Station wagons are becoming a popular choice amongst enthusiasts searching for a practical classic to park in their garage. While they generally aren’t the lightest vehicles on the planet, they can offer respectable performance when equipped with a big block V8 like this 1965 Ford Country Squire. This one is a real beauty, and it is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next lucky owner. Located in Fenton, Missouri, you will find the Ford listed for sale here on eBay. Solid bidding has pushed the price along to $16,700, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The Country Squire looks stunning finished in its original Raven Black. It has undergone a recent restoration, and the presentation is first-rate. The paint shines beautifully, and it appears to be flawless. The faux timber highlights have been hand-painted, which adds a striking contrast to all of that black. The beauty of this wagon goes beyond the surface because it appears to be completely rust-free. The owner supplies a comprehensive collection of photos, showing the vehicle’s underside to be spotless. All of the exterior trim and chrome has also been restored, and when you combine this with pristine glass, it adds the perfect finishing touch to the vehicle.
Ford offered various engines in the 1965 Country Squire, but the best of the bunch was undoubtedly the Z-Code 390ci V8. This big block delivered 300hp to its lucky owner. In this case, all of that power finds its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the original owner ordered the wagon with power steering and power brakes. At 4,286lbs, there is no doubt that the Country Squire was a heavy beast. However, with the big block on board, it could still romp through the ¼ mile in 16.3 seconds. There are modern SUVs that can easily match that figure, but none are likely to be as much fun as this one. The owner says that the wagon has recently been fitted with new brakes and a new dual exhaust. The suspension has also been refreshed, and this YouTube video demonstrates that the vehicle runs and drives nicely.
The Country Squire’s interior hasn’t escaped attention during the restoration process. The seats wear new cloth and vinyl covers, while there is new carpet on the floors. The remaining vinyl trim looks to be spotless, while the dash and pad are perfect. The trim color is typical of the era, and it makes a bold statement. It offers a striking contrast to the exterior, and I still lament that it is impossible to buy a modern car with an interior like this. The rim-blow wheel isn’t original, and I can’t decide whether or not I like it. If the buyer doesn’t, sourcing a more suitable replacement would not be difficult. Apart from the wheel, the interior is unmolested. It also isn’t loaded with optional features, although the factory AM radio should provide some entertainment on the move.
Whenever I look at a classic wagon, I like to get at least a peek at the cargo area. The sort of lives that these vehicles lead tends to make this the interior space that is most prone to damage. The passenger compartment can be treated with respect, but sliding luggage, groceries, or other items, can wreak havoc on carpet and plastic trim. This is another aspect of this Country Squire that hasn’t escaped attention. The new carpet set extends into this area, and with all of the restored plastic trim, it now looks spotless. It is so nice that I would almost be reluctant to stow anything in this area. It is possible to buy fitted rubber liners to protect the carpet and plastic, and I believe that buying one of these would be a wise investment if the wagon’s rear is to remain spotless in the long term.
As a new car option, the full-sized family wagon is now as dead as a dodo. SUVs have supplanted these as practical transport for families, and it is doubtful whether we will see new wagons appear in the foreseeable future. For those individuals who still crave a wagon, it is left to vehicles like this 1965 Ford Country Squire to fill that void. This one is a real head-turner, and when you look at its overall condition, it would seem to need nothing. If you are planning a cross-country family holiday over the Summer, I can think of plenty of vehicles that would serve a buyer well in that situation. However, none would potentially offer the enjoyment, nor would they attract the attention that this one would. That makes it a classic that deserves a closer look.
The 300hp had a 2bbl?
doone, looks like the engine has been swapped to a newer (1968 up) 2bbl 390. Has later air cleaner, breather and air cleaner heat shield, and it’s painted the later blue instead of the correct 1965 gold. I scrolled thru the pics and didn’t see a pic of the door tag (unless I missed it) – why wouldn’t they show that?
So that would be 265 hp.
Nice wagon. My mom had a 66 Ford wagon for many years. Our family spent many a summer in one of these hauling a travel trailer around the western United States. No matter the fond memories, I’m not sure I’d spend the $25,000+ that it will take to meet the reserve on this wagon.
Steve R
Also, props to the artist for the “hand-painted woodgrain”. I’d bet it’s more of a negative as far as value goes, unfortunately.
Badges, steering wheel
I take that back – front fender badges – correct
You kidding CC? I’d go from NYC to L.A. in this any day! More room for my gear & friends, smooth ride the `65s are known for, and big on looks.
Oh…..and I bet the spare tire is full-size, too!
I was an 8 year old budding car kid when this was built, so I remember it well, right down to the showroom brochure my dad gave me when he bought one new in early ’65. His was a Country Sedan, but he took great pride in ordering the “squire” interior which seemed pretty plush for the time. It was impressive to a kid to think that this car was “quieter than a Rolls Royce”. I formed the opinion that it certainly was, except for the squeaking of the folded down jump seats. I logged most of my childhood miles in this car and a former salmon ’57 Ranch wagon (a Ford family through and through).
Mom and Dad had a white one. 289 auto. Spent many miles in the “way back” seat. Traded it in approximately 1974 for a ‘72 Olds Custom Cruiser. 455, 4 bbl, auto. That Cruiser surprised a lot of hot rods when Dad was feeling froggy.
My father had a 72 Custom Cruiser. Was plenty comfortable and roomy. Rode very well. 455 lots of power. He traded for a 76 which i think felt a little faster even with a converter, which was easily drained of its pellets.
This one is a beauty.
My mom had one of these and it had an optional pop-up rear-facing bench seat that was under the floor, just behind the back seat. I remember sitting in it many times. My older sister got her drivers license in this and told me she took it over 100 MPH once.
If full size station wagons are dead as dodo’s, why are they commanding
5 figures?
This is simple. If I had the room I would call the Seller and ask him/her/they what the price is and buy the car. Period. Never mind market values and other
information. You will keep it for years and enjoy it. I disagree with CCFisher about SUVs and Minivans. I’d take this long roof in a minute. No room. Another
thing: I would add Power Windows, A/C, and an OEM AM/FM Radio (for looks
and enjoyment.
That is not the original 390. My father had one the air cleaner was gold. It is a nice car and would not mind having one like it.
That red interior is blinding!
Factory Air Dashboard without the AC Compressor on the engine. Wonder if this car came with A/C, or did they add the dash during restoration.
I drove a ’65 Country Sedan for several years while I was in college, and after. The 352 was black with gold rocker covers and air cleaner.
The aftermarket steering wheel is probably because the stock horn ring was a flimsy plastic affair that liked to come apart.
Was I the only one to notice it only has one back up light? Those taillights were hard to come by in the ’70s, probably impossible now
I was wondering that myself!
because there agenda never pauses