Tin Woody: 1950 Chevrolet Styline Deluxe Project – SOLD!

January 27, 2021 Update – we just confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

As American car production resumed following World War II, one of the most dramatic changes in automotive construction was the switch to fully steel bodies for station wagon models.  While Chevy’s new Bel Air hardtop design and Powerglide automatic transmission stole much of the attention for 1950, the other big news was the brand’s switch to steel for its Styleline Deluxe wagon.  Old habits are hard to break, so designers took advantage of an innovative film called Di-Noc that simulated the look of wood, and thus the “Tin Woody” station was born.  A prime example is this 1950 Chevrolet Styline Deluxe project originally listed in January 2021 on Craigslist in Clinton Township, Michigan (Sterling Heights) with what appears to be a complete car with a nicely preserved interior for $8,900 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Tin Woody priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $6,800 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,400.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the asking price falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $8,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $15,400.  The pictures of the car on the flatbed combined with the seller indicating it’s a “one owner” and a price reduction have us sensing someone trying for a quick flip, so try to tease out what they paid for the car and based your negotiations from there.

In 1949, Chevrolet presented its first “all-new” model since the end of World War II. A lower, sleeker profile, with the lines of the front fenders smoothly blending into the doors to be countered by the rear fenders that continued to “bulge” out of the sides of the car. Improvements in chassis and suspension design made the 1949 Chevrolet one of the best handling to date. While styling changes for 1950 were minimal, the big news was the launch of the Bel Air pillarless two-door hardtop and the aforementioned Di-Noc clad station wagon.

This extended-length commercial found on YouTube describes in great detail the build quality of the 1950 Chevys:

We see a lot of potential in this Tin Woody. Reported to have been sitting in a garage since 1979, the minimal sunlight exposure appears to have done wonders to preserve the interior.  While it could make a nice restoration project, we can also see this wagon going the restomod or ratrod route with the addition of a more modern powertrain while leaving the exterior’s patina in place.  Whichever path you decide to take with this Tin Woody, good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Chevrolet 1950 Station Wagon Tin Woody. Car had been sitting in garage since 1979. All original inside and out, no modifications, original. One owner prior to my purchase. Original bill of sale and service paperwork from purchase August 16th, 1950. Will consider trade, or trade and cash. Nothing missing, original solid car for restoration or modification. Serious buyers! $8,900.00. Reduced! show contact info“

Restore or Rat Rod: what would you do with this Chevy Tin Woody?  Comment below and let us know!