Vehicle Description
This 1958 Chevrolet Brookwood wagon checks all the right boxes for
a desirable classic. After all, the '58 Chevy was a single-year
design, and the station wagons were always an expensive buy (i.e.
rarer). So, when an interesting classic like this comes along -
complete with a period-perfect color combination, a stylish
interior, and a smooth-running 283 small block V8 under the hood -
it's hard not to get excited.
The 1958 Chevrolets are always an in-demand style. More than just
having single-year uniqueness, they tapped into the right feelings
of the era with a wide chrome front end, full-length trim, and
jet-inspired details. Plus, wagons like this 4-door Brookwood had
some really cool details not found on the sedan and convertible
models. It takes advantage of the rear doors by having the
wraparound tailfin taper into the design, which makes the already
exciting 1958 rear design that much more legendary. And this one
already has a custom/cool cruiser style, starting with that
period-perfect Coral and White color combination. The finish has
some age to it (it's very likely an older respray), and today it
has a very matte-like finish across all the panels, which is pretty
cool as those are really en vogue at the moment. We're being a bit
tongue-and-cheek of course, as this is a single stage finish that's
merely lost its shine, but nevertheless the patina has brought out
an awesome curb appeal that only the unique combination of vintage
materials, old steel, and the gentle kiss of time can create. There
are several minor flaws to report, but none so dramatic that they'd
require immediate attention and as a whole this looks to be a
solid, driver-grade wagon that's incredibly appealing. Custom white
pinstripe work was added to the hood and tailgate, adding to the
Brookwood's super-cool allure, and there's plenty of chrome and
brightwork throughout. From the commanding front grille and giant
bumper up front, to the 'spear' style side trim that almost looks
like the Excalibur sword, and the unique rear bumper out back, this
baby has plenty of bling. With that being said, all the brightwork
and chrome is a bit hazy and has lots of patina as well, but it
still shines up fairly nicely. Brightwork around the big curved
windshield and large rear window is still in place (good luck
finding reproduction pieces, which mean those pieces are worth
double their weight in gold), the original door handles and badges
are right where they're supposed to be, and the tint on all the
windows was a great idea, seeing how there's a ton of glass on this
Brookwood.
Open all five doors, and you'll see that the matching Coral and
White interior is complete and uniform. All the expensive stuff has
been recovered, with freshened white vinyl upholstery neatly
stitched on the bench seats, door panels, cargo-area side panels,
and even the full-length headliner above. The carpet is old, and if
this were my wagon that's the first thing that would go, but the
headliner is taut and clean and the steel dash was repainted and
looks awesome as the focal point of the cabin. Factory details like
the original steering wheel and large gauge bezel are '50s
favorites, and a vintage SunPro tachometer was mounted under the
dash to help keep an eye on the revs. The stereo was upgraded as
well, with the old AM squeaker tossed in favor of a modern JVC
AM/FM/CD head unit, and that's actually a period-correct Cool-Pack
A/C system under the dash (many of which were dealership add-ons)
and even the system's original compressor is included with the
sale, although the system will need to be reinstalled and serviced
before it pumps cold air again. There's plenty of room for family
and friends across the two wide benches, and as you can see in our
photos, when the back seat is folded down the cargo area doubles in
size. Throw a mattress in the back and a surf board on the roof,
and hit the road towards the Pacific Ocean.
The tidy-looking small block V8 is a 283 cubic incher from '66-'67
that was sorted, detailed, and then dropped right into the engine
bay like it always belonged. There's an Edelbrock aluminum intake
and Holley 4-barrel carburetor on top that adds some extra pop, a
chrome open-element air cleaner, and a modern alternator to make
the electricity. Chevy Orange paint on the valve covers and the
engine itself makes it really stand out against the otherwise
all-black engine bay, and despite the added power and upgrades the
engine doesn't look anachronistic under this Brookwood's big hood.
Standard exhaust manifolds lead to a nice-sounding dual exhaust
system, one of the car's more obvious modifications, but we
certainly won't scold the builder for adding that awesome
soundtrack. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission handles the
power and shifts smoothly, while the original rear end hangs out
back on heavy-duty springs and upgraded shocks. The undercarriage
is clean, but it wasn't totally disassembled and restored; after
all, this was a car that was built to drive, so why mess it up by
chasing perfection? It starts easily, idles well, and runs like a
V8 Chevy should, with plenty of pep and great road manners. Those
flashy Super ET wheels act as the perfect explanation point for the
entire look, and they carry fat 205/70/14 front and 225/70/14 rear
Hankook radials that make the car feel nimble.
So, no matter if you're looking for a ready-to-run wagon or have
future plans for potential custom, you already know this rare
Brookwood is the most distinct way to show up on the scene. Call
today!!!
