Ah, the humble Station Wagon. The weapon of choice for the growing family in the era before the minivan and SUV usurped its seemingly unassailable position of power. You will struggle to find a new one in a showroom today unless you consider European or Asian brands. However, some still view these as the ultimate family transport, courtesy of impressive interior space and versatility. This 1986 Ford LTD Crown Victoria is a perfect example of the breed, with a lot to offer potential buyers. It presents well, is highly optioned, and has a genuine 36,000 miles on the clock. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Milford, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Dennis H for spotting this gem.
Any auto executive worth their salt will tell you that the two most dreaded jobs in the industry are picking a name for a new model and selecting paint colors. That is why Ford waded through over 6,000 potential names before christening its new division of the 1950s “Edsel.” Paint shades aren’t quite as challenging, but finding a range that will suit all tastes is no walk in the park. That is why I am sure that some readers will find the Sand Beige gracing this Crown Victoria’s panels attractive, while others won’t give it a second glance. It is worth looking closer because this original and unrestored vehicle sports its factory paint. The shine is extremely impressive, while flaws and defects are almost non-existent. The panels are straight, and the gaps are consistent, but the ace up this Wagon’s sleeve could be that it has spent most of its life in sunny California. The dry climate has helped ensure it is rust-free, an important consideration for any vehicle within this price range. The chrome and glass sparkle as beautifully as the paint, with the original alloy wheels showing no evidence of stains or other physical damage.
Full-size Station Wagons developed a reputation for being heavy beasts, but the curb weight of 3,935 lbs makes this Ford lighter than many. However, with the country only beginning to emerge from The Malaise Era, its fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 gave the driver a relatively modest 150hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque with which to play. Unsurprisingly, these aren’t high-performance models, but the four-speed automatic transmission added some flexibility and made these classics excellent open-road tourers. The seller claims this Crown Victoria has a genuine 36,000 miles on the clock, and evidence may be hidden among the vast collection of included documentation. They don’t specify how the Wagon runs or drives, but the low odometer reading and spotless presentation suggest the news should be positive.
The seller describes this Wagon’s interior condition as “mint,” and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, with the same true of the carpet, dash, and pad. A couple of plastic pieces in the cargo area are lightly scuffed, but it remains impressive considering the abuse many of these vehicles experience. Station Wagons are renowned for their versatility, and this one accentuates that with third-row seating. Other factory options include ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power front seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
It is hard to understand why Station Wagons fell out of favor with buyers, but North America is not alone in that experience. It happened in countries like Australia, with no evidence that manufacturers intend to introduce new models. I admit that most minivans and SUVs offer better all-around visibility for occupants than a Wagon. However, I’ve always felt there is little to separate most of these vehicles, with the Wagon offering a more car-like motoring experience. Interestingly, I was researching this classic and discovered that it previously sold in 2020 for $13,500. The growing popularity of these vehicles means that values have climbed significantly since this Ford last changed hands. Their price may be slightly optimistic, but it isn’t far off the mark. I wonder whether approaching the seller with a respectful offer could produce positive results. After all, the worst they can say is “no.”
Seller is a good guy!
lmao….$22,500 ????
The death of station wagons preceded the death of the cars they were based on. When unibody took over (not counting Chrysler cars) I believe buyers perception of the durability of cars went down, and the rise of full frame trucks and SUVs took over. A buyer wants a vehicle that is durable and there’s nothing like a full body on frame, imo.
Not exactly sure what you’re implying, but all Crown Vics had a full frame up until their demise in 2012. I believe they were the last of the breed
BOF was nowhere near as important to buyers in this segment as parking ease, which is why the Chrysler minivans were sweeping the field with the same interior space in a much smaller footprint.
Originally sold at mecum Indy for $12K
In the mid/late ’80s Ford alone probably sold 5 or 6 Escort wagons and about as many Taurus wagons for every one of these, all unibody and FWD and both in far more crowded segments with imports and the Chrysler K-car as well as GM as direct competitors.
The most-popular SUV of its era, the Jeep XJ Cherokee and variants…was unit body.
The solid bench seat is a curiosity, particularly with all the other options added. Perhaps the original owner insisted on the bench seat, which is why the LX option wasn’t selected, since it included a split bench?
Originally Sold at mecum Indy for $12K
Yikes, it’s the Michael Meyers station wagon from “Halloween”!
Yeah I don’t get these people, what are they thinking we are going to squirrel this car away ? I get the collector guy but this isn’t collector material. I would have a hard time not driving any car hemi Cuda included so IDK what the heck people are thinking! What joy is there in parking a car & not driving it? Especially after throwing large money at it.
Right…22,5 in your dreams. Take a trip back down to reality….15k is more like it. Beautiful, nicely preserved wagon but quite an overreach on the ask.
22.5, just think of the really cool wagons you could purchase instead. I am not being mean but, no woodgrain, sorry this car screams boring. This is still just a nice old car. Keep it squirreled away another 20 years and if fuel is still available you might get a taker. To me cars like this are still just drivers. I use an 87 Caprice and a 87 Colony Park as just cars. Again many vehicles in the last few years have become stupidly overpriced. Seems to me lots of folks in every area are riding the inflation wave and hoping for the better get anything before its all gone crowd to bite. Sorry these types of cars will never be Mustangs, Cudas or 59 Impalas. In all fairness I have a heavily optioned 59 Squire and even if it were a solid 2 condition, it would likely bring less than this ride. Nice unit but way overpriced IMO and to me just a nice old driver. No way I would trailer something like this to shows collecting plaques and cheap trophies, but that is me. Good luck to the current owners on the rather substantial flip.
Will someone please answer a quick question for me. If it is a Crown Victoria, where is the crown?
Ask Victoria
At the local tavern, goes pretty good with Coke
The pin-strips were re-applied, incorrect color and incorrectly as vinyl stickers.
Originally (assuming still under the new vinyl) they were painted and a lighter cream brown in color.
The carpeted floor mats also appear to now be missing, and the original California plates, and AAA License plate holder from the original owner are now absent from the vehicle as well.
Had one,this one looks as if it could be its twin. A great road car.Very reliable and good mpg 22mpg.
Country Sedan was Ford’s traditional name for the middle-tier, non-wood-crated full-size wagons. Traditionally, it was Galaxie-trim wagons that bore that name; whereas LTD wagons were Country Squire, replete with Di-Noc woodgrain.
I believe by this time, the separate wagon model names were abandoned, just as every full-size Ford was a Crown Vic. You either got the Di-Noc on the sides, or not…but if you wanted a stripper wagon, buy a base Freestar.