Patinated Parkwood Wagon - A Life Well Lived

Patina:
A change in appearance produced by long-standing behavior, practice, or use: a face etched with a patina of fine lines and tiny wrinkles.
[From the Latin, plate (from the incrustation on ancient metal plates and dishes); see paten.]

A word that has gained popularity in the car world in the last few years; people seem to be looking for that lustreless look and if they can't find it, they make it up, with differing results. But what forced patina lacks is a story; cars with 'earned' patina have a history, and probably one we can only guess at.
This 1959 Chevrolet Parkwood is one of those cars that it's fair to say definitely has a history. The Parkwood was the middle tier of the Chevrolet station wagon lineup from '59-'61, above the lowest-priced Brookwood models, but below the luxury-leader Nomad. Engines were either the famed 'blue flame' straight six or the 283ci small-block. The Parkwood name only existed for three years, with GM rationlising their somewhat confusing naming system for '62, which makes this wagon a rare sight, in any condition. Although I did not have a chance to speak to the owner, I'm assuming that the car had been sitting for most of it's life in the open and as a result it wears the scars of exposure with pride. there are some tantalising clues as to its history: a Vermont inspection sticker resides next to a University of Maine parking permit on the dog-leg windscreen (both in the state of new Hampshire, in north-east America). Theres also a flyer on the dashboard for former New Hampshire Republican senator and attorney James Koromilas, who served from 1967-1972.
Yeah I know, it doesn't add up to much, but I can tell you it has the 283ci engine and was imported into the UK in 2010; I guess only the car knows where it's been, but it's certainly fun to guess and no hardship at all to examine the photos for clues.


- Amazosan