1961 Chevy Parkwood wagon - 100% original paint -EZ project - Solid Arizona car

Make:	Chevrolet
Model:	Parkwood
SubModel:	wagon
Type:	station wagon
Trim:	wagon
Year:	1961
Mileage:	70,000
Color:	white
Engine:	six cylinder
Cylinders:	6
Transmission:	manual
Drive type:	rear wheel drive
Interior color:	blue
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Item location:	Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

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Description of 1961 Chevrolet Parkwood wagon

Offering my 1961 Chevy Parkwood wagon project. This is a running, driving original California car with nice straight one piece bumpers. I bought it last year from Arizona. It is 100% original inside and out. If you are looking for originality, this is as good a car as you can still find for being a 56 year old family workhorse. Odometer showing 70,000 miles and some change. Although it is currently not working, I'm pretty sure it's at least close to accurate.
I have looked the car over pretty well and there has never been any body or paint work on this car. Never wrecked or taken apart. No bondo hiding in the quarters or the fenders.
It's powered by the indestructible factory 6 cylinder engine and runs like a sewing machine. Transmission is "three on the tree" 3 speed manual with a good clutch. No issues with gearbox or shifter. Good syncros and smooth gear changes. Still has the factory single exhaust which is nice and quiet. No leaking fluids at all. I have a cell phone video of the engine running if anyone cares to see it, let me know.
I bought it non running and it had been sitting outside for at least 20 years in the desert with the windows down. I'm sure I have vacuumed at least 40 lbs of dust out of it already! The finish is all original and has many defects. There is missing paint and surface rust on the top of the car. There are random dents and dings but no collision damage. There is a light crease that did not break the paint on the passengers side rear lower door.
Overall, the body is incredibly solid with perfect rockers, dog legs and fender tips. These are the Achilles heel of the 61's. The quarter panels and lower fenders are beautiful too and close to perfect also. I have included pictures of these areas. I can't remember ever seeing a better original body on one of these 61's. After searching nationwide for years, I bought this one because it was the best I could find anywhere. As you can figure out, I paid good money for it.
Since I purchased it last year, I have invested a lot of time and money to get it running and in driving condition.

I have rebuilt the original carb,
I flushed the block, replaced the water pump, thermostat and radiator,
I converted it from generator to alternator with a professional bracket set up and fresh wiring.
I rebuilt the matching numbers master cylinder, replaced all the wheel cylinders, rubber brake lines and brake shoes.
I dropped the gas tank, rinsed out the cobwebs (never any rust) and installed all new fuel lines.
It has a new fan belt, correct radiator hoses and heater hoses.
It has a fresh oil change and fresh antifreeze.
It also has a brand new battery this week.
I had all five original GM wheels soda blasted and powder coated and it has a matched set of brand new whitewall tires and five super nice Impala deluxe full wheel covers. Dog dish are shown in some pictures but car comes with the Impala wheel covers.
It starts right up with working choke and fast idle. It runs cool and is good to drive.
I have just replaced the window fuzzies in the side doors also.
Packed wheel bearings and replaced all the lug nuts.

The headlights and tail lights (high and low beams, plus parking lamps) work correctly. The idiot lights on the dash are functioning as well as the temp gauge. I don't know about the fuel gauge yet.
The interior is dry and dusty. It will need seat covers, door panels, carpet and a headliner. Ciadella makes a great restoration kit for these if you want to go that route. Otherwise, I am including a set of blue NOS seat covers for it. They will really brighten it up and are certainly better than the what's in there now. The seats themselves are in good shape but the covers are shot. Sale also includes all the door panel top rails, you will need them to make new door panels. If you are on a tight budget pick up a carpet set and that will make a big difference. This is easy stuff. Call in the order then drive the car to your upholstery shop and come back in a couple days to your new car.
All the windows and tailgate are manual and crank up and down as designed.
Overall, this is a great wagon to build into your dream car. My plan was to do an LS conversion with a drop, stop and roll package (with big wheels and big brakes) plus a fresh new interior and leave the outside as it is. Basically, this car is an open canvas. Flake the top and the dash or sand it all off and let it rust if you want a more even patina or paint the top of the car and leave the rest or strip it down and build the best 61 around. If you want to restore it to original you won't have to search for anything and you can drive it while you work on it. With a body this nice, you will save thousands of dollars in bodywork and shop time.
The wagon has the normal small patch of rust in the outer tailgate shell, but the interior structure and across the bottom is very nice and does not need work other than sand and seal. I've included a close up of the area. The spare tire well and trunk floor are perfect and rust free. The floorboards are nice as you would expect from a desert car, but a leaking rear window allowed water to pool under the rubber floor mat in back of the drivers seat in the passenger footwell. It will require a small cosmetic patch of about 2"x4" before you put down your new carpet. The bottom of the car is super nice and has never been undercoated or rusty.
Things it still needs:

Windshield has some small hazy areas from being covered with a tarp. Sand trapped under the tarp just did a job on it. They may polish out but may require a replacement at some point.
Turn signals are not functioning yet. I'm guessing it is just dirty contacts.
Radio makes no sound
Speedometer not working - may not be hooked up?
Minor rust on upper firewall seam. I can provide a rust free section if you want to replace it.
Windshield wipers in-op.
Bumper jack is missing

If you have been shopping vintage wagons, you know that they are super hot right now and early Chevys are some of the most popular. This is a great one to start with. I've listed the good and the bad. I've done the dirty work now you can have some fun doing the easy stuff. Car is now centrally located in Indianapolis and we are within a one day drive of half the US population. If you live in the Midwest this will save you a ton of money! When I shipped this car non running from Arizona it cost me $1100. If you're adventurous, I will be happy to pick you up at the airport and you can drive it home.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have. I may be able to arrange shipment (or delivery if you are within 500 miles). Please take this seriously and make sure you have all your approvals in place before you bid.

I have placed a low reserve on this car and do plan on selling it this week. I will entertain serious offers during the auction but will not stop the auction after the reserve has been met. Please don't waste your time asking the reserve. Shoot me an offer if you want the car. After the reserve is met the car will sell to the high bidder. Prior to meeting reserve, I can add a Buy it Now if you want to secure the car without the drama of a last minute bidding war. I only have one in this condition and I don't think there are any other originals in this price range anymore. Most of my listings end early so don't wait to the end. That could be at any time. This car is for sale right here and right now and that's why it's listed.

Look around and try to find another 100% original paint wagon like this then bid to win. Thanks for looking and good luck .