1959 Dodge Custom Sierra: The Ultimate Rare Forward-Look Longroof Wagon

The 1959 Dodge Custom Sierra stands as a rare gem in automotive history—a forward-look longroof wagon that combined luxury, space, and power in an era of excess. While brands like Ford and Chevrolet dominated sales, Dodge’s higher-end positioning made its wagons, especially the Custom Sierra, a coveted but seldom-seen model.

The Rarity of the 1959 Dodge Custom Sierra

Among the 151,851 Dodges built in 1959, only 23,500 were station wagons. Of those, the nine-passenger Custom Sierra was the pinnacle, with just 3,437 units produced. Even fewer of the six-passenger variant (2,434 units) were made, making these wagons exceptionally rare today.

Thomas Klockau, an automotive historian, noted,

"Among 1959 Dodges, the wagons are especially seldom seen. Their lifespan was often cut short by heavy use for family duties, vacations, and eventual wear and tear. Few survived into the 1970s, let alone the present day."

Specifications and Features of the Custom Sierra

The 1959 Dodge Custom Sierra was introduced on October 10, 1958, as part of Dodge’s third-generation lineup. It shared the 1957 model’s overall design but featured increasingly ornate trim, both inside and out. The most striking visual elements included:

• Quad headlamps with prominent chrome "brows"
• A massive grille that gave the car a bold, aggressive look
• Tailfins and chrome accents typical of the era

The Custom Sierra was available in two configurations:

• Nine-passenger model: Priced at $3,389, weighing 4,020 pounds unladen
• Six-passenger model: Priced at $3,268, weighing 3,980 pounds unladen

Engine Options and Performance

Dodge offered a range of engines for the 1959 lineup, from a 135-horsepower inline-six to a high-performance Super D500 V8 with 345 horsepower. Wagon models came standard with:

• 295-horsepower Ram-Fire V8 (standard on Sierras)
• 305-horsepower Super Ram-Fire V8 (standard on Custom Sierras)

These engines provided ample power for the era, ensuring the Custom Sierra could handle heavy loads with ease.

Luxury and Comfort Features

The Custom Sierra was the flagship wagon, offering an array of premium features:

• Dual-unit air conditioning (optional)
• Level-Flight Torsion Aire—an automatic leveling system to maintain ride height regardless of load
• Power rear window (standard on nine-passenger models)
• Optional air suspension (extremely rare, with only 0.7% of 1959 Dodges equipped)

Period literature described the Custom Sierra as the epitome of "gracious living on the road," emphasizing its spaciousness, comfort, and luxury.

A Glimpse of the Past: The 2024 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance

Thomas Klockau shared his excitement after spotting a pristine 1959 Dodge Custom Sierra at the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance on September 8, 2024. He remarked,

"This isn’t just any 1959 Dodge wagon—it’s the absolute nicest Custom Sierra you could get that year."

The event highlighted the enduring appeal of classic American automobiles, with the Custom Sierra serving as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the late 1950s.