This 1968 Ford Country Squire pushes a lot of my “I want” buttons! I’ll bet this was a terrific looking car when it was new. I think all the right bones are there for a terrific classic, with a big 390 V8, factory air conditioning, and those great Di-noc wood grain side panels. The covered headlights and roof rack make nice additions as well. Let’s look a little closer and see some of the great features, and note while you’re looking this post over that it’s being sold at no reserve and the bidding is low as I write!
Heck, I don’t even mind the trailer hitch on this one; with a 390, it should tow nicely. Almost all the trim appears to be present, although one of the oddities of this find as noted by the seller is that the passenger side rear tailight isn’t from the correct year. As best as I can tell, it’s a 1967 version. If I were going to put the car back on the road without addressing the cosmetics, I think I’d just leave it alone to be quirky. I think I would change out the non-matching aluminum wheels though, probably for some steel wheels with center caps.
Although the seller does say there’s a small amount of rust bubbles in the rocker panels and a couple of the doors, there aren’t any close ups of those areas. I was pleased with the small amount of surface rust in this under car picture, though.
Ok, maybe I’ve watched too many episodes of CSI, but the dark stains on the seats creeped me out when I first saw them. Who knows, maybe it’s selective sun fading? Anyone got some luminol?
The dash has certainly seen a lot of sun! However, there are covers available for under $125 that bond over what’s there after you’ve trimmed the raised portions.
Here’s the engine, which notably comes with two additional carburetors. I’m guessing there was a problem there at some point, and we have no way of knowing whether or not it was solved before the car was taken off the road. However, if you haven’t been scared off yet and are interested, you can find this car in St. George, Utah. It’s being auctioned here on eBay where bidding is currently at $1,000 with no reserve–I’ll be following this auction with interest to see where it ends up. Let us know if this is the classic wagon for you!
I have to say that Barn Finds has become my favorite of the my 5 best sights for cars. The daily amount of stuff presented seems to have doubled recently and have a broader spectrum of interest.
Keep up the good work!
I second that!!!!
What are your other favorite sites?
First off Jamie thankfully ignores the sophisticated tastes which is really smart because most of the other sights aspire to that. Been there done sophisticated.
Also The choices are not made for the reason of the almighty dollar, which most other sights filter for.
The range here is much more interesting to me. The repetitive presentations on most other sights are BORING. I think most of us here have seen ever rare car ever made 100 times, yet here some originals pop up that are the really rare.
This space is friendly with the right humor. A serious outlook for a hobby ruins it for me.
I have to say my second favorite is DailyTourismo as many who visit here know why.
Keep the numbers coming Jamie.
I know it’s stupid but add a mach 1 hood scoop, satin black hood, AC Cobra style wheels, change the name to Country Squirrel.
The Ebay link takes me to dearbornclassics.com.
x2
Fixed it folks, sorry!
I like it… Great potential..
Great find.. Great car.
I’d replace the dash.. worth the $$ and time.
Jamie, when I first read this post and saw that this car pushed a lot of your I want buttons, I was about 3 seconds away from asking why?? But then, I went to eBay and looked at the car and realized that even though I love Japanese cars, this car actually is very cool especially when you see the front end of It with the Hideaway headlights! I think this is a very workable project with very little investment! You have very good taste.!
Paul, thanks for the compliment, but a lot of folks would argue! I have great taste in my family and friends, but some weird cars have been in (and still are in) my garage :-)
I’ve always said if I win it big I’m going to start a Station Wagon museum.
This would be in it for sure!
Love the Robin’s egg blue against the brown wood grain.
BTW I like your style, I’d keep the mismatched tail lights too!
Jamie – I couldn’t agree with you more! I grew up with wood grained wagons. We started (non-woodie) with a Studebaker, then too many ‘Squires” to count, and one last Coronet. Biggest engine was a 352 (the 390’s little brother). I’m with you, this one pushes the buttons. Had I the budget and garage space, I’d be an active bidder. Rear facing back seat to boot. This would be an awesome family/toy hauler, with the 390, you’d never run low on power. Thanks for the share.
okay, i bit the bullet. i love long roofs too so… PLEASE dont outbid me… have to ship to ontario canada so every dollar counts (plus the 30% exchange rate, ouch)
thx for this … and if going to be it will be, if not, c’est la vie
gord
Good luck, Gord!!!
I really like it but I see a lot of work ahead on something you better plan on keeping which I would if I purchased it. The interior is shot, don’t know much about the mechanical condition but the old ” It ran when parked ” story, if you want it to look respectable the exterior needs quite a bit of work. I would rather look for one in better condition for a grand or 2 more. JMHO !!!
Yep, learned to drive in one of these. Back in the CB days I was the Wagonmaster!