Daily Driver Project: 1963 Ford Country Sedan

In 1963, if you went shopping for a full-size station wagon at your Ford dealer, you had three choices. Each based on the level of trim. The bargain package was the Ranch Wagon, followed by the Country Sedan, which was the mid-level offering, or the Country Squire with its faux wood paneling. The Country Sedan was the equivalent of the Galaxie, including this nice semi-survivor that needs some work. Located in Wankers Corner, Oregon, this family transport is available here on craigslist for $8,500. “Curvette” scores another cool tip!

During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Ford branded its station wagons separately from its passenger cars (Chevrolet did the same thing). The Country Sedan was born in 1952 after the wood-based wagons were finally retired due to their high costs. The nameplate survived through 1974, after which Ford made naming logic less confusing. About 87,000 Country Sedans were produced in 1963, of which 75% had seating for six passengers (like this one).

The standard engine in the Country Sedan was the 223 cubic inch inline-6, and the entry-level transmission was the “3-on-the-tree” manual. The seller’s wagon has both, so it’s not exactly a barn burner, especially when loaded with kids for soccer practice. But it has overdrive, which should help with mpg when cruising. We’re told this wagon is a solid runner with more than 100,000 miles. The carburetor is new.

Investments have been made in upholstery and carpeting. The paint is an older respray with a few chips and scratches. The floorboards have been replaced or patched, so we assume everything is ship-shape now under the rugs. Some new parts will be needed to make the wagon a dependable driver, including a master cylinder, clutch, and fuel sending unit sensor (always reads “E”). This looks like a decent specimen for those interested in vintage wagons.