Talk about tastefully done, this 1960 Ford Ranch Wagon is one beautiful example of a seldom-seen station wagon! Full-size two-door wagons were on the way out by ’60, but Ford still offered one in Ranch Wagon trim for those who still saw value in such a body style. I like everything about this cool mid-century suburban staple, especially its green finish, so let’s dive in here and take a closer look. NW Iowa Kevin gets a two-thumbs-up for discovering this Ryan, Iowa, resident, and those with an interest can find it listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,000.
As the seller states, this wagon is one of 27,136 two-door Ranch Wagons assembled in ’60, a volume that would be cut in half for ’61 and then disappear in ’62. Being a Ranch Wagon, places this car at the bottom of the totem pole, where it was one-upped by the Country Sedan and two-upped by the Country Squire. Still, the entry-level Ranch Wagon was popular, with another 44K four-door versions being produced for ’60. The seller states, “Very straight sheet metal covered in factory Meadowvale Green. Good trim, bumpers, and well-detailed door jambs, etc.” Yup, it looks great, though there is some bubbling starting to rise in the passenger-side fender leg. The old-skool vibe flows right to the ground, where this Ford is upheld by 15″x 7″ chrome-reverse wheels. I remember when these were all the rage and must admit, I haven’t seen anything motoring around on them in a long time. Normally, I wouldn’t say that they’re my favorites, but they work perfectly on this mash-up.
Modern (more modern?) power in the form of a 351 CI “Windsor” V8 provides this wagon with plenty of go. The seller adds, “4-barrel crate engine warmed over with mild cam. Runs smooth, tight, and cool with great oil pressure. 3-on-the-tree shifter with fully synchronized transmission, headers, FlowMaster exhaust, Wilwood front disc brakes, manual steering, manual brakes, 9-inch traction lock with 3:00 ratio; cruises nicely at 70 plus mph. Cal Custom finned valve covers… electronic ignition…” The listing concludes with a simple statement that this car “drives and runs well.”
The interior’s condition matches the exterior; it’s restrained and reflects the Ranch Wagon’s place in Ford’s hierarchy. The vinyl upholstery looks to be correct, and it’s in like-new condition; reproduction material perhaps? The included seat belts are early sixties-style pieces, and the seller mentions an “unmolested dashboard” – even to the point of being radioless. The only deviation from stock noted is the underdash trio of engine monitoring gauges. Even the wayback area of this Ranch Wagon is clean, with no evidence of heavy “whatever” hauling – and the obvious result that comes from that common activity.
Final thoughts? I like this “shooting brake” Ranch Wagon, quite a bit actually. The only thing I might consider is the relocation of the gear shift from the steering column to the floor. I know some may consider that heresy, but I’m not much for that three-on-the-tree activity; I’ve had enough experience with such arrangements. But that’s a “maybe” for me, and that’s it. How about you- good to go as is?
If you are going to deviate from stock and put the shifter on the floor Jim, you may as well add another gear or three to the transmission!
That is a beaut. I have always liked the grille treatment on the 1960 full size Fords. And the color is spot on.
Very cool! T-Bird bucket seats, console/floor shifter, 4 wheel disc brakes and power steering.
My folks traded in our 58 Beetle for a white 1960 2 door ranch wagon with a 6, 3 on the column, a heater and AM radio. We drove it from the space coast of Florida to So California one summer for vacation. It was vinyl seats and rubber floor coverings, perfect for 3 young kids. It served us well till dad traded it in on a 1963 olds Starfire. I guess rowing a shifter, no ac and no power finally wore him down. Still, even at the tender age of 5, I thought that wagon was cool but then I liked the 58 Edsel as well!