Long before the minivan craze, the iconic American station wagons reigned supreme as the ultimate family haulers. Among the frontrunners in sales were Ford and Chevy, but on the Mopar side, Dodge’s presence was more elusive. In 1959, Dodge introduced the Sierra and Custom Sierra station wagons, with only around 23,500 units sold. Today, finding a surviving example is a challenge, making this 1959 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon a true rarity. Located in Moro, Oregon, this straight and mostly intact beauty presents an enticing opportunity for restoration. Listed on eBay with an opening bid of $6,500, the seller is open to offers but won’t entertain bids below the initial amount.
The 1959 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon boasts a refreshed front-end design, incorporating Chrysler’s iconic Forward Look, complete with “Jet-Trail” tail lamps and rear fins. Based on the provided photos, the overall body appears to be in good condition, devoid of dents or visible rust. While the seller mentions the need for rust repairs along the bottom in certain spots, the floors are reported to be in good shape. Although pictures of these specific areas are absent, the current red paint maintains its presentable allure. Chrome accents, glass, and various trim pieces have aged gracefully, while the non-original wheel covers hint at the wagon’s unique journey.
Step inside the 64-year-old station wagon, and you’ll find a black and white interior that has withstood the test of time quite well. Dodge proudly marketed their ’59 models as the “first all-pushbutton car,” featuring the Push-button TorqueFlite transmission conveniently located to the left of the instrument panel. The elliptical-shaped steering wheel, designed for enhanced forward visibility, exudes classic 50’s charm. Although the front seat has been reupholstered and exhibits some signs of wear and rips, the rear seat bottom showcases a refreshed appearance (with the rear seat back possibly retaining its original upholstery based on sales brochure illustrations). Unfortunately, no photos reveal the condition of the storage area behind the rear seat, headliner, or carpet.
Under the hood, the Dodge Sierra houses a robust 361-cubic inch, 295-horsepower Ram-Fire V8 engine. According to the seller, the engine was briefly run on a bottle of gas for a quick trip down the street, while noting the need to remove and clean the gas tank and address a faulty carburetor. Now, the question arises: What are your thoughts on this captivating project car? Perhaps someone with a passion for automotive restoration, like a friend who recently revived a ’59 Dodge Custom Royal convertible, or who owns a ’59 Plymouth Suburban Station Wagon, would relish the opportunity to undertake the restoration of this ’59 Dodge Sierra.
