Restored Restomod: 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Tin Woody Wagon – SOLD!

May 17, 2022, Update – We 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 us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

We love finding rides for sale with long-term owners. The seller of this 1951 Chevrolet Styline Deluxe Tin Woody originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in St. John’s, Florida (Jacksonville) completed many upgrades during his ownership to qualify this wagon as more of a restomod in our book.  Specifically, a Ford Mustang II front subframe conversion now supports a more modern Chevrolet 250 cubic inch inline-six donated from a ’72 Nova backed by a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.  Other modern touches include aftermarket Dolphin Gauges and a Vintage Air HVAC system.

Glacier green over red leather combined with a massive Continental kit makes a very bold statement, especially with the top down. The seller reports being the owner of this California-sourced Cadillac for the past 37 years, during that time having the engine and transmission rebuilt, the interior redone, and a custom-made tan Haartz cloth convertible top installed.

Currently offered for $45,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has his Tin Woody priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $38,500 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $51,500.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $37,300.

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 of 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.

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.

The Periscope Film youTube Channel features this 1951 Chevrolet Promotional film highlighting the brand’s optional Powerglide transmission:

While the wood-paneled floors may be a bit much for some people’s tastes, the overall vibe from this 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Tin Woody is that the conversion to Restomod status is a nice upgrade from when the car was new.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1951 Chevy Tinwoodie Wagon
Mustang II front suspension, disc brakes, running gear is out of a 1972 Nova 250 ci 6 cyl, power glide 2 speed automatic, vintage ac/heat, Dolphin gauges. Clear Florida title, same owner the past 20 years. Very nice paint and chrome.
The wagon is currently located in north Florida.”

Show or go: What would you do with this 1951 Chevrolet Styline Deluxe Tin Woody?  Please comment below and let us know!