1958 Chevrolet Biscayne Brookwood Wagon

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!!!