Sleeper Potential: 1956 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery

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The Chevrolet Delivery Sedan (aka Sedan Delivery) was based on the entry-level 150 2-door station wagon. During the “Tri-Five” era of 1955 to 1957, nearly 30,000 were produced, though a far cry from the almost five million automobiles the GM division built overall in those days. This example from 1956 has left some of its austere roots behind with more modern engineering under the hood. A gasser candidate at one time (?), it’s a runner that needs a lot of cosmetic help. Located in Whittier, California, this restomod delivery wagon is available here on craigslist for $9,500. Hail to “Zappenduster” for another interesting tip!

Production of the Delivery Sedan didn’t require a lot of special engineering on Chevy’s part. They took the bare-bones 150 wagon, replaced the side windows with metal instead of glass, and ditched the back seat. Glass in the rear opening was optional. Most of them were likely built with Chevy’s 235 cubic inch “Blue Flame” inline-6 connected to a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. I suppose the 265 V8 and the Powerglide automatic were available. 9,445 of them were built in 1956 (like this one started out to be). My uncle had a bakery in the 1960s and had one of these for his business.

It’s likely this Delivery Sedan hasn’t been doing much cartage lately. Gone is the original drivetrain, replaced by a Chevy 350 V8 that has a mild upgrade with the camshaft, a 650 carburetor, a 700R transmission, and an aluminum radiator. The wagon now has disc brakes with a power booster and some suspension work was done along with an “almost” rebuild of the chassis. We’re told the body is mostly straight, though the rear fenders will need to be redone (gasser cutouts?).

We’re told this thing runs, but it lacks a battery (I would have installed a $100 battery before listing the van for sale). Little of the original interior remains – other than the dashboard – and it will need to be totally redone. Of value to buyers in the State of California, the Chevy is in non-op registration status, meaning that no back DMV fees will be required when you transfer the title. The odometer reads 20,000 miles, but what does that mean in real terms?

Comments

  1. Steve R

    Rough, but a good foundation for a project if a buyer and the seller can come to an agreement on price. There are some good modifications if the work was done well.

    Steve R

    Like 4
  2. Bill W.

    I’d love to do a 56 delivery, to go with my 56 210 2 door sedan. Those quarter panels scare me almost as much as the 9500.00 listed price. I’ll keep looking.

    Like 5
  3. Rw

    Hollywood nights ,Newbombs pie wagons..

    Like 5
  4. HCMember

    Love this, but yes, those rear quarters look pretty scary, being all chopped up like they are, and will require some serious bodywork skills. Kudos to new front disc and power brakes.

    Like 1
  5. Shuttle Guy Shuttle GuyMember

    $9500???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like 0
  6. RKS

    They didn’t replace the side windows with metal, they just didn’t punch them out in the stamping process.

    Like 7
  7. Falcon FeverMember

    Sleepre ’cause no one will notice a 68 year old Beater

    Like 1
  8. BajaPFEMember

    I can almost hear Fran Drescher’s voice coming from the back…

    Like 3
  9. HCMember

    The collectors of these Chevy tri5 Sedan deliveries are dying out and demand on these are not what they were. These days it’s more 60s thru 80s cars and a younger market. If it weren’t for the chopped qtrs, he wouldn’t be far off on price. As it is $6500-7000 tops.

    Like 2
  10. Bunky

    Russ, Buddy…
    1) 235 only wore the “Blue Flame” moniker when coupled to a Powerglide.
    2) It’s not a van.
    3) As mentioned; the side windows were not “replaced”.
    4) The rear quarters were radiused- not fenders.
    I’m only picking on you because you can, and usually do, a better job.

    Like 2
  11. Kanak Attak

    Nice patina , may as well put that body on a Pro Street or Pro Mod chassis and get that sweet ride back on the road! Happy cruising! 🤙🏽😊🍻

    Like 0

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