SERIOUS consideration.

I have been very SERIOUSLY considering both of these wagons. This wagon is in the top 3 of my favorites of all time in cool retro looks. Can you imagine one of these with disk brakes, a 440 and change the tranny to an ELECTRONIC push button? Unfortunately, I saw these wagons too late. I don't want to spring for either of them sight unseen. Maybe they won't hit reserve and I can go look...if the prices aren't insane. Somehow, I think the prices might be in the OK range for these cars.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=140309794840

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110368499623&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=

 

Got my doubts about a NY car, but Georgia has its humidity issues too.

They look great though!

 

Agreed...but been through that much with the NY owner. SWEARS, no rust. But I asked about the magnet test for bondo and he just says doesn't SEE any. I'd have to look at both these rigs before a buy.

 

I like the first one. Those wagons have great lines.

 

Without seeing them in person, I'd go for the auqa / white one with the power windows and A/C. It might be worth it to you in this case to take a long road trip to see each of them.

 

The aqua one is more period authentic.

 

id look at either in person.....remember what happened to classing and his subaru from hell?:banghead3:

 

Yeah, well....classing, unfortunately, bought the wrong year Subaru. Even with my experience I never buy a car sight unseen as I said above. Especially an expensive old one!

 

59 Wagons

Mmmmm...both look nice.The black one is an early build date....probably an Aug/early Sept 58 car.It's got a 361 big block under the hood...not a 326 as listed.It's the lower line model with less trim but definitly looks good in black although looking at the firewall appears to have been white which is a real common late 50's Mopar wagon colour.
The turquoise/white ride is the higher priced Custom Sierra model with more trim.It's got something going on with the rear of the right fender....bent/damaged/bondoed in the curved leading edge portion.It's a real nice looker in that paint treatment.
Late 50's Mopar wagons can be rust buckets from hell .....rockers,tailgates and rear qtrs especially.I'd look before leaping thats for sure.They both appear to need weather strips and engines look like they have never been out although the black one has had a valve job by the looks of it.If I was rich I'd buy em both:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

 

Furyman...the black one was painted 8 years ago. It is my belief, from looking at the door panels, that it was originally THIS color....



This is from our forum gallery. These cars came two tone from the factory. I think the black one was as shown here or red and black originally.

 

If you are truly serious about either car, spend the $300 to $500 and hire a vehicle inspector prior to the end of the auctions. Tell the seller what you are wanting to do. A really good inspection will entail from 100 - 200 digital pics total of every area, topside and underneath, that an inspector can access with a camera. Plus, he will have a six or seven-page inspection sheet to document every area listed by condition and appearance. A test drive is also taken. I do these inspections for an outfit based in Connecticut, on cars they want inspected in Oklahoma, and do three or four per year for them. PM me and I can provide you their contact information.

 

Thanks, Pat. But I would rather fly in and look myself. I have a raft of experience and a plane ticket isn't gonna kill the deal if I decide to go with an older wagon. I remember these wagons well and some of the inherant problems. Furyman mentioned a few. There were others. In 1959 my friend's mother had one of these and we beat the hell out of it. Believe me...I know what will stand the test of time and what won't. Interesting...I actually thought about doing that but got too lazy in my retirement after all the health problems.

 

The reason I am big on inspections is that an inspector is an unbiased third party - they don't have a dog in the hunt. IN GENERAL, a buyer tends to let emotion and desire get in the way and can blind oneself to overlooking what might be a deal-killer, otherwise. Granted, a round-trip airplane ticket is probably going to be a little cheaper than the inspection, and a person can make it a nice trip, whether or not the purchase is made. But, a disinterested set of eyeballs on a purchase like that can certainly be a saving grace, whether the car turns out to be the best or the worst Deal of the Century.

Personally, if the car is within an eight-hour drive one-way, I'd be swayed to go and look at the car personally, for the reasons you have stated. If it's further away, I'd be tempted to go with an inspector. Either way you choose, best of luck in your search!

 

You make a good point, Pat. I am USUALLY, just the opposite though. I can find things that some may not and use it to NOT buy the car. I am overly wary and look for excuses why I should not buy a car rather than why I should. I have no problem walking away from a deal. I'm the original "cherry picker" and have been called that many times. Still...your point is a good one and well taken. Now that I know that someone like you does that job I may not be so leary in the future. I had visions of some kid doing the inspection. Like everything else...it pays to know who and how qualified your choice is when choosing someone to do any work for you.

 

They sure do! I love those eyebrows.. makes it look mean. Not many of these wagons left..