1955 Chevy 210 Handyman Wagon – “GLORIA”

Mike Simington and Debbie Barnett Simington

This Sunset Pearl Orange and Black wagon was built by Todd Adams at Adams Customs in Tucson, Az. www.adamscustoms.com around 2015. At the time, Todd built the wagon for Mrs. Adams to use as a daily driver hauling their 2 sons, Tyler and Bryce, all over Tucson to the grocery store as well as to all the car shows. Story has it, that when Mr. Adams traded the car for some more project cars, Mrs. Adams was not very happy with him.

We have nicknamed her GLORIA, because… look at her, the colors are glorious. The orange attracts many car show goers from far away. Debbie and I have owned her for just about a year now and Debbie says GLORIA is her favorite. My kids and grandkids enjoy that I have such a love affair with Hotrods and Customs, and


 have attended the car shows with me on several occasions. However, my middle granddaughter Millie, really enjoys herself when she is around the cars. She has researched the history of the Handyman, and can give you some bullet points she has learned if asked about the car.

I acquired GLORIA from a man in Houston, Tx. Named Bobby Whittington, who btw had also traded for the wagon.( I’m guessing I am the first buyer after the customization ). Bobby had listed her on a Facebook page looking for something interesting to trade for. I did not have a trade to make but knew I wanted that car. I pestered him for a while to give me a price, when he finally did, I could not pass it up. We struck a deal and I am very happy to have met a man of his word. This car is everything he said she was. I would like to thank one of my very good friends, Don Wilson, for making the 46-hr. nonstop trip to Houston, with me to pick up Gloria.

Under the hood is an LS 5.3 L swap with a 4-speed automatic trans. According to Mr. Adams he believes it was one of the first LS swaps done. Most customs were still getting the LT-1 corvette motors at the time. The ride height is just right and comes from some unique alterations to the frame that I have never seen before. The one thing that both Debbie and I love about this car, is the A/C. The builder put a dual unit in this car similar to that in a minivan. Air blows in the back seat just as cold as the front and is controlled by the back seat passengers.

– Mike Simington