Ponder the two-door station wagon for a moment. Like many of a certain generation, I grew up riding around in station wagons – always the four-door variety, never a two. And I thought the two-door versions were neat but unusual. “Not very convenient!” was my father’s response to such a body style. Why, oh why, then, did we have such a creature? Let’s examine this very sharp 1954 Ford Customline Ranch Wagon and see if we can figure that one out. Lakewood, Colorado, is where you’ll find it, and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,900. A tip of the hat is due to T.J. for this discovery!
If, for example, you go back to the earliest Ford Country Squires, they were top-of-the-line and two-door-only in body style. Later editions adopted four doors, and the two-door variety was relegated to lower levels, such as this ’54 Ranch Wagon. Over at GM, both Chevrolet and Pontiac went the two-door route with their Nomad and Safari, respectively, but they were trying to inject some sportiness into what was usually considered a suburban appliance. They too, however, maintained low-man-on-the-totem-pole variety two-door wagons too. Around 1960, the entire concept of the “shooting brake”, as English versions were known, just faded away from the domestic scene. So, why a two-door station wagon in the first place? And why demoted to the entry level? I recall reading that the two-door design was considered a safety approach in that the kiddies couldn’t open the rear door while in motion and tumble out. This was in the era before seatbelts, child seats, and rear door lockouts. This lines up with the ’67 to ’72 Chevrolet three-door Suburban, where there was no driver’s side rear door – supposedly a more controlled approach to child egress. As for the two-door’s entry-level status? A budget-conscious move? I don’t know; that’s all I got on the topic, but I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts on the matter via the comment section.
For 1954, Ford assembled 44K two-door Ranch Wagon station wagons – all were either in “Mainline” or “Customline” trim. Our subject is the Customline variant, which wears a bit more of the shiny stuff and possesses nicer upholstery. The seller tells us, “I am the second owner and have owned for 20 years. This car was parked in 1972, and I worked to get it going and have been enjoying it for 20 years.” I’d suggest he’s been taking excellent care of it for twenty years too – it looks great. The chrome and stainless trim sparkles, and the finish, a pleasing and relaxing shade of blue, has nice depth – no word on its originality. Rust? Fuggetaboutit!
Regarding the interior, the listing states, “Original upholstery reframed and in great shape.” I’m not sure what “reframed” means unless it’s a way of saying reupholstered, but then that wouldn’t be original. Or does it mean that the seat frames have been replaced? I dunno, an inquiry would need to be made. Whatever the case, the interior is as nice as the exterior. The listing claims, “driven 64K miles,” though there’s no authentication of that recording. But if that’s the case, it helps explain the interior’s pristine condition. The instrument panel and headliner check out as fine too.
The seller claims that the Y-block V8 under the hood displaces 292 CIs, but my understanding is that engine wasn’t introduced until 1955, and a first-year 1954 Y-block measured out to 239 CIs; an engine swap perhaps? The seller mentions nothing about running or driving characteristics other than noting a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive is part of the powertrain.
One of the nicest aspects of this car, in my estimation, is its original bearing. I know hot rodders like to get a hold of these and go for a moon-shot of modifications and custom touches, but it’s really enjoyable to experience one of these two-door wagons, in native form, as Ford intended it. Let’s talk price. At $16,900, what’s your thought: priced right or not quite?
My mother had a 1953 Ford Ranch Wagon with the 239 cu in flathead, she used to haul us kiddies around in it and always said she really liked that car. We got T-boned at an intersection in Chicago when we were visiting my Grandmother, and other than knocking our heads a little bit, we were not injured – that car was a tough bugger.
The Fords in ’54 ran the 239 Y-block. Both Y-block engines had that forearm burner of a crossover exhaust going from left to right. Dual exhaust manifolds were available on police and emergency vehicles only at first, but duals eventually became available.
I found out that on trucks you couldn’t use typical dual exhaust manifolds; the left side exited right on top of the steering gear. If you were lucky enough to score a set of Ram’s Horns for a Thunderbird then you got the makings of a good exhaust system.
I’m sure this is running a swapped-out engine, like a 292. Anything from a 239 to a 312 could drop right in without breaking a sweat. Personally a 239 was just fine; sure it could barely chirp the rear tires but it still revved out well, and it held its own. Well, it wouldn’t take an Oldsmobile 303.
I’d like to have this car come to my place, but my better-half, although she wouldn’t say anything outright, wouldn’t be overjoyed over it. She just doesn’t like station wagons…
We had a ’54 Ford “Ranch Wagon”, Two-Door, with a 292 c.i. V-8
and a three speed stick on the column and overdrive.
Beige with red trim.
Dad bought it off the showroom floor at a Ford Dealership.
It may have been late ’54 as it was a 292 V-8 which was the reason he
purchased it. Drove it for many years. Never had any problems or issues.