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Cali-Stoga Wagon: 1968 Ford Country Sedan

The great American station wagon, rust-free version. At least that’s what the seller tells us — not just rust-free, but even not totally cooked by the sun as only California cars seem to be. You can find this wagon for sale here on eBay, where as I write it’s only at $2,600 without a reserve. San Bernardino is where this wagon currently resides.

I’m sure you noticed the bump on the front fender. There’s actually a crease in the driver’s side rear fender as well. Believe it or not, there is an NOS fender for sale here on eBay if you want to go whole hog on the repair. However, apart from those two spots, the body actually does look pretty darned good. The Country Sedan was actually the mid-level trim version of the large Ford wagon, with the Country Squire being above it and the Ranch Wagon lying below. You can see a great brochure shot of the lower end wagons here.

If you look closely just behind the rear wheel, you’ll see the wrinkle on this side.

If you want to fix the dent in the front, you’ll need to either straighten or replace the front bumper. I am impressed that somehow either the grille was barely missed or someone replaced it already.

Moving to the inside, it’s pretty clear that it’s all original but you’ll need to do some work on the seat before it will be comfortable on long drives. Or, I suppose, you could through a blanket across it and call it a day. Does anyone else have an issue with cracked vinyl upholstery when they wear shorts? That drives me crazy. You can also see the padded steering wheel that was new for 1968.

Look at all that room! A great place for dogs, or groceries, or pretty much anything else. Tell me again, honey, why we have to have that minivan? And just imagine the tailgating possibilities (helped by the fact that my school colors are red and white)!

Surprisingly, at least to me, it’s a big block 390 V8 under the hood rather than a 302. The seller calls it a Thunderbird engine; I don’t know about that, but it ought to be able to tow pretty well if you have a vintage speedboat — or classic car! The body work doesn’t really scare me on this car, and I’d be interested if I could find the necessary body repair components and it were closer to me. But what I’m more interested in is how do you feel about it?

Comments

  1. Avatar jw454

    With that 390 this would be a great vehicle to tow that nostalgia drag car to the track. You could also tow the camper, or fishing boat up to the lake for the weekend. They may be older but these cars can still serve duty as the all around family hauler.
    Nice one to start with.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Steve R

    Looking at their current and past auctions the seller seems to come across interesting cars which they sell at reasonable prices. If I lived near them I’d bookmark them.

    Steve R

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Dick Johnson

    The late Harold Ensley, “The Sportsman’s Friend,” always drove Ford Country Squire wagons. He was a famous sportsman, a lot like a much shorter Red Skelton, and would always wave at every driver on the road as they saluted his presence. Neat times.

    This car would be a great memorial vehicle of a much, much simpler time.

    Thanks for finding this one. Great memories.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar junkman Member

    Her legend finally reached New York that grove street walk up flat, where dwelt the Calistoga Kid a beatnick from the past.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Dick Johnson

    Forgot to mention; Harold always drove RED Country Squires. Know a company that ‘wraps’ vehicles with authentic looking graphics. This could be a xandidate. Too bad it’s on the left coast.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Matthew Coppens

      “Too bad it’s on the left coast?” It’s because it was on the left coast that it’s in the condition it’s in for being 50 years old. I own this car now and it has only a smidgen of rust for it’s age. Not at all like the snow and salt damage you would see if it was in Chicago, or wherever. When I’m done restoring this vehicle (off frame), it will be one bad azz ride believe that. When I’m done with it this is what it will look like…

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Rustytech Member

    My father in law drove one of these for years. Brings back fond memories. We used to haul camping equipment and boat to The lake every summer, and hunting gear to camp in winter. The drive was over 800 miles to upper Maine from Maryland. Good times spent with family and friends. I miss those days. Thanks for the memories.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    None of these in the rust belt of Ny,frames rotted out.This is a real gem for the money!!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    Had a Country Squire version of this. Ran forever! Only trouble, was rear gate power window.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Troy s

    Weren’t all 390’s referred to as Thunderbird V-8’s?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jwinters

      I believe thunderbird v-8’s said thunderbird on the valve covers. the regular engines just said ford

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Troy s

    Relative of mine had an early 60’s galaxie and it seems the word Thunderbird was somewhere on the engine, air cleaner lid or valve covers, don’t remember. I always thought I referred to the 4 barrel carb version but I’m probably wrong. Yeah, 390,428, 429, whatever a t-bird had under the hood always had that monicker though.🎅

    Like 0
    • Avatar KKW

      Ford V8s from mid 50s to mid 60s were typically designated “Thunderbird” when equipped with a 4brrl carb. This wagon is undoubtedly the 2brrl version.

      Like 1
  11. Avatar chad

    FE block family of that era?

    Like 1

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