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Normally, when somebody throws a mass accessories at a vintage vehicle, it ends up looking like they drove it right through a J.C. Whitney catalog, but this 1955 Willys Jeep CJ-3B for sale on Hemmings.com - though it sports plenty of aftermarket accessories and upgrades - appears to have been kitted out not for appearance but for utility, something the seller emphasized by photographing the Willys in its natural environment: off-road in the Colorado snow. From the seller's description:
The ultimate 1950's adventure package with all the vintage aftermarket additions: Sears aluminum cab, Braden power take-off winch with half inch cable, Warren hubs, 2nd gas tank under the passengers seat, and block heater. The electrical system is still the original 6 volt. Includes a Bantam Trailer Corp. munitions type trailer with ball type hitch, originally designed to pair with the CJ Jeep, using the same wheels and rims. This trailer has a fabricated aluminum covered top. There are a total of 8 original rims with vintage bias-ply tube tires in great condition. There is a removable rear seat, and the upholstery is very nice. Other additions include: a handy man jack, spotlight, CB radio set and 8 ½ ft. antenna (with 12 volt to 6 volt converter), conventional AM radio, vintage metal ice chest, and 7 vintage metal jerry cans, all match painted. The vehicle spent more than fifty years living in the comfort of a garage. The upholstery is in great shape.The engine underwent a full rebuild in 1965 by a precision motor shop in Denver where it had the crankshaft plated in hard chrome, all the moving parts were matched and balanced. In 1979 both the front and rear axles were fitted with positraction differentials. The original spider gear parts are still in good shape and included with jeep. A full set of chains is also included. The performance of The Little Red Jeep with positraction and chains in difficult situations is very impressive.
1954 Willys
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Wagons are arguably the most practical form of transportation. By extending the relatively low roofline of its sedan counterpart, wagons offer plenty of precious cargo space while still retaining a lower center of gravity for zippy handling and spirited driving whenever the urge may hit. Despite all the fun that can be had in a wagon, massive high-riding SUVs and Crossovers have taken over the modern-day automotive market.
The SUV trend is unstoppable and new wagon models are becoming scarcer as years pass. Back in 1975, sedans and wagons dominated nearly 80-percent of the U.S. vehicle market. More recently, new SUV and truck sales have climbed to around 80-percent since 2011, taking the place of smaller sedans and their longroof model varieties.
In the classic car market, wagons are rapidly gaining popularity. Like the old saying goes, “They don’t make them like they used to.” Classic wagons exude a style that isn’t seen in today’s automobiles and car enthusiasts are gobbling them up like candy. Here are 15 examples of what is available in the classic wagon market today.
1951 Ford Country Squire Wagon
Everybody loves a classic woodie wagon! This two-door 1951 Ford Country Squire wagon still sports its original wood paneling, not that fake plasticky stuff seen on the more modern “wood” wagons. The seller states it is a fresh build that has only been driven 500 miles. A 350-cid Chevy Vortec Engine is hidden under the hood. Tasteful modifications include a Fatman Fabrications front end, an 8.8-inch rear end, power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, and an all-new interior.
1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon
As stated in the auction listing, here’s a family hauler that would draw envious glances from Clark Griswold, this 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Station Wagon is believed to be in original condition apart from maintenance and service requirements, according to the selling dealer, who acquired the woodgrain-trimmed wagon through an estate sale. There’s a 350 V8 under the hood and the seller notes service within the past few thousand miles has included new brakes, a new water pump and radiator, valve cover gasket, muffler, and more. Click here to see the full auction details.
1964 Mercury Colony Park
“Experience the epitome of vintage charm and modern performance with the 1964 Mercury Colony Park, a California wagon that's been meticulously restored and upgraded to perfection. Underneath its classic blue exterior adorned with wood paneling lies a beastly 390-cid V8 engine, now equipped with a Holley Sniper EFI system for improved fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery. Paired with an automatic transmission, this wagon delivers a driving experience that's as effortless as it is exhilarating.”
1959 Chevrolet Brookwood Nomad
This beautiful Brookwood underwent a professional frame-off custom restoration. It’s a restomod of sorts, still sporting its classic looks while implanting some modern creature comforts and technologies. It’s powered by a 480 horsepower LS3 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, for starters. Cruise to the classified to see more photos, plus the full list of custom goodies included in this immaculate 1959 Chevrolet Brookwood Nomad.
1964 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Station Wagon
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a classic wagon exactly like this one-of-a-kind 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova. Described as a mild restomod, this station wagon has just 1,000 miles accumulated since its frame-off restoration. The seller states that everything has been done on this car and it “rides, drives, and handles way better than you would expect; straight down the road with no shimmies, shakes, or vibrations.” The craftmanship on this V8-powered Chevy wagon is described as “simply spectacular.”
1963 Volvo 122S B22
Volvo wagons are getting hard to come by, especially the 1960s-era cars. The seller states that this two-owner, mostly original 1963 Volvo 122S B22 was used as a daily commuter until a few years ago, has been regularly serviced, and is in good running condition with a recent fuel system overhaul. The original exterior does have some blemishes and surface rust, but the seller assures that “With a fresh paint job, she would really turn heads!”
1953 Willys Station Wagon
“There are refurbishments and restorations, and then there’s the kind of treatment this 1953 Willys Station Wagon has received. The work is described as a minutely detailed body-off restoration that has left the wagon in better-than-factory condition. Among the many non-production upgrades said to have been performed on this Willys are heated leather seats, a lamb’s wool headliner, a Pioneer audio system with Bluetooth capability, map lighting, and USB charging ports. The Willys is reported to have a replacement F-head engine of the same year and displacement, now rebuilt, and the wagon is described by the seller as free of rust.”
1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Wagon
A muscle car in wagon form is what dreams are made of, especially when talking about the second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle SS. This example, a Placer Gold 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Wagon, gets its power from a rebuilt 402 cubic-inch V8 producing 350 horsepower paired with a T-10 4-speed manual transmission geared with a 10-bolt rear end, plus other great features.
1967 Buick Sport Wagon GS
The sky roof (or panoramic roof) on this 1967 Buick Sport Wagon GS adds to this classic car’s luxurious feel. The seller states it is powered by a 350 cubic-inch small-block topped with four-barrel carbs and a Star Wars-style air cleaner. The wagon is described as rust free and ready to drive.
1956 Ford Parklane Two-Door Wagon
According to the seller of this custom 1956 Ford Parklane Two-Door Wagon, it is so clean that you can “eat off the door jams and spare tire well.” The mild custom sports a 312 cubic-inch V8 paired with an automatic transmission, plus loads of other goodies, including a custom interior. Take a close look at the photos supplied in the Hemmings Marketplace classified listing.
1959 Rambler American Deliveryman
This extremely rare wagon is just one of only three examples produced, and the seller confirms that they do have the production records as proof. Previously owned and restored by the founder of the AMC club of America, the 1959 Rambler American Deliveryman Panel underwent what is described as an exceptional nut and bolt rotisserie restoration just a few years ago. It’s powered by an inline-six engine backed by a three-speed manual transmission, and the engine bay, among other details, is described as stunning.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
The classic Chevrolet Bel Air embodies the American Dream of the late-50s, and its V8 engine signifies the era of American muscle. This elegant wagon is offered with an automatic transmission for easy cruising. The seller also states that the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with air conditioning, its classic AM radio, power brakes, and power steering.
1950 Oldsmobile Wagon
If you’re searching for a wagon that will stop passersby in their tracks, look no further than this flame-adorned 1950 Oldsmobile. Under the hood you’ll find a powerful 5.7L Vortec 350 cubic-inch V8 paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. The seller states, “this Oldsmobile Wagon is not just about looks and performance, it’s also equipped with a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience.” Get the full details here.
1959 Plymouth Suburban Station Wagon
This unrestored 1959 Plymouth wagon shows 78,800 original miles on the odometer. The 318 polyhead Mopar engine is topped with a Holly two-barrel carburetor and exhales through a dual exhaust system. Don’t let the main photo of this beautiful machine on a trailer fool you: The seller states that the car is in survivor condition and it drives without issues. Check it out.
1958 Edsel Roundup Two-Door Wagon
This two-door, six-passenger, V8-powered 1958 Edsel Roundup wagon is described by the seller as a no expense spared custom. The customizations were completed by its owner, Frank Montelone, alongside his long-time friend, the legendary George Barris of Barris Kustoms, which makes this custom wagon an incredibly rare find.
There are more wild wagons where these came from. As of this writing, there are around 50 classic wagon listings on Hemmings Marketplace. Take a look!
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Photography by Mark J. McCourt
Rain may have dampened Sunday's festivities at the Hudson River Valley Antique Auto Association's 2024 Rhinebeck Car Show, but attendance and spirits were high last Saturday when we visited this eagerly anticipated season-opening event in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley. Held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, this event includes a car corral that was stocked with all manner of interesting cars, trucks, and other vehicles -old and new, some turnkey, others restoration projects- being sold.
We were drawn to a pair of Bright White first-generation, rear-wheel-drive Dakota pickups, offered by different sellers, that represented the sportiest and most collectible variants Dodge sold in that mid-size truck's 1987-1996 model years.
Do You Like Sunshine And SPF?
Photography by Mark J. McCourt
<p>The first was one of fewer than 3,800 <a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/tough-and-topless-1989-dodge-dakota-sport-convertible" target="_blank">Dakota Sport Convertibles that were finished by ASC</a> in Livonia, Michigan, between 1989 and 1991. This first-year drop-top was powered by a fuel-injected 3.9-liter, 125-hp V-6 mated to the optional column-shifted overdrive automatic. It showed 152,500 miles on the odometer and appeared largely stock, save for an aftermarket sound system, bed-covering soft tonneau cover, and 18-inch Boyd Coddington alloy wheels (replacing 15-inch originals) mounting Z-rated 245/45 tires. The signage noted it had upgraded ignition and exhaust systems, and we spotted drilled and slotted front rotors; the seller was asking $14,500.</p>
Or Shelby V-8 Muscle?
Photography by Mark J. McCourt
<p>Chrysler President Lee Iacocca contracted with his old pal Carroll Shelby to have <a href="https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/carrolls-shop-truck-1989-dodge-shelby-dakota" target="_blank">Shelby Automobiles, Inc. build a limited run of 1,500 high-performance Dakotas</a> powered by the largest engine in the corporation's stable, the 318-cu.in. V-8. Exclusively mated to a four-speed automatic, this engine sent 175 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential and 3.90 gearing. A sport suspension used gas-charged shocks and a front anti-sway bar, while disc/drum brakes with rear-wheel ABS hid behind unique hollow-spoke 15 x 6-inch alloy wheels. Inside the cab, a Shelby three-spoke steering wheel was complemented by Shelby-specific upholstery and a numbered dash plaque; this 154,084-mile truck also bore a sunroof and Carroll Shelby's autograph. There was no mistaking the Shelby outside, considering its bold decals, wheel-arch flares, air dam with fog lamps, and sporty bed-top lightbar. This Shelby Dakota's seller was asking $19,000.</p>
If you missed these pickups in Rhinebeck and have a soft spot for collectible modern-classic Dodge trucks, you can search the Hemmings Marketplace and find the right Dakota for you.
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