Eddie Van Halen to auction his Chevy Classics
January 7th, 2009 by Alex Jeffery
A pair of Chevrolet classics from the personal collection of rock ‘n’ roll icon Eddie Van Halen Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 11th to 18th. The 1956 Chevy 210 and 1956 Chevy Nomad will each be auctioned with matching, one-of-a-kind EVH Brand “Wolfgang” guitars and a pair of red, white, and black EVH striped sneakers. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions”, the Scottsdale auction and lifestyle event will feature a diverse mix of the world’s most desirable collector vehicles. “Rock ‘n’ roll and collector cars go hand in hand,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “And Eddie’s cars, although from the same year, represent the diversity of the collector classic car hobby. The Nomad is restored to original specifications while the 210 is a custom-built street rod with modern performance gear. I expect these cars to enter special collections that salute both rock ‘n’ roll and automobiles.”
The maroon 1956 Chevrolet 210 is a Pro Street hot rod built by customiser Jim Van Gordon. The car features a powerful 454 c.i.d. big block Chevy engine that pumps out more than 600 horsepower, making it suitable for the drag strip while still street legal. Additional highlights include a narrowed 9-inch Ford rear end with Detroit Lockers’ Mark Williams’ axles, 4.30 gears, 4-link coil-over suspension, disc brakes, and custom wheels and tires. Racing gauges and a dark grey color scheme underline the interior of the 210.”
Van Halen’s 1956 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon sports a classic “Cashmere Blue” and white paint scheme and was once part of the famed “The Harrah Collection” in Reno, Nev. The car underwent a frame-off restoration and features a 265 c.i.d., 210 horsepower “Power Pack” V8 engine, power steering and power brakes. An upgrade to disc brakes was added for improved stopping and safer driving.”
“Out of all the cars I have owned over the years, I hung onto the ‘56 Sedan and Nomad because I was closely involved in restoring and building them, so they are very special to me,” explained Van Halen. “I almost hate to let them go, but I don’t have the time to drive them. It kills me to see them sit there when someone else could be driving them and have the pleasure and joy of owning these beautiful American classic cars.”
“Since they are so dear to me, I thought I would make it even more special by having two custom-made Wolfgang guitars built to match each car,” Van Halen added. “I hope the new owners enjoy these cars as much as I have and keep the guitars and cars in their families for a long time, because they are all one-of-a-kind.”
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