1956 Handyman Wagon Used Automatic

Wagons remain red-hot in the marketplace, and what could be cooler than hauling your gear around in this sweet 1956 Chevrolet 210 Handyman wagon? Classic looks and modern amenities make it easy to love, and it's even rarer than a Nomad these days so you'll never see another one at a show. Traditional '50s colors work just as well on a station wagon as they do on a flashy Bel Air convertible, and the Sierra Gold and India Ivory combination here gives the wagon a '50s look that disguises the modern upgrades underneath. The restoration is a few years old and shows a few signs of use, but the impact a car like this makes everywhere it goes is tough to ignore. The good news is that all the sheetmetal is in excellent shape with factory-grade gaps and that solid feeling only old cars seem to offer. The bad news is... well, there is no bad news other than to say this car works so well it's been driven a bit since it was finished, so it's not a show car anymore. Nevertheless, the chrome and stainless trim is very good, particularly the pieces that separate the two colors on the quarter panels, and it's been fitted with new glass and weather seals so it feels tight and quiet on the road. The all-new interior is beautifully designed and comfortable for long hauls, yet the dash keeps it looking like 1956. The important stuff is entirely new, including the Auto Meter gauges, door panels, and the gorgeous two-tone seat covers. Beyond that, however, you'll find aftermarket air conditioning neatly stashed under the dash, a polished tilt steering column, and you'll note the shifter manages a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission. A modern AM/FM/CD stereo uses speakers stashed throughout the interior, and liberal use of sound insulation gives the wagon a solid, quiet feel. The back seat is actually usable even with the 2-door design and the wonderful copper cargo bay is massive and expands exponentially with the fold-down rear seats. If you like your hot rods practical, this one delivers! With this 210, you also get a strong-running 350 cubic inch V8 engine, which, of course, drops right into the Chevy's engine bay. It's a little different than the original version, sporting a chrome air cleaner and a big Exelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, Vortec heads, and a polished intake manifold up top and some polished aluminum valve covers with engraved 'Chevrolet' emblems on their faces. There's also a big aluminum radiator and the A/C compressor, so there's no hiding the fact that this is a resto-mod built to drive. The 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission feeds the original rear end hanging on original leaf springs. Power front disc brakes, a custom dual exhaust system, and a slightly lowered suspension are welcome additions that give it a hot rod attitude and easy road manners. The undercarriage is pretty clean, but it's built right so you shouldn't be afraid to drive this one. Staggered 17- and 18-inch wheels look awesome and carry 235/45/17 front and 235/50/18 rear Firestone radials. Beautifully built, easy to drive, and just drop-dead gorgeous, this clean, ready to enjoy 210 wagon proves that practical can also be very cool. Call today!