The lack of new domestic alternatives has left Station Wagon buyers with the choice between purchasing an import or delving into the classic world to find a local alternative. The result is that classic Wagons have generally enjoyed climbing values, and with no indication that local Wagon production will resume, that situation is likely to remain unchanged. That is one reason why this 1970 Ford Country Squire has generated significant interest. Not only is it a solid project candidate, but it is undeniably affordable. It means that interested parties may need to act fast if they wish to take it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ford listed here on eBay in Thomaston, Connecticut. The seller set their BIN at $4,995 with the option to make an offer.
Station Wagons were a staple of the American new-car market for years, and if not for the rise of the Minivan and SUVs, that situation might never have changed. However, those vehicles hit a sweet spot with buyers, and the humble Station Wagon paid the price. It is still possible to buy a new one, but it will be an import. This 1970 Ford Country Squire emerged at a time when the Wagon was at the height of its power, and while it needs TLC, its rust issues are very minor. The above image reveals its most significant shortcoming, with penetrating rust in both rear pillars. Otherwise, the lower extremities, floors, and the frame are claimed to be solid. The panels are straight, although the Medium Lime paint and woodgrain have both seen better days. The woodgrain isn’t a major drama, because the advent of vehicle wraps means that many companies should be able to supply and apply an alternative that closely matches the factory vinyl. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the tinted glass looks good.
The 1970 Country Squire was V8-only territory, with Ford offering engines in three sizes. This Wagon’s first owner walked the middle ground, selecting a 390ci powerplant. It is worth noting that the Country Squire is a relatively heavy beast, with a curb weight of over 4,300 lbs. However, with this motor producing a factory-quoted 265hp and its 390 ft/lbs of torque peaking low in the rev range, performance will be surprisingly sprightly when this classic returns to active service. By selecting a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, cross-country adventures will be relatively effortless and relaxed. The seller confirms that this Wagon isn’t roadworthy. The engine runs when fuel is poured into the carburetor, but the brakes don’t work. However, it sounds like a thorough inspection, a fuel system clean, a brake rebuild, and a service and tune-up might be all that stands between this Ford and life on the open road.
The listing images suggest that this Country Squire may have sat for years, but its interior is surprising. The seller admits the buyer will likely replace the carpet, and I think we can add a dashpad and a steering wheel to that list. Otherwise, the lack of splits and wear on the Green vinyl means that it could present acceptably for a driver-grade classic following a deep clean. Close inspection will probably reveal other small flaws, but it looks pretty promising. It wins extra points for the factory air conditioning and the versatility of its third-row seating.
The listing statistics tell an interesting story about this 1970 Ford Country Squire, demonstrating why it will probably find a new home fairly quickly. It has received 460 views today, with 48 people adding the Country Squire to their Watch List. That is understandable, because its lack of rust could make it an ideal candidate for someone contemplating a hands-on project build. The other factor is the price, meaning that the new owner won’t be spending a fortune on a project candidate. Add the V8 under the hood and the third-row seating, and this Ford looks like a winner.
Neat wagon, nice condition, worth saving, and surprisingly reasonably priced. What’s not to like?
It’s been listed at that price on Facebook marketplace for 8 months. It will be interesting to see if it sells. it looks nice from the pictures. If it wasn’t 70’s green, I probably would have looked at it.
They better add the rust to the watch list. Rust holes in the roof. And probably everywhere you don’t see from the pictures. Add to that it doesn’t drive and doesn’t stop. Good grief! At least the owner Armor-All’ed the tires ..a real touch of class. Mechanically, it should go into the hands of a do-it-yourselfer. The car’s not worth having a shop fix it.
I think he Armor All’d the entire car. And the frames on these were prone to the tin worm, too.
True. Another invitation to restomod it, with a replacement frame from the usual suspects: Art Morrison Enterprises; The Roadster Shop; or Schwartz Performance, LOL!
Maybe with some bucket seats and a console from a Ford XL or Ford LTD Convertible of the same year!
“May the Schwartz be with you!” – Mel Brooks, as President Skroob in “Spaceballs” (1987).
The Griswalds “Wagon Queen Family Truckster” comes to mind. Another of George Barris creations. This is another how it escaped the demo derby will remain a mystery. Certainly interest, movie or not, and with almost 600 viewers, pretty clear to me, people are tired of the modern offerings. Still just a novelty, and even at $5grand, nobody willing to go for it. I just don’t see these replacing someones cherished Hyundai any time soon. I do foresee the ads for the “all new 2036 Ford 9 passenger station wagon” someday.
“I do foresee the ads for the ‘all new 2036 Ford 9 passenger station wagon’”.
Already on the drawing board, it’s a new model SUV. They’ve had the Escape, Edge, Explorer, Expedition.
The now discontinued Excursion will be replaced by an SUV built on a commercial truck chassis and will be called the Extraneous.
“She’s a beaut Clark!”
this has been for sale for a long time. lots of rust in bad places. yes, there are not many left if you could get this for 2k it would be a buy, but where the price is now it could be a gamble.
I love the 1970 Ford — a very nice revision of the ’69 — and I often have wanted one. HOWEVER!! … 1970 Fords have nearly all fallen to the tin worm, and this one is well on the way. It needs a lot of work, besides. Buy this one at a much lower price, clean-up the interior to respectability, get it mechanically and reliably road-worthy, then use it as a daily driver and hauler while you can, until it falls apart and the tailgate falls off or you are holding its rear bumper on with bungee cords. If you want a GOOD one that might actually LAST, then buy an elderly-driven garage queen from Arizona, Florida, California, or Washington State: this one is a northeastern “beater” on its way out. But it COULD be AFFORDABLE….maybe
The Good: Low price, and yes, I actually like the color! Shades of the American Family Truckster, LOL! The Bad: 390 V8 instead of the 428 or 429. The Ugly: Rust, and the faux wood grain stickers, which are easily removed, fortunately. The Verdict: At half the price, with a shot. The higher the price goes, the higher the risk gets. Rust often starts where the roof racks bolt to the roof, as water leaks past the gaskets into the roof structure and C-Pillars, especially if any drain hoses are clogged and/or leaking!
No thank you. Too much stuff that needs to be done on a green Griswold station wagon.
I would absolutely vote this one DOWN, if it had the 429! THAT engine cannot run right on any grade of modern unleaded fuel. The 390 is more forgiving and will run on most anything. And it has more than enough power for a straight-up practical.family-car. This one has no “sleeper” potential; let’s face it. And you had BEST examine that rear frame directly in front of, over and around above the top of, and going behind of, those rear wheels! Look for holes also in the area that the third seat folds down into, and around the spare tyre. As a northeasterner, I know only too well where 1970 Fords fall apart structurally. And keep in mind: once the tin-worm has invaded INto rhe steel, then ANY dampness (such as washing the car, or even ambiant humidity) advances the rust-rot rapidly, even with no snow or salt. It reaches a point where it is no longer safe, and where exhaust carbon monoxide fumes into the passenger compartment. Respect it for what it once was, park it, and part it out to help some other 1970 Ford that isn’t rotted out.
The only Ford that I recall my Dad ever buying was one of these, and the only Chevy I recall him buying was a Malibu wagon. Both did not last long before being sold off.
After those, it was first full size extended Dodge / Plymouth vans before giving way to the minivan. Boy, did he own a lot of Chrysler products, none of which I recall causing any major issues. Except for the 4 door Aries that came from the dealership without any transmission fluid.
These are fine with a 390. A 302 would be lacking. The thing to really be careful about is the condition of the frame, being a CT (salt road winters) car.
nice