Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday – Two GM Wagons from the 50s
Welcome to another edition of Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday, and this time I thought I would show you a couple of GM wagons that were built during the 1950s, A 1954 Buick Special Estate Wagon, and a 1956 Pontiac Chieftan Wagon. Both of these wagons were built during the peak of the General Motors influence during this particular decade. So are these wagons anywhere desirable?
First, let’s discover the 1954 Buick Special Wagon, and according to the Dealer Listing:
In 1954, Buick reintroduced the Century using the same formula of mating the smaller, lighter Buick Special body to its largest and most powerful 322 cubic inch V8 engine with the intent of giving Buick a performance vehicle. Included in the model lineup during this period was a station wagon model, a body style that had been unavailable during the Century’s first production period of 1936 to 1942. Offered for auction is this absolutely stunning 1954 Buick Special Estate Wagon is a super rare model with only 1,650 being produced. This wagon is pristine and has been fully restored to like new condition. Features include a 264 Nailhead V8 engine with automatic transmission, power steering, two tone cloth and Cordaveen interior, and wire wheels on whitewall tires.
Mileage of this wagon is undisclosed, but the restoration looks great, but is it worth the $33,500 asking price? I know it is a rather rare model, but I’m not sure that non-woodie models have reached this pinnacle yet. See the listing here, and tell me what you think.
Next, let’s take a look at this 1956 Pontiac Chieftan Wagon that was once a prop for a very popular television show. According to the dealer>
This 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Wagon is not just any old wagon, this is the actual OZZIE AND HARRIET wagon which appeared in the first family sitcom the NELSON family. Complete documentation is available. This is an original 1956 Pontiac, not restored, but has had one repaint. The car is in absolutely beautiful condition with factory AC, PS, PB, power seat and yes, everything works. Owner claims the car has 50,995 miles since new. Own a piece of Hollywood history, super rare and documented car with 316 V8, 227HP w/dual exhaust.
Having a wagon built in 1956 with Factory Air Conditioning is unique enough, and couple that with the provenance of having been on a 50s television show, the asking price is not out of the realm of possibility at $24,500. Do any of you even remotely remember this television series (I hardly remember it myself) and is it enough to make this wagon desirable? See the dealer listing here, and tell me what you think.
Related posts:
- Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday – Two Original Wagons from Different Eras
- Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday: Two 50′s Wagons from Europe
- Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday Extavaganza – A 1956 Buick Century Wagon with Factory A/C
- Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday – The Worst Wagons Ever Produced
- Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday – Five Affordable Wagons Offered in Hemmings
Lulz at the condom on the steering wheel.
I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT!!
When separate beds aren't enough.
I'd choose the Pontiac over the Buick, but I do like the Buick's wire wheels.
I like the Buick more, but that price, whoa! Those head lights on the Pontiac bug me. Oh and get BB over here to look at the Buick please, I think he is going to love it!
PS: I could not make a good nail head joke, sigh…
Best Wagon Wednesday ever. I love them both.
I know it isn't the most efficient top end design, but man, nailheads just look great.
And sound even better too! [youtube TbOAKBe-tCs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbOAKBe-tCs youtube]
The Pontiac is just awesome. The flat hood with hood ornament trying to take off make it like you're driving your own little aircraft carrier.
I'll take it. Seller can keep the steering wheel protect-o-thingy, though. I'm surprised there aren't clear plastic seat covers, carpeting protectors, shift-knob and turn-signal-stalk protectors, and the whole car pallet-wrapped for perfect protection.
The level of celebrity value add? I'd say it's probably very, very low.
I don't like the blunt, pug-nosed frontal styling on the Pontiac. It's probably the least pleasant of the '56 GM lineup. The Buick looks better plus it has those spiffy wire wheels but that two-tone green – erk. If I wanted a mid-'50s wagon, I'd seek out a Mercury or Chrysler.
<img src="http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/da/danschmitt/404907-2.jpg" width=500>
idk, that bumper looks like it could pick up mines if it rode lower.
The Buick looks like it has bags under its 'eyes'.
The car, overall, doesn't do it for me, but the rear bumper is 100% WIN!
Now…if either of these were just a couple of years later….
A/C puts the Pontiac into the win column.
Also, although 1954-56 Buicks are generally a beautiful design, the wagon somehow doesn't do it to my eye. The rear roof and tailgate design are too square and clunky for the rest of the car — almost like it's from a previous design generation. It looks more like a 1950-53 wagon in back, just without the wood.
In a somewhat unusual move for GM, that particular wagon body was a Buick exclusive in 1954-1956. Oldsmobile didn't even offer a wagon during these years. Chevy and Pontiac shared a completely different A-body wagon.
Even the '49 mopar wagons had better roof lines than the tri-5 GM's, excepting of course the Nomad.
<img src="http://www.allpar.com/images/dodge/1949/coronet-wagons.jpg" width="600">
As I try to say whenever applicable, always go for the Buick.