390 V8 Project: 1965 Ford Country Squire

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Full-size Fords were all-new for 1965 and immediately identifiable for their stacked headlights rather than side-by-side peepers of the prior year. Ford offered three station wagons from the Galaxie/LTD line-up: Ranch, Country Sedan, and Country Squire. The seller says his ’65 wagon is the latter, but I’m not sure. It doesn’t seem as luxurious as the Squire would have been and there’s no woodgrain side paneling, although an outline of what once may have been there is present now. Located in Antioch, California, this rough runner with a 390 V8 is available here on craigslist for $3,000 OBO. Thanks, local_sheriff, for the heads-up on this one!

Ford built a boatload of full-size station wagons in 1965, 177,664 to be precise. If this is the Country Squire, it would be one of 24,308 since it has a third seat for three extra warm bodies. The seller’s wagon was treated to Ford’s 390 big-block engine paired with an automatic transmission. It runs but needs carburetor work and a tune-up. Also, there is an exhaust leak at the manifold, so it’s rather loud. The odometer has already rolled over and is on its second time around.

There are a lot of shadows in the photos provided, so issues with the body are hard to ascertain. We’re told it’s in great shape and is complete except for the rear bumper. The rear door handles have been shaved so perhaps this wagon was headed to become a custom at some point. While most of the paint is blue, there is red under the hood suggesting that’s the wagon’s original color.

The interior has been taken apart, at least partially, so the dashboard looks incomplete, and the front bench seat has a big tear in the bottom. There is no carpeting or headliner, but the tires are said to be good. We’re told the title is clean and the wagon wears new license plates but is now in in-op status with the California DMV. This looks like an interesting project but one that will likely consume disposable income.

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Comments

  1. nlpnt

    Next buyer needs to either shave the front door handles or fix the rears to stock. I’d go with the latter. Nothing’s more wannabe than shaved rear door handles (only) on a four-door, it’s an expensive and clunky way to dis your own ride.

    Like 8
    • Carvallo

      I am Laurito.

      Like 0
  2. Barry Skog

    We had a 66 Squire with the 390 and all options. Painted in Dark Green Metallic. We pulled a 26 foot travel trailer with it. A great ride and I wish we still had it!

    Like 1
  3. CCFisher

    The red paint down the sides is the same shape and position as the plastic woodgrain trim that surrounded the dark Di-Noc woodgrain panels, so this appears to be a Country Squire. It was also clearly red originally.

    Like 4
  4. David KirschnickMember

    Lots of Ford wagon parts outlets. Rear bumper maybe not but interchange from another . Why the handles? Do it all or leave it .
    Eye of the beholder ( blind baby ) I guess . Love to have it . Tail gate and glass issue ? 3000.$ and shipping 600$ it works

    Like 2

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