The ‘69 Kingswood recently sold on eBay is a case study for overcoming the boring stigma of a station wagon. This sinister black classic is squished to the ground and adorned with wide whitewalls - opens in new window or tab. and dog dish caps - opens in new window or tab.. And best of all, it has rear-facing third-row seats.
Long and lean station wagons offer plenty of room for that bonus third-row seating. The extra passengers in the back get a unique vantage point to observe the roadway. Facing backward changes everything.
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Speed Versus Attitude
These days, there is only one station wagon with the rear-facing configuration: the $70,000-plus Mercedes Benz E-Class wagon - opens in new window or tab.. It’s a different animal than a classic 1960s wagon, of course. But its sticker is a pretty penny compared to the ’69 Kingswood offered with a Buy-It-Now price of $9,000. To our eyes, the Chevy has a more striking appearance, even with its sign of age.
The seller installed nine seat belts, a feature required for front-seat passengers beginning in 1968. It’s good to know the whole clan can buckle up in this family cruiser. The rear window opens, and you wouldn’t want one of the tikes to bounce out.
The Kingswood wagon first showed up in the Chevrolet lineup in 1959 and lasted just two years before reappearing from 1969 to 1972. This Kingswood has the 350 cubic inch engine offered in the day. In 1969, you could also get 400ci and 454ci mills—but this vehicle is all about a slow and steady rolling party. Why rush when you’re having so much fun?
See Where You’ve Been
Chevrolet wasn't the only carmaker to offer a rear-facing seat. In 1963, the Studebaker Lark Wagonaire had a rear-facing hideaway third-row seat. More than that, the roof above the back row could be hand-cranked to the front, providing those lucky passengers a view of the passing trees and clouds. But, alas, a leaky roof doomed the Lark Wagonaire. It was discontinued after just three years.
Subaru BRAT ad photo
The 1978 Subaru BRAT offered two rear-facing seats—in the cargo bed. The four-wheel drive version was designed as an export-only vehicle.
Positioning the jump seats looking backward helped it qualify as a passenger car—reducing tariff charges if sold as a truck.
Ford Aurora concept wagon
Ford took the rear-facing seat one step further. In 1964, the Blue Oval produced a concept station wagon called the Aurora. It had a dramatic interior design featuring a wraparound rear-facing seat with a drop-down tailgate for easy entry. The first and second rows could convert to a rolling living room.
Two-way Tailgate and Glasspack Mufflers
Back in the real world, the Kingswood wagon’s two-way opening tailgate swings out to the side or flips down like a tailgate, making this a tailgating machine - opens in new window or tab.. The second and third-row seats also fold down flat. So, you can load plenty of party supplies (or haul a load of plywood as necessary).
The seller installed new weatherstripping, window felts, and power window regulators to keep the ride free from rattles. A California Car Cover - opens in new window or tab. is part of the deal.
Station wagons fell out of favor with the arrival of minivans in the 1980s and SUVs in the 1990s. But vintage station wagon enthusiasts are growing in ranks these days. Wagons are among the most popular vehicles at local car shows and cruise nights.
It’s hard to ignore the presence of this Kingswood. The stainless trim, blacked-out bumpers, rear-fender skirts, and a mile-long design demands attention. If those features don’t turn heads, then the engine rumble will do the trick. This ’69 Kingswood is equipped with glasspack mufflers - opens in new window or tab. that announces its approach from blocks away.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.