1958 Chevy Brookwood 4 dr 6 passenger Station Wagon with rebuilt 348
This car isn't a frame off show car but it isn't a rat rod either. You won't get another $2 trophy for your growing collection for best paint or chrome at your local car show. What you will get is a cool car that is fun to drive and has a nice rumble as you roll along in town or on the highway. The Compcams “thumper” cam makes for a nice lumpy idle and the freeflowing mufflers add a nice tone. You have to hear it in person to appreciate it. The old single speed wipers aren’t the greatest but with the help of some rainx you can even go places if there’s a chance of rain. Just load up the coke cooler, picnic basket and chairs and head to the cruise in or the lake or your local park. This car is ready for someone to enjoy as is.
FIRST THE NOT SO GOOD - It is an older black repaint job over the original anniversary gold and honey beige colors that wasn't the best and it has some nicks or scratches and rough spots ( like most of the cars that look great in the ad pictures ) but you can take it anywhere and have fun without having to worry about someone touching it or putting a scratch on the finish while you’re inside eating. It will just add to the patina. The California bumpers are rust free and straight but have a somewhat dull finish. This car is a ‘20 footer’ to the average car buff, but may not be to someone who does $10,000 + paint jobs for a living. Please don’t waste my time and yours if you’re expecting a car with a rebuilt engine and new interior to have show car paint and chrome too, in this price range.
NOW FOR THE GOOD - It has a recently rebuilt 348 engine and a completely new interior. The interior was completely redone in red and gray to replace the gold and beige original when we bought the car and is in excellent shape. The seats, carpet, door panels, headliner, windlace, door weatherstripping, window channels and sun visors were all redone. All interior dash and metal trim was removed and painted. It even has an Impala steering wheel.
The car had a 348 long block replacement in 2001 in Monterey Park, California. Not sure how or when it got to Michigan. The prior owner had the car a few years and replaced the tires in June 2014.
I had the 348 engine professionally rebuilt the winter of 2017. Also new ignition parts, water pump, belts and hoses , radiator work and some rewiring done at same time. It has a compcams thumper cam which was installed as part of the rebuild and a holley 600 carburetor. It has a turbo 400 Hydramatic trans with a shift kit and a 3:08 final drive ratio which is good for highway cruising. The car has just over 3600 miles since the rebuilt engine. It has power steering and power brakes with a dual master cylinder and discs on front with dropped spindles and rear sway bar and rear air shocks. It has the 409 6 quart oil pan and 409 exhaust headers. I had the gas tank redone at Gas Tank Renu and I added a new powermaster mini starter and 800 amp battery. There is no radio at all, I just listen to the great exhaust sound. It is very reliable and runs smooth and straight at highway speeds. If you don’t appreciate the value of the original chevy ‘big block’ motor vs. the normal 283 then you won’t get the price differential ( NADA guide says + 40 % ).
We bought the car at the James Dean Run in Indiana in 2016 after searching for a replacement for our 57 Chevy 210 wagon we had sold a few years prior. Then last year we became aware of and purchased a 1955 Bel Air Beauville wagon from one of our former TriFive club members in my wife’s favorite 50’s color of turquoise and we also rejoined the club. We really love the wagons but not sure that we need to own two at the same time with so many other choices out there.
The rebuilt 348 engine and new interior compensate for the lackluster paint and chrome. It’s not perfect nor is it priced like it is. I have priced it about half way between the NADA low and avg values
($14,910 and $27,440) which is about $21,750.
OR half way between Hagerty’s good and excellent values
( $16,600 and $26,400) which is about $21,500.
I'm not interested in any contact from agents or reps or anybody who wants to 'help' me sell the car. The only help I need is a buyer with cash who wants the car. The ad will be deleted when I deposit the money in my account so please don't ask if it's still for sale.
