For those unfamiliar with the Ford Country Sedan, it was the less glitzy version of the Country Squire station wagon. The Country Squire was noted for its wood-bodies or trim, while the Country Sedan was a simpler steel-bodied wagon with less flash. In 1960, it was based on the Fairlane 500 tier of Ford automobiles, while the Squire was an offshoot of the Galaxie 500. The seller’s rendition is a daily driver type of vehicle that needs a bit of cosmetic attention (and working brake lights). Located in Lisbon, Maine, this survivor is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,500.
Ford restyled its full-size cars in 1960, gaining flat tailfins or wings in the rear much like the 1960 Chevrolets, though their execution was less pronounced. The Country Sedan was in its ninth year (as part of a long run from 1952 to 1974). Sales were brisk, with more than 78,000 leaving the assembly line with either six or nine-passenger seating configurations. The seller’s version is the latter and we’re told it spent much of its life in Arizona before winding up in New England.
All Country Sedans had four doors, while the lower range Ranch Wagons could be had with either two or four entries to get into the passenger compartment. This one has a mid-range V8 engine displacing 312 cubic inches with a 4-barrel carburetor (meaning it might require “premium” fuel). It was decently equipped at the factory, with power steering and power brakes, but a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission (the listing also says automatic, but that may be a placeholder).
We’re told the wagon drives well, but the brake lights don’t work. The body may be solid wearing mostly original paint (but far from perfect), so you could keep it in service as it is. Except perhaps for the interior, which we think needs new upholstery given the Walmart-quality seat covers. The price seems firm, and no trades will be considered “unless it’s a lunchbox full of money” (love the seller’s sense of humor). Do these winged Fords float your boat? Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder “Bruce M”!
Gramps had one,same color. This brought back the memories of us going ice fishing like 60 years ago.
My favourite posting of the past couple weeks,love 60′ Fords with a passion.
My parents had one when I was a kid. Those back fins made like can openers when another car got too close.
I’d be interested, but Maine is too far of a drive to be disappointed, if the seller won’t negotiate. Hopefully, some local will get this car and give it the attention it needs. GLWTS
This would be a great project. Glad to see post
“This one has a mid-range V8 engine displacing 312 cubic inches with a 4-barrel carburetor….”
If it’s a 312, it’s been swapped in. Ford didn’t offer the 312 in ’60 Fords (it was offered in Mercuries but with a 2-barrel carb). The ’60 Ford V8s were a 2-barrel 292 (which looks like a 312) or a 352. The “Thunderbird Special” decals are for a ’56-’57 312 4-barrel, but of course could be added to a 292 as could the 4-barrel intake/carb. So more info is needed to determine which engine powers this car.
“In 1960, it was based on the Fairlane 500 tier of Ford automobiles, while the Squire was an offshoot of the Galaxie 500.”
There was no Galaxie 500 in ’60 — that nameplate didn’t exist until 1962. The top trim level was just Galaxie without the “500.”
Thank you. ☺️
Really cool wagon… especially the rear tailgate glass. If I had “stupid money” I would do something different like grafting a 61 t-bird front clip on this…t bird bucket seats/console and some fender skirts. 390 or Coyote crate motor, 4 wheel disc brakes…
I like your idea about the Thunderbird front end. I would also add the round tail lights to finish the job. It would make a cool Thunderbird wagon but you’re right stupid money.
Or just buy a 1959 Country Sedan. Same liftgate glass and round, REALLY ROUND tail lights which can be seen from space. I own one now.
I like how you think Sam. It’s too bad the Club Coupe features up page wasn’t in better shape. It would lend itself well to that kind of Mod. By the way, my grandfather had a sedan the same color same year probably.
I remember as a kid riding with my brothers in a ’60 Ford wagon. My dad bought one with a 6 cylinder engine thinking it would be good with the gas mileage. Gas mileage might have been good but the power was not. My dad dumped after a year or two and bought our first of many Olds wagons.
This one’s a nice example! Hopefully, gets a forever home soon.
This seems reasonable, given some of the high prices these days for wagons. I think if I bought it that it would stay as is with some rust protectant in places. Also make sure the brakes are in good order. The lights should be fairly easy fix.
I’ve wondered (since 1959) why Ford didn’t put the backup lights in the rear bumper.
Not one but two ’60 Fords today and this one is a proper long roof. What a great rig to beat around in while getting your errands done.
Learned to drive in a 1960 Country Squire. My dad bought it in about 1963 from Hertz. Hertz had supplied it to the nearby Raybestos company for brake compound testing. As I remember, it had a 352 with a 2 barrel, tuned for truck use so it was gasping for air at the top end. My HS buddy in his parents’ Rambler manual tranny out ran me at the top end on the Connecticut Tpk, fortunately no troopers around. The front fender aiming devices were very helpful driving a boat this size and the huge interior helped me be a cool guy, often drove the HS basketball team to post-game burgers. We also hauled stage flats, delivered custom wedding/birthday cakes that my mom made.
One aftermarket item I couldn’t get my dad to spring for was a pair of reflectors that fit in the rear bumper recesses mirroring the taillights.
“Beauty” of course is in the eye of
the beholder but I always considered this to be tied with the 59
Chevy for ugliest car of all time. I now love 59
Chevys and these have just begun to grow on me.
Parents traded in our diamond blue 54 Ford wagon for a diamond blue 60 wagon on our trip to Disneyland. Gas was 22 cents a gallon in SoCal!
My 59 Country Sedan came to me with a Mickey Mouse/Disneyland bumper sticker on the back bumper. Practically imperceptible with the exception of Mickey’s ears and shoes. Faded just like the plating on the bumper!
my dad had one he drove for so many years, and it just would not die, it was so old it had no trade in value, so he call up a local wrecking yard, the came with a driver and they drove itto the scrap yard!!
That’s definitely a “Y” Block valve cover, yes, 292 or 312. Although you reference power steering, there is no pump nor hoses. Adn can anyone identify those wheelcovers – surely not Ford product…
1959 Buick Electra wheel covers.
What a beautiful automobile. Imagine it enamel paint baby blue with a white and matching blue interior and air conditioner. I owned a 60 ford like that. Loved the 6cyl 3 on the tree. They ride like a Cadillac. Wonderful car. As ‘utilitarian’ then as any 2-wheel drive SUV today. I’d love to have it plus the cash to fix it up. I’d make it my daily driver.
Nice……but dang I need that Mopar air cleaner !
Holy ****! I wish I didn’t see this. Thank God I am far enough away, dang it!
If I had time and money this would be mine. I had the family 60 in 1969. Drove it back and forth from Kansas City to the Seabee base in Gulfport Mississippi. It survived hurricane Camille with all the glass broken out except the windshield. Sold it to a bootlegger for $200.00. It would still do 100 but sort of windy. Same color as this one with a white top
The pricing is a little on the high side.
I picked up a 55 last month for about a quarter the asking on this one.
If someone in Maine wants to make it a summer cruiser? That would be a fun ride.
Going to need some oil based lap cement as undercoat; Southwest cars had no real need for rust proofing. Expose them to salted roads, they will rot fast.
This wagon had to be under cover, the desert sun destroys paint and interior fabric. Good find!