Surely at one point, this 1957 Ford Country Squire wagon was a wonderful thing on wheels. A lot has changed in 60 years. Currently residing in Stockton, California, this mostly shell of a ride can be yours if you shell out $1,800. It does have a clean title but no VIN or miles are listed. Thank you, Roger, for the tip. You can view more on Craigslist.
Currently, there is no engine or transmission taking residency under the hood. They do come with the car, but on a pallet. Not exactly the type of engine you want to see on a pallet. It is more fun when they are brand new on a pallet rather than a pile of rusty parts and a bucket with a license plate. The seller does not even list what engine it is. The pallet of parts shows at least 8 cylinders.
Inside, there is one redeeming aspect of the car. Gleaming like a beacon of hope is the dashboard. It looks completely out of place in the rust and rubbish interior. The floors are rusted through, the frame is rusting through, the seats are torn to shreds, but the dash is solid. A few things might be missing, but it has the most potential. There are a few windows broken out as well, although the seller says that the expensive glass, the front and rear, are still there.
These cars are not as common as they once were. The listing seems to think that the car is not that bad and there is not a lot of rust. That doesn’t really seem to be the case based on the pictures, but everyone’s interpretation is different. For the price they are asking, it might not be a bad decision. However, you are the one who has to make that decision. Be sure to go look this one over thoroughly.
Exhaust manifolds are Y-block ford.
Considering what this Squire will need, I’d try to get the price at or below $1500. What this wagon has going for it is, MANY, MANY parts for this era Ford are now reproduced (I think floor pans too?). The body is not a complete rust bucket and is quite saveable. Door glass shouldn’t be an issue, and thankfully, the front/rear glass is in decent shape. If I had the money, I’d ship this wagon down to TX. and let the T-Bird Man restore this. His work on `55-`57 Fords is well-known; esp. on `Birds. I can only imagine the beauty he’d make of this!
The manifolds and heads are definitely Y block. The two barrel intake, and what appears to be blue engine paint would indicate that it is a 292. (the most common engine of that era) If the engine were yellow it would be a 272, and if red, would make it a 312.
Heads are not Y block in picture they are SBF, exhaust manifolds are Y block. No blue paint ever on Y blocks and color didnt distinguish which engine, it was year and in 57 more than likely had the 312.
Well, I think I kind of like this one. It sure would be sharp when finished. If I was going to do it…..and money was no object. I would hot rod this one up quite a bit. Inside and out. A blower sticking up through the hood would be really nice. Candy apple or peal type paint job. A huge engine – 400 plus CID. I’d try to stick with Ford but not completely committed to it. Fat slicks on the back with just enough tread to allow you to drive it short distances on the road. That’s just for starters.
Santa. Santa. SANTA. Are you listening???
Since this car is a blank canvas, I’d say
restomod it. Unless, you know someone
like Will does, or have very deep pockets.
Gary, I like how you think when it comes
to big engines that might power this car.
I’d use a 460 big block with 429 cylinder
heads and 4-bbl intake manifold. Next,
slip in an RV cam, balance and blueprint
the engine, and add a C-6 auto tranny to
deal with the ginormous amount of
torque this engine will make make when
the car is in use. Better throw in a 9-inch
rear axle and brute force u-joints to deal
with the extra twist this combo will generate–and for Pete’s sake, put a hoop
in the driveshaft tunnel to keep the shaft in place should a u-joint fail! If it’s gonna
go, it’s gotta whoa! So 6 piston calipers,
brake pads, and HD rotors would be a must to stop this brute on a dime. An
HD radiator will be needed to keep things
cool under the hood. Best thing to do
would be to get it running so that you can
drive it to the body shop to fix the rust,
rot, and broken glass. For paint, I’d go
with a very dark red on the body, and
desert sand for the roof. These colors
would also be used for the interior as well
to cap it all off. That’s what I’d do with it,
how ’bout you?
This car already has a 9 inch rear end !! 1957 was the first year for the big axle !!
Lets do an autopsy on a piece of dog doo.
This is scrap.
But if you own a body shop and have figured out how to dodge the IRS.
Then go for it……