Product Description
The 1959-60 Chevrolet, with its bat-wing fins and wide dash, came with one of the most memorable radios of the era: the Wonderbar, which found stations at the press of a bar. This reproduction 1959-60 Chevrolet Wonderbar AM/FM Stereo Radio with Bluetooth from Antique Automobile Radio keeps that look and the seek action while adding FM stereo, real power and wireless streaming.
Looks and Works Like the Original
The radio fits without modifications and uses the original antenna. It has a chrome die-cast nose piece, chrome die-cast Wonderbar and shaft bezels, and the correct knobs and pushbuttons for the car. The Wonderbar seeks on AM or FM and duplicates the original action: it seeks up the dial and then returns to the bottom. The AM scale is in front with the FM scale behind it, and LED dial lights keep it bright at night.
Features
- Digital AM/FM stereo front end with 10 presets (5 AM and 5 FM)
- 4 x 45 watts RMS, up to 180 watts
- Bluetooth for streaming from a phone
- Analog volume, bass, treble, balance, fader and tuning controls
- 1/2-inch shafts, the same as the original
- 2.5-inch depth, which leaves room for a 6x9 dash speaker
- Memory retention of more than 40 years
- 3.5mm headphone jack plus three RCA jacks (left, right and subwoofer)
- Switch for one to four speakers
- North America/Europe tuning switch
Build the System
This listing lets you add:
- Front dual voice coil speaker, which plays both stereo channels through a single dash speaker
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Antenna: hideaway antenna or power antenna
Because the radio is only 2.5 inches deep, a 6x9 dash speaker fits behind it. A dual voice coil speaker gives stereo from the single original dash location, and a rear 6x9 pair fills in the back of the cabin. The speaker switch lets you set the radio for one, two, three or four speakers.
Why Choose a Reproduction
Original Wonderbar radios are tube or early transistor designs that are AM only and often need major repair. A reproduction gives you the same face and the satisfying seek bar, but with FM stereo, Bluetooth and enough power for modern speakers, and you can keep the original radio safe for the day the car is sold or judged.
Installation Notes
The radio uses the original mounting and antenna, so installation is straightforward for most owners. Check the car's wiring first, add a fuse to the power lead and test before you button up the dash. If you add an amplifier or subwoofer, use the RCA jacks on the back.
1959-60 Chevrolet Wonderbar Radio FAQ
Does the Wonderbar really work?
Yes. It seeks on AM or FM and returns to the bottom of the dial, like the original.
Do I need to cut the dash?
No. It fits without modifications and uses the original antenna.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes, for streaming music from a phone.
How many presets are there?
10: 5 AM and 5 FM.
Will a 6x9 dash speaker fit?
Yes. The radio is only 2.5 inches deep.
Antique Automobile Radio specifications
- Antique Automobile Radio factory-fit reproduction radio (Made in USA manufacturer)
- Wonderbar-style face/controls as titled for this vehicle application
- Preserves original face, knobs, and pushbutton look while adding modern electronics
- AM/FM tuner with Bluetooth (wireless voice and audio — Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR per manufacturer pairing guide)
- Auxiliary input on the rear of the radio; Bluetooth has priority when active
- Designed to fit the original dash opening without cutting metal (vehicle application per listing)
- Designed to work with the original antenna on many applications
- Use modern 4-ohm speakers — do not use original grounded speakers (they will not handle the power/frequency range)
- 12 V negative-ground vehicle electrical systems (use a booster/inverter for other systems when required)
Wiring / tech tips — 1959-60 Chevrolet Wonderbar
From Antique Automobile Radio installation guidance (model manuals):
- Be safe — disconnect one battery terminal until installation is complete.
- Do not operate the radio directly from a battery charger.
- Never use a fuse rated for more than 10 amps.
- Use only 4-ohm speakers; never allow any speaker lead to become grounded when the radio is on.
- Locate antenna jack, AUX input, and line outputs before mounting; bench-test with a charged battery when practical.
Bluetooth pairing: put the radio in Auxiliary mode and follow Antique Automobile Radio pairing instructions (device name appears like AARInc.BT…).
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.
Manuals
Use the model PDF packed with your radio when provided. Published sheets we can link:
Manufacturer support: support@radiosforoldcars.com · 800-933-4926 · 727-785-8733.
Warranty
Antique Automobile Radio manufactures these units in the USA. For warranty or service questions, contact support@radiosforoldcars.com or 800-933-4926, or Vintage Car Radio at 844-802-4499 / 574-226-6676 with your order number.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.
FAQ — 1959-60 Chevrolet Wonderbar
Will this fit without cutting the dash?
Antique Automobile Radio designs these to fit the original opening for the titled application (1959-60 Chevrolet Wonderbar). Compare your dash to the photos.
How do I pair Bluetooth?
See the manufacturer pairing page linked under Manuals. The radio remembers recently paired devices.
Can I keep original speakers?
No — use modern 4-ohm speakers; original grounded speakers are not suitable.
Do you install?
No.
Need help?
844-802-4499 / 574-226-6676, or Antique Automobile Radio support@radiosforoldcars.com.
Specs
Wiring / Tech Tips
Manuals
Warranty
Warranty
Antique Automobile Radio manufactures these units in the USA. For warranty or service questions, contact support@radiosforoldcars.com or 800-933-4926, or Vintage Car Radio at 844-802-4499 / 574-226-6676 with your order number.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.