Suburban Slayer: 1965 Dodge Town Wagon – SOLD!
July 6, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this rare Dodge Town Wagon “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 us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
By the late 1950s, American cars continued to be built lower and wider. Consequently, outdoor enthusiasts needed higher-riding vehicles to go onto more primitive roads. Dodge introduced its Town Wagon in 1956 as a passenger version of the Town Panel Sedan Delivery with rear passenger windows as a competitor to Chevrolet’s Suburban. It had two bench seats and upholstery for a passenger vehicle. We came across a rare example originally listed in June 2021 on Craigslist in Cumberland, Rhode Island that based on its orange-yellow paint may have seen duty as a local school bus when new, but you’ll need to confirm whether that’s true with the seller. Comparing the price of $7,500 against Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $6,425 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $12,100.
We don’t come across Town Wagons very often and while the school bus yellow paint may not be everyone’s favorite, the finish appears to be present very well. After a complete interior refurbishment and a set of wheels, all the next caretaker needs to do is decide whether to leave the current slant six and three-speed power train in place or put something more powerful in its place.
Here’s the seller’s description:
“Selling my 1965 dodge town wagon. 2wd slant 6. 3 on the tree. Been sitting in storage for a long time. Needs a good going through to get back on the road. Carb cleaning, brake master cylinder, and clutch master, but rolls free and body look good. Don’t come across these too often. Had big plans for it but had a couple of other vehicles come arums that are going to occupy my time and won’t have time to tackle this one right now. No trades. Need the room. $7500.“
Stock or Street Machine: Which direction would you go with this rare Dodge? Comment below and let us know!
I just bought this,! It is headed to upstate NY
We are correcting two rear wheels/ tires and adding the center caps to match. I would like to put the original seats back in it. They are actually in the back and need to be refinished. I can not find seat covers anywhere for it though? Any ideas on what would fit? Came with the 2 original front seats and one small other seat for the back seat/row, I assume? They were in the back with other extra parts he collected over the years. The seats he had in it were not original to the car.
The color IS original as its under the hood that was not repainted. Would like to add a couple rows of seating but not sure what is out there? We fell in love with the town wagon and have never seen one. It was re-painted 20 years ago and sat in a garage. The paint looks great!
We will be keeping the slant six and adding a few things to give it a little more power. We were thinking of changing to a 440, but may work with what it has by adding a 2 barrel intake and maybe a overdrive. Also, power dual brake system. Thank God my boyfriend owns a auto repair shop and is well known in the upstate region for fixing classic cars. Lucky girl!
He had it running in 2 hours and drove it off the trailer and around our pond in the neighborhood we live in. It hadn’t run in 20 years. I took a video.
Keep watching for the repairs on this one on one of the FB sites for these cool rides. Waiting to join a site now. We did post a video on the sweptline site.
Signed,
#girlswithrides haha!
#luckygirl
#dodgetownwagon
#mopar
What a great story and thanks for sharing.
Next Wednesday in our “Wagon Wednesday” Newsletter, we will feature. your story as a GWR success!
If you’d like to submit pictures, use this form https://www.guyswithrides.com/guys-with-their-rides/ and we will gladly post your fun story.
what size tires are on the front, I need to know because I am redoing one.
Hey all,
My wife and I are now the owners of this beauty. We are looking forward to taking care of this classic vehicle, and while we appreciate the uniqueness, we are excited to explore all possibilities that come with this truck. Any input would be welcomed, and we look forward to hearing from you folks.
Peter and Julie