Tin Woodie Roller: 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Wagon
Back in the day, station wagon bodies were made of a combination of wood and metal. While the wood-bodied wagons were cool to look at, they became increasingly expensive to build and maintain. So, they began to die off in the late 1940s, giving way to all-metal wagons sometimes referred to as “tin woodies”. This 1951 Chevy is one of the latter as the company ceased making the real “woodies” in 1948. It’s a roller will lots of pieces missing, such as the interior. It belonged to the seller’s father who perhaps was going to restore it one day and never did. Located in Waterford, Michigan, this carport find is available here on eBay where $880 is the high bid so far (reserve to be met, too).
As with other U.S. automakers, Chevrolet’s initial post-World War II cars were warmed-over versions of what they sold in 1942. That’s when all domestic auto production stopped to shift over to the war effort. So, when the war ended, the 1946-48 Chevies were little changed, waiting for an all-new design to emerge in 1949. This generation would run through 1952, including the seller’s 1951 Styleline Deluxe station wagon, the only 4-door wagon in the mix. And without wood bodies.
Given the pent-up demand for automobiles after the War, U.S. automakers could sell just about anything they made. Chevy delivered more than 23,500 station wagons in 1951, including this one. We understand that the machine originated in California but has likely resided under a standalone carport in Michigan for years. It belonged to the seller’s father who had passed away and it’s up to him/her to dispose of it for Mom.
The seller admits having little knowledge of what looks like a project that never really got to be. The inline-6 engine and manual transmission are long gone and the glass and interior are MIA. But it has plenty of patina if that serves as an attraction. The grille and tailgate are off the vehicle and will be included. We’re told the floors and body mounts are solid, but there is a big hole in the back where the gas tank once was. Buyers will have to be content with a bill of sale as the title is nowhere to be found.
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Comments
This could a long but fun project. Amazing how much rust is not there. Frame looks a bit crusty indicating a body off restoration but bought cheap enough would be worth it. I’d put a later drive line in it and upgrade the suspension and go cruising. Don’t recall seeing the ’39 taillights on these cars as most had them located on the tailgate. I used them on my ’49/’48 Crosley restoration to get two taillights vs. the single on the early sedans.
I can imagine this getting the SoCal Lowrider treatment. That’s probably the way I’d go if I stepped up.
Would have to be Old Skool, of course, with a Jimmy Six underhood, red metalflake, flames, tuck-and-roll inside, and Oldsmobile spinners on the wheels. Glass-packs, too.
Not enough left to restore, but too good to throw away!
Well said.
Fun blank slate if you’re good at fixing her up. Add says don’t bother asking what the reserve is just bid. So it will be kinda interesting to watch and see what the dream price is for claiming they know nothing about what it is.
I try not to bad mouth these old cars when they show up on barn fines but 20 years ago they would be worth restoring but not today the younger generation doesn’t want them sorry
Already ended at $910.00
Beautiful smooth lines on this nostalgic wagon. Worth a restore to original and retain its value.
I agree, love the body…. hope some one keeps it pretty stock. Low stance, period correct interior.
This looks great to save, different and very collectible. Looks like it sold cheap!! Hard to find a lot of some parts. I guess make it look like originally. I like one of the past comments-gentle street rod, Change driveline, but keep that body as-is dont cut if its good.