Nice Driver: 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon

For an enthusiast attempting to strike a balance between the needs of an expanding family and the desire to own a historic automobile, practicality might be a critical factor. While some cars might not fit their needs, this 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon might be perfect. It is a car fit for a driver and doesn’t seem to need anything. Although there are some practical modifications that many potential purchasers would embrace, the engine is still a strong V8. This is the Sacramento, California, Craigslist listing for the Sierra. The vendor has set a price of $25,000. I would like to extend my gratitude to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for identifying this beautiful wagon.

Though they must be viewed in perspective, some individuals are critical of the style of American vehicles from the late 1950s. In the years immediately following World War II, the nation was awash in unbridled hope. Customer trust was at previously unheard-of heights, and the idea of humanity traveling into space for the first time captivated a large portion of the populace’s imagination. With automobiles sporting fins, a characteristic common to many spacecraft ideas, and taillights that resembled subtly disguised rocket motors, what better opportunity to capitalize on that enthusiasm? In response to that, the Sierra appeared, displaying the design cues that were exclusive to Virgil Exner and that the business referred to as the “Swept-Wing Look” in its marketing materials. The first owner placed this order.

Not the lightest historic car on the globe, the ’57 Sierra has a curb weight of 4,170 lbs. If acceleration is to be anything other than glacial, something unique has to be beneath the hood, and this Dodge provides it. A 325ci “Red Ram” V8 engine with 245 horsepower and 320 ft/lbs of torque is housed in the engine compartment. The power is sent through a three-speed A230 manual transmission to an 8¾” Posi rear end with 3.55 gears. The addition of factory power steering reduces the strain on the driver, and the Scarebird front disc conversion braking modification makes sense. Even with its weight, the Sierra could run the ¼ mile in 17.6 seconds. For its time, the number was seen to be outstanding, especially coming from a car that could fit six persons and a

a pile of baggage. Thanks to an Edelbrock carburetor’s improved ventilation, this wagon could be able to perform a bit better. It has a more contemporary one-wire alternator, and the vendor claims that there are no mechanical issues with it. They claim that it drives and works flawlessly and that they would be happy to take it anyplace.

When we open the doors and look inside this Dodge, the good news keeps coming. The cargo space has escaped the worst of the usual family wagon wear and tear, the painted surfaces remain undamaged, and there is no discernible wear on the seats or other upholstered surfaces. It has ample space in the back for three developing teenagers’ legs and shoulders, and the front seat can fit two people and a small child. The Sierra still has what looks to be the original AM radio, but it has been upgraded with aftermarket features like digital voltmeter to the left of the gauge cluster, column-mounted tachometer, and ice-cold air conditioning.

A fantastic classic, this 1957 Dodge Sierra Station Wagon will undoubtedly appeal to Mopar lovers. It can tow a big cargo and has enough room for an expanding family. Although there are modern SUVs that may serve the same purposes, they have two major drawbacks. First, anything that performs reasonably well will cost a lot more. The main problem with most SUVs, though, is that they lack the natural charm and character of this iconic vehicle. I would take this Sierra over the new one any day, so they can keep it. Could you?