If I remember correctly, the Townsman 2dr is a 210-model, post wagon. The Handyman is the 150 version. The handyman is the 3rd lowest production of the three years, behind Nomad and 150 2dr business coupe. (Been a long time since I looked that up though). Worth anything from a rarity standpoint? Not particularly...there are a lot more "desirable" cars, like the Nomad, convertible, 150 business coupes, 2dr bel air, etc. From a cool standpoint, they're great; wagon are hot, 2dr wagons are always hot. If the price is right, get it--you won't see a sea of them at the cruises and shows. -Brad
Townsman wagons were four doors. There is no '57 2 dr Townsman. The 2 dr wagons, except Nomad, were Handyman wagons. The Handyman 2 dr wagon came in two trim levels, 150 and 210. The Townsman 4 dr wagon came in two trim levels, 210 and Bel-Air. Production is as follows: 150 2 dr Handyman 14,740 210 2 dr Handyman 17, 528 210 4 dr Townsman 127,803 Bel-Air 4 dr Townsman 27,375 My source for information is The Encyclopedia of American Cars, 1930-1990.
Why do people do this shit? Why just automatically send someone to another board? Sorry had to bitch... I was going to tell you what arkiehotrods said but he beat me to it.
It is certainly worth getting. My dad has a one, put Belair trim on it, lowered 2 inches, no vent windows, and it is a great looking car. He calls it his "Nearmad". Jump on it, man.
Why do people do this shit??? post just to bitch........my post was probably more helpful than yours ........................
The car has a title weight of 2900. My 2 door sedan weighs more than that. How can that be? He say that is it shorter than a 150 or 210 2 door wagon. It has no motor or trans and is pretty rough. He has owned it for 23 years and wants $1,000. He has a 4 door in worse shape for $500.
Do you have some pictures of it? All Chevrolet passenger cars in '57 had a 115" wheelbase. They're the same length. Did the guy take a 4 dr Townsman and shorten it into a 2 door? The Handyman wagon weight, according to the book I referenced above is 3406 (both 150 and 210). The Townsman wagon weight was 3460 (both 210 and Bel-Air). The Nomad weight 3465. No full-size '57 Chevy (meaning everything but Corvette) weighed under 3163 which was the weight of a 150 2 dr Utility sedan (no backseat). According to the latest Old Cars Price Guide (Dec 2007 issue) the bottom dollar (parts car) price on a 57 2 dr wagon is in the $800 range.
I think this guy just wants to make this car sound like more than it is. The four door is just a four door and the 2 door is not a shortened 4 door. He really doesn't know what he is talking about. I did see the title and it says 2900 for the weight.
Sometimes when people at the DMV change a title over, and there is no weight listed, they'll pull out a chart or book and pick a weight out off a list to put on the new title. I've seen it happen more than once. It's possible, even likely, that's the case here, as factory published weights are what I posted above. It would be worth getting. Long roofs are cool (not that I'm biased!) and a '57 would be for sure. It would make a nice stable mate for your 2 dr. A friend of mine had a 57 210 Handyman two door for many years, and when he finally traded it for a 66 GTO, he regretted his momentary lapse of judgment. He also spent a lot of time explaining to people that it wasn't a Nomad.
I'm going back to take another look at it today. Thanks for all your input. I would really like to get a wagon this one may be too far gone for my skill level.
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