It’s a fact that not everybody has the time, funds, and especially the patience required to complete an automotive project. All three seem to be running out for the seller of this 1955 Chevrolet Handyman Wagon, who recently purchased the Tri-Five from his Uncle’s estate to help out a family in need. He’s made several repairs and upgrades to the Chevy already, yet has also made the wise decision to get the car into somebody else’s hands to finish turning this into a reliable and roadworthy driver. Fortunately, the ’55 has already gotten what seems to be a good head start, so if you’re ready to give it the completing touches, this cool wagon can be found here on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington. The posted price is $26,000, but that cost drops to a rock bottom $24,000 if you can live without the wheels.
Scott, thanks for spotting this one and sending us the tip! Upon acquisition, the seller described the car as a driving shell, which he’s gotten more drivable but not yet finished. A 350 engine is under the hood, with aluminum Corvette heads on the sides plus a manifold and pair of carburetors by Edelbrock on top. A faulty heater core caused some overheating issues recently, but that part has been replaced, along with a new radiator installed, although the cooling fans aren’t coming on in time. The transmission is a 700R4 automatic, likely a good choice here as it’s got an overdrive gear, but the seller mentions he’s simply tired of this Chevy and is ready to move on. Hopefully, with all the work that’s been done already, this one’s going to require more fine-tuning rather than a plethora of additional new parts.
We get fewer details about the body than the drivetrain, and while the paint is said to have a few chips here and there, the outside looks quite decent overall. There’s no information on whether any sheet metal repairs have been made or if most of the panels are still original. However, judging from the photos, most everything appears straight, and the gaps seem to line up nicely, with the shaved door handles providing a sleek appearance from the sides. Should the next owner decide to respray the exterior, hopefully, only minimal prep work will be needed before it’s ready.
A few custom touches have been added inside, with those front buckets looking plenty comfortable. The B&M shifter fits the wagon’s personality ideally, and the Ididit tilt column and Billet steering wheel are fun additions as well. The headliner installation needs completing and a new radio sourced, but overall, the interior seems to be coming together nicely. It’s easy to get frustrated when a project doesn’t materialize as quickly or inexpensively as one had hoped, but I’m thinking this 1955 Chevrolet Wagon is already at a strong point for the next owner to sort out and complete. What are your thoughts here?
Wow, nice. Great price compared to some wrecks we’ve seen advertised here.
I would grant this unicorn status as I would bet there are fewer of these in this condition than the Nomad model. This is also the only garage built car (circa 1967) I ever saw pull both front wheels into the air on a standing start. Built by a local from of the shelf and used parts it was the late night terror of any match racer looking for bragging rights and maybe a few dollars, too. It was a 327 with dual quads and a high rise with a 4.56:1 posi and a Hydramatic that they had modified somehow to make it a manual shift auto. My Dad was the Uni-Syn master for the multiple carb boys and they had just set the flow when he revved it about 3-4k rpm and threw the fronts 8-12 inches into the air while leaving two stripes of rubber down the street. There were about ten of us who witnessed the feat and it achieved urban legend status, with most saying no way a wagon could do it, especially with a slush box. It happened and I only wish Francis Genesse was still here to regale us with his stories.
I have to appreciate the owners honesty, he lays all of it out in detail and very transparent. Stories like this are kind of sad, there has been some heavy lifting and money spent on this one. But finding a match in the next owner to the builders choices/taste in the build can be difficult.
Hope it works out well for both parties……
Sadly this vehicle has been for sale for well over a year! I live on Vanc Island, BC and was interested but the current exchange rate/instability in the US made it a no go! I had a 57 Chev Sedan Delivery and would have enjoyed this 55 for many years!
I can totally relate to this car and the owner. I am in the same situation myself, sometimes you get involved in a build and you just. get burned out. You spend so much time and money that mentally you just say enough is enough and you need to move on. When it is a nice and rare piece like this 150 Handyman, someone will certainly get a good start on a great project. This car could be a win/win for both seller and buyer.
First thing I thought was, I hate the wheels….
You’re in luck. It’s $2K less without the wheels.
Yeah, me too. Hecan keep those ugly cartoon wheels. I hate them.!!
The wheels totally suck..
I’d change the wheels and that’s the easy part. Looks like a fun driver and project.
I would change the wheels to s/s cragers
Wheels…I was thinking ..baby moons
& chrome reversibles
What are the symptoms of the ‘engine issue’ that needs diagnosing?
It seems to me that the owner figured out that so very much more needs to be done (and undone) to have a usable vehicle that he’s giving up before pouring cash he doesn’t have down the endless just-one-more-thing budget muncher hole.
And…what’s the brake status? I see a 2-chambered master cylinder, no mention of, and no comment on, the rest of the braking systemm.
I’ve been there and done that on both sides. Even something as simple as adding gas or dead battery. When you’ve had it you’ve had it.
I bought one of these in 1964 for $100. The 265 cu. in. V-8 with 3-on-the-tree ran great on a little gasoline and a lit of oil. It didn’t have rust, anymore, because of all the bondo repairs. It was a multicolored gem. Different paint colors, bondo and sanded areas made for a unique pattern.
Sold it in 1965 for $75. Another bad choice on my part, but you can’t keeper all.
The rolling stock is fugly