does not, but it wouldn’t take much to fix that. I’d love to roll this one out as a daily driver. I’d try to get the other titled and make a yellow cab look alike out of it.
That’s not a proper flat black paint job, it looks like gray primer.
Interesting…I’d drop a GM 350 in it as they were OEM for Checkers in the 70s and onwards. They are pretty robust and reliable cars…I’ve a friend that had an Aerobus for years and currently has an ’80 model sedan.
Back in the day, flat black paint meant,
I can’t afford a paint job
Good fishing car…
It’s been for sale for a while, I remember seeing it advertised in January.
If it can’t find a buyer within a month of being listed, it’s overpriced or there is just no market. Basic Buy N Sell 101.