This one looks more like a High Plains Squatter than a High Plains Drifter. The seller believes that this 1965 Ford Country Squire has been off the road since ’76, and though it’s located in Castle Rock, Colorado, it has more of a southern thing going on where you just get rid of an old car by dumping it in the woods, a field, briar patch, etc. I’m not sure there’s a future for this old Ford, but let’s look it over and give it a chance. Mike F. gets the nod for this discovery, and it’s available here on craigslist for $4,000.
The Country Squire (maybe Country Squalor in this case) nameplate was a staple at Ford for many years. It was the top shelf wagon placed above the Country Sedan and Ranch Wagon. It also meant exterior wood paneling, though the real thing disappeared around ’51 or ’52 and faux Di-Noc film was the order of the day in ’65 and for many years after. Big Fords underwent a significant redo in ’65, and the results were responsible for 2.1 M cars of all stripes, placing it in the number two production slot right behind Chevrolet. As for the Country Squire, just shy of 55K copies found first-time homes that year, pretty good shootin’ for a station wagon!
The seller states, “Obviously, all cosmetics need completely redone. It appears to be mostly original and complete… excellent grille, did not notice any huge dents.” Yup, that Colorado sun has done a number on everything. This car started out in Wimbledon White, but it, and everything else, has been completely bleached out. The body and the front bumper do appear to be sound, though a whack to the rear has bent the back bumper, and the taillight lenses have gone missing. As for the underside integrity? It will need an inspection. If it’s as dry a country as it appears, the frame et al may still be sound.
Under the baked hood is a 300 gross HP, 390 CI “FE” V8 engine. The seller states, “Believe, remember it was parked for overheating due to head gasket or maybe a head crack. It was parked for a reason. Assume all mechanicals will need to be gone through.” Gone through? Whatever that’s supposed to mean. It’s all (engine/Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, etc.) going to need a complete teardown and rebuild, and that’s if the units are even rebuildable. While the odometer reads 81K miles, the seller doesn’t attest to that recording and freely admits that it may have gone once around.
” It has been animal-infested,” suggests the seller, and the interior looks it. The images aren’t completely revealing, but the dash and carpet appear to have taken the brunt of the exposure damage. The headliner is down and the door panels are eroding away. I can’t make an honest assessment of the red vinyl upholstery, but I would be surprised if it’s still serviceable. As for the wayback, well, I’ve seen worse.
The seller concludes with, “Hard to value, so make an offer,” even though the listing header states a price of $4,000. This tells me he’s flexible, and that’s good because I can’t imagine anyone shelling out $4 large for this dilapidated wagon. Restorable? Of course, everything is for a price, but is it worth the time, effort, and considerable $$$ that will be needed? He also offers that it could be used as a donor, and I suppose that’s a possibility. These old full-size station wagons are definitely popular today, but if I were in the market for a big Ford, I believe I’d keep looking; how about you?
Crispy like Snap-Crackle-Pop. Maybe $300?
Oh, for cryin’ out loud, give it up, already. These, um, treasures, inundate the countryside here. We have very few junkyards, and the owners sprawling landscape becomes them. You name it, it’s out baking in the hot sun. It’s really hard to imagine what this car was like new, looking at it today. As said, this was top of the line Ford, only out priced by the convertible. I suppose it’s the “never say die” mentality our fathers fought so bravely for, but come on, I’d say a parts car, but for who? Wagons, as shown, lived a tough life. When a wagon was traded in, there wasn’t much left. It’s crusher time for this once stately vehicle.
Seen a lot later 67 8 and 9 squires. First 65. At this point good for parts. Wagons typically had some h.d. parts that can be used on others. Windshield will interchange thru 68 to other full sized fords. $500.oo.
In absolutely horrible condition. 50 bucks would be too much for this junkbox
Guarantee you that frame is shot after almost 50 years on the ground. I had a 65, my brother a 66. Frames broke on both. Notorious problem on these. No secret. Howard’s right, it’s crusher time.
Hi Rickirick, Same thing happed to my 65 ford country sedan. I didn’t drive mine until the frame broke but there were holes in it.
I would not pay the now $3,000 asking price if it was mine and I was going to sell I would do the same and see if someone bites. There are a lot of good parts here definitely needs a frame inspection before putting any real money into it but it does have potential
If it was mine, I probably would pay $4,000 to anyone willing to carry it away from my field
I don’t think so, Tim.
Too far gone- just like Ozzy was- cooked to a crispy crunch-
4 grand. Riiiiight.
No way 4K however that body is very clean and straight there appears to be a lot of very useable parts on this car, it’s definitely not crusher material!
When I was a kid in Philadelphia PA in the 70’s it was these, Impalas, different Mopars and some Ramblers. EVERYWHERE. Not an old Ford guy but have soft spot for these, Some Mustangs and 60’s Lincolns
its a ‘barn find’, a classic American automobile, solid and straight, loaded with obsolete parts.
Worth far more than $300.
A beat up old Nissan Sentra sells for $1500
This is a 65 Galaxie, with a 390 and all trim, etc.
YES folks, its worth some money, hence the current bid.
Why come on a site called Barn Finds and just bad mouth these beautiful rellics of American industrial glory days ??
Just go drive your sell out Kia and Toyota and leave these machine to us true enthusiasts and builders.
It’s one of those; please take it off my property. I don’t want to pay a Wreaker.
It would be at least 10K to make it road worthy.
It is a good straight piece.
A person with the time, money, and knowledge could make it an awesome Surf Wagon.
I saw many of these near the sand at Huntington Beach, back in the day.
As a runner, out there. This would easily sell for 20K, day 1.