This week’s feature takes us back to a different era… An era where wagons were popular and seen in almost every street corners… An era where wagons were appreciated by many. That’s right! It’s the 1950s! And we pay respect to that era by featuring Fernando’s 1956 Chevy Townsman.

I’ve known Fernando for quite some time. He was once heavily involved in the VW community; just like myself. At one point, we both were daily driving black MKIV GTI (though with different modification approach). Fernando went with a more elegant styling (lowered on BBS LM style wheels, complete with 20^th lip kit all around); while I opted for the aggressive canyon carving styling. The wagon approach isn’t any different than last time; opposite directions from one another. While I stayed with the 2000s offering, Fernando roamed into a different realm and ended up with this 1956 Chevy Townsman Wagon.

When acquired, this wagon needed a lot of work. Lucky for Fernando, his dad is a retired GM mechanic and he passed down many of his knowledge to Fernando in order to get this wagon to tip top condition. Just like every car enthusiast out there, Fernando had to put his own touch to make this wagon unique! The result definitely doesn’t disappoint!

One thing that really stands out from Fernando’s Chevy Townsman Wagon is its attention to detail. From pinstripes, sparkly roof to the sparkly elements that carry into the cabin, furry headliner and awesome two-toned color combo; this wagon is a head-turner on every California streets! Since this wagon screams “California” out loud, what’s a better way than to head out to the beach for the photoshoot? With coffee and croissants in hand, it sure was a beautiful day to cruise around in Southern California!

Let’s get to it!

-Introduction:

My name is Fernando Maduro, I’m from Inglewood California and I am the owner of Rocket Wax Supplies. Rocket Wax is my line of car care products. Along with detailing services, I also do graphic design and photography.

-Why a wagon?

 My obsession with wagons came from an early age. As a kid, I knew I wanted to own classic cars but I never thought I would own my first in my early 20s. Normally you’d see older folks in the scene, so accomplishing this goal at a young age was very fulfilling. This is my second classic wagon, the first being a 63 Nova Wagon. Since selling the Nova Wagon, I knew my next vehicle would be a Tri-Five Chevy. After chasing a couple down, I finally landed on this 1956 Chevy Wagon.

-Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?

When looking for my second and current wagon, I did come across a few online but many were out of my budget and I knew I wanted something in a semi-project form in which I could put my touches on it.

-What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?

I always wanted something cool to drive to the beach and something that I was able to “kustomize” Also the wagons name comes from my enjoyment in the tiki scene and the ocean tides… hence the name “Mai Tide”

-What style would you say best describes your car?

For this wagon, I wanted to be as authentic to the era as possible. So I built and “kustomized” it the way a young high school kid in the late 50s/early 60s would have done to the hand-me-down family car. Modding it to be Kustom or “cool/different” in that time was the craze and popular thing to do. Some of the details on the wagon are definitely pulled as inspiration from old car show photos or magazines of the time.

-Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?

I definitely already had an idea of what I wanted this car to look like when I got it, with the goal of it being mild yet unique. My pops, who is a retired 30+yrs GM mechanic, was a big help in guiding and helping me work on this wagon. Some of the last finishing touches (the pinstriped dash and headlight/taillight details) were done by my friend Malex (@malex_pinstriping).

-What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?

Tri-Fives are known to be favored by older cats who usually restore them back to stock or upgrade to a street rod. For mine, what makes it special is that it’s the opposite of what you’d expect it to look like. The whole wagon was spray painted using about 25-30 cans of Rustoleum and I patterned the roof using canned flake. I went with shaved emblems, spotlights, custom one-piece smooth chrome front bumper, matte paint, all white interior with matching fur headliner, and chrome steelies on white walls. The goal was to add details that paid homage to the era it was made, and how it could have been built.

-What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?

Can’t decide if it’s the backyard spray paint job I did or the stance/stability it has around turns.

-If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?

Definitely the motor. Technically these tri fives were the first for GM’s V8 motor line. I currently have an original 265 V8 in it. I’ve upgraded the intake manifold, bigger carb and headers, however I would like to upgrade to a larger and faster motor.

-What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?

Learning things by myself such as bodywork and mechanical things has oftentimes been an obstacle. With my pops experience, we both try to just figure out the best solution.

-What one word best describes your car?

“Different”

-What is your final goal with this car?

Eventually a better motor and transmission to be a lot quicker and reliable. I know this is one of the cars I’ve always wanted and it being a wagon, hopefully creating memories with my own family in it. Hauling the kids to school in a classic wagon would be so much cooler than any Tesla in the lot. I couldn’t see myself letting this one go so easily.