While certain vehicles have been strong performers in the classic market for decades, the humble station wagon only genuinely “grew legs” when manufacturers decided to ax them from their model lines. That has seen the desirability of those vehicles increase dramatically since the dawn of the 2000s. This is especially true of older models like this 1959 Ford Country Squire. Aiding this wagon’s cause are its overall condition and its list of optional extras. The time has arrived for this wonderful wagon to find a new home, with the owner listing it for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Otterville, Missouri, the owner has set a sale price of $39,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for again spotting a glorious classic for us.

We sometimes talk about how a particular classic possesses the “wow” factor, which is the case with this Country Squire. It presents beautifully in its original shade of Colonial White, courtesy of a previous frame-off restoration. The seller doesn’t indicate when this occurred, but it is hard to find much to fault with its appearance. Close scrutiny of the supplied photos reveals some minor stone chips on the leading edge of the hood, but none are particularly bad. Using a pencil brush, a skilled person could potentially touch these with color-matched paint. If a polish followed on the heels of this process, the repairs should be virtually impossible to pick. The remaining paint shines beautifully, but the faux woodgrain steals the show. It serves as a defining exterior characteristic of the Country Squire, and it appears flawless. There is no evidence of fading or physical damage, and it provides a striking contrast to the White paint. The chrome shines as impressively as the paint, with the damage-prone hubcaps and wide whitewalls looking perfect. The tinted glass is spotless, and there’s no doubt this Ford would turn heads wherever it goes.

If one aspect of modern cars leaves me feeling cold, it is the lack of a sense of adventure when manufacturers pick interior trim colors. Most companies seem to favor varying shades of Gray, although some will show a touch of flair with the occasional splash of a contrasting shade. The interior of this Country Squire makes a bold statement in its combination of Red and White trim. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or physical damage, and it is an interior guaranteed to grab attention at a Cars & Coffee. The painted surfaces are spotless, as is the carpet. There is no visible wear on the wheel, but this interior is about more than good looks. The original owner ticked a few desirable boxes on the Order Form. As well as the versatility of third-row seating that makes this Ford a genuine nine-seater, it features a factory AM radio, power windows, and cruise control. The restorer added vintage-look aftermarket air conditioning, although it doesn’t blow cold. With that issue addressed, this Country Squire will be set for some relaxed summer touring.

The original owner continued to wield their pen with enthusiasm when they chose the drivetrain combination that we find hiding below the surface of this Country Squire. Buyers could order these classics with a 223ci “Mileage Maker” six that produced 145hp. Many buyers considered the performance adequate, with an auto-equipped Country Squire capable of covering the ¼ mile in 21.7 seconds. Of course, some buyers wanted more, and this wagon delivers courtesy of its original owner. The engine bay houses the 352ci “FE” V8 that pushes out 300hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With so much additional power at the driver’s disposal, it is no surprise that this classic can slash the ¼-mile ET to 17.3 seconds. Performance is a relative term, and while plenty of modern SUVs can match or better that figure, it stood up exceptionally well in 1959. Disappointingly, the seller offers no insight into how well the Country Squire runs or drives. However, if the overall presentation serves as an accurate indication, the buyer shouldn’t need to spend a dime on mechanical work before hitting the road.

After years of playing second fiddle to muscle and pony cars, station wagons have carved their own niche in the classic market. Their cause is helped because there is no evidence that manufacturers intend to produce new full-sized wagons in the foreseeable future. That leaves it to wagons like this 1959 Ford Country Squire to carry the lantern, and it does this superbly. It isn’t a cheap classic, but its overall condition and specifications would seem to justify the asking price. With those thoughts in mind, is this a wagon you may consider pursuing further?