1958 Chevrolet Yeoman Station Wagon

Dating back to medieval times, yeomen served as assistants in the houses of noblemen, as farmers or, later, in the military. Over the ensuing centuries, the term "yeoman's work" has come to describe any type of valuable, difficult labor. Chevrolet aptly named its entry-level 1958 station wagon series Yeoman, knowing that it was built to be a rugged, no-frills workhorse for farmers, outdoorsmen and tradesmen.

During my career here at Classic Auto Mall, it never ceases to amaze me as to what will come through the door next. Needless to say, this one caught my attention, not just the car, but the story that comes with it! Preserved in a garage in Seaside Heights, New Jersey for 44 years, the homeowner had actually purchased the property with the car already in the garage. After a casual conversation with a friend of the consigner, this car came to his attention. A rare bird…only produced for 1 year in 1958, a low optioned car for the working man, a purchase was made. Oh, and did I mention it only has a mere 15,935 original miles?! OH YEAH!

Exterior
The overall appearance of this vehicle shows the battle between ocean air, and metal, with metal losing, however only to the point where it has become a beautiful patina of rust color, and very thin paint areas. Paint was a combination of Silver Blue Metallic and Snow Crest White. All chrome is pocked, and stainless is very dull, however this car screams “keep me original”. A two-door version, consigner states that no one has sat in the back seat for at least 50 years, because when he purchased it, the seat was down. To verify mileage, one can gander at the service stickers on the driver's door and note mileage at last oil change was 15,300 miles. Glass is all intact, and all windows are in working order. Steel wheels were repainted blue, and hubcaps appear to be restored. New tires wrap all 4 corners, and there is a new spare too!

Interior
A swing of the Z framed door set up so it fits snugly into the panoramic front window, one can hear a few creeks, but its smooth. Two tone black and silver vinyl make up the horizontal pattern on the panels. Original seats in two tone silver and black, show in good condition and probably could use a good cleaning. Dash is all original steel and is two tone with silver and chromed accenting. Dash is showing rust; however, gauges work as do warning lights. The original steering wheel fronts the dash. All new carpeting is noted in front and in back, with the cargo area of the wagon being covered in blue colored rubber. All seat frames appear to have been restored.

Drivetrain
Flipping open what is surprisingly an ultra-light hood, restoration work done is revealed. The inline 6 is original but has been repainted in black with a green valve cover. All new hoses, a master cylinder, battery and hold-down, radiator, water pump, thermostat, and new coolant can be seen. A new distributor cap and rotor, coil, plugs, and wires as well as a rebuilt carburetor, and restored air cleaner setup are there as well for viewing.

Undercarriage
Frame is strong and sturdy. New floor pans and kick panels were replaced as needed, upper and lower control arm bushings have been replaced with silicone ones. The pinion seal and tail shaft seal at transmission and seen are cleaned and painted control arms and coil springs, plus R & L mud shields at control arm bushings. New shocks and brakes all around are also noted. Lastly a new exhaust system was installed.

Interestingly as a book cannot be judged by its cover, this car cannot be judged by its appearance. It drove into Classic Auto Mall, and a test drive reveals all the work stated has been done. It runs smoothly, and idles quietly, and could be driven as it passed a recent inspection, which means all working lighting, and mechanicals needed to be up to snuff to do so.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.