I’m used to looking at dirty cars as we search for finds for posts, but this one has me reaching for the cleaners just from the pictures! Cleaning is inexpensive, though, and sometimes reveals a jewel under the dirt. This might be the case with this dirty Country Squire submitted by Olaf E., who has shown in the past we like a lot of the same cars. It’s advertised here on craigslist in West Warwick, Rhode Island for $2,250. Thanks for sending it in, Olaf!
One thing dirt can do is hide problems–I hope that’s not the case with this car, and I’m pleased that the seller included a lot of photos of the floor so you can get an idea of how corrupt–I mean corroded–this Squire really is. Maybe there’s hope for this nobleman? Honestly, it’s not too bad, although I wish there had been some closeups of the quarter panels, too.
Here’s one of the closeups, and the seller has thoughtfully removed the threshold plate so you can see the corrosion–or lack of–underneath.
Here’s where things started to look worse. I can handle the grime on the seats, but that stuff that used to be carpet? Is that moss growing, or even worse? Yuk! On the other hand, this is one of my favorite 60’s dashboard designs, so it certainly has that going for it!
Panning away, you can see the true extent of the grime. I do, however, see what appears to be a serviceable seat under that mess. It also makes me wonder if the 77,000 miles showing on the odometer might actually be true–not that it matters at this point. I’m expecting this Squire lived a life that, well, would have made the scandal sheets blush!
The seller has been unable to get the engine started despite the obvious efforts under here. I’m thinking it might have been stuck at the beginning, but the ad states the engine will turn over now. The Squire has been cooped up in the castle for over 30 years now–are you adventurous enough to restore the title to this nobleman and restore it to its proper status?
This car would look good all polished and with 17 inch retro Ford wheels. You can imagine Mrs Brady in this. Any thoughts on putting the body on a Ford Ranger frame, maybe 4×4?
What a crazy idea, a 4×4? Total waste of time and effort. Talk about being upside down! Vehicle needs to be returned to its former glory, be it restomod or stock! Bad idea 4×4
Hey Gray Wolf someone already beat you to it .Sorry Howard I think it may even be a 57,simulated wood grain siding and all that is sitting on a 4×4 chassis.Whatever year the wagon is it is absolutely beautiful .What the guy has into that wagon has got to be crazy money.I just hope he didn’t start out with a pristine example of a Country Squire and do that to it.As GearHeadEngineer has said this wagon has been on craigs list for quite awhile.There has to be something that is making people shy away from this old girl. .
Sadly, unless cars like this are clean, driveable cars, and they do surface from time to time, I highly doubt someone is going to sink a lot of change in restoring this car, at least back to original. For the time, these were such nice cars. My old man had Ford wagons, but never a Country Squire. More like the cheapie Ranch Wagons. If it’s not restored, it’s going to look like just another old beater to some. They were quite impressive when new. If I had a choice, I’d go with the ’57 wagon.
This car has been on CL for quite a while. At least three months if I remember right. The price doesn’t seem ridiculous, so I think someone would have made the call and checked the car out. I worry there is significant frame rust or something that has turned off potential buyers.
I like Country Squires and this one caught my eye when it was first listed. I decided not to pursue it, since I just don’t have the space or time for another project right now. It looks like they’ve added some photos.
Howard may be right about this car not getting a full restoration. But hopefully someone will clean it up and get it back on the road as a driver.
– John
Was going to say the same thing GearHead, I’ve seen this on our local CL for 6+ months. Started out at $3500 and has kept it at $2250 for quite some time. Wagons are becoming more in demand, so I’m thinking there’s something wrong with this one because at that price it seems like a decent buy.
Possible not sold because with the condition is the no title a final nail in the coffin.
We had one of these when I was a kid. It was equipped with the 260 V8 and was an absolute dog. No power, and to make matters worse it had under the dash dealer installed a/c. Which of course didn’t help the lack of horse power. Mom and Dad could stay cool in the front seats while the other six of us would roast (in Texas). Oh well! It got us from point A to point B until the valves gave away.
I’m presuming that the DMV rules have changed a bit in recent years with regard to ‘no title’ [or registration card]
I bought a few cars that the owners didn’t have the registration [in NY, pre 1973 cars weren’t ‘titled’ just registered] All I needed was an imprint of the VIN, and a notarized bill of sale.
If nothing else, “the Filthy Noblemen” is a great band name & this would an awesome band vechile!