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Solid People Mover: 1956 Ford Country Sedan

If you need a family car and don’t really have the heart to buy a new “people carrier,” then perhaps this 1956 Ford Country Sedan is the car for you. It can carry up to eight people, and will definitely stand out from the crowd. You will find this Ford listed for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and is being offered for sale with a clean title. With an asking price of $7,900, it knocks modern alternatives out of the park.

This Ford isn’t perfect, but the combination of the black paint and red wheels looks quite cool. The owner states that there is some rust in the rockers, but he has a replacement set of rockers to go with the car. It also looks like there may be some rust in the bottom of the tailgate, but if there is, it isn’t a difficult fix on these Fords. The chrome trim is generally pretty decent, but a trip to the platers for the bumpers would not be a bad move. It would be the new owner’s choice about whether to restore the outside of the car, but it really doesn’t look bad as it is, and it gives the car some character.

The interior is really what this car is all about, and it generally isn’t too bad. It’s not perfect, but after all, this is a 62-year-old family car. The material on the seat is slightly stretched, there is some creasing on the door trims, and wear on the wheel, but this is all part of the character of an older family car. Having said that, restoring it would be a fairly straightforward job.

The owner says that his kids love riding in the back, and I can believe that. The rear seat looks really good, although the trim material doesn’t match the rest of the interior, which is quite common. I’d be willing to bet that plenty of time has been spent by the kids sitting back here on family outings, planning what pranks to play on their siblings….or their parents. As with the rest of the car, this area could be restored, but it could just as easily be used exactly as it is.

This Ford is powered by a Y-Block V8 with a manual 3-speed transmission. You will notice that the valve covers and air cleaner aren’t original. The air cleaner is a Cadillac style batwing unit, but the owner still has the original oil-bath air cleaner. The car has recently been fitted with a new water pump, fuel tank, seat belts, and Brockman glass pack mufflers. The owner also says that the car drips a little bit of oil, but it doesn’t burn any. The car also has a Novus air conditioning system that was installed at some point in the past but is not currently in the car.

To me, this car at this price is an interesting proposition. There is no reason why you couldn’t just buy this and drive it, just as the current owner is. You could also choose to undertake a full restoration on the car and return it to its former glory. When you look at it long and hard, this is a car that would be a fairly simple restoration job. What may influence your decision is the fact that nice examples of the ’56 Country Sedan are currently fetching prices in excess of $25,000, and this figure is continuing to rise. That leaves the new owner with an interesting choice to make.

Comments

  1. Avatar rudy lehder

    James Dean Tow car!.. these ole fords remind me of Deans ole wagon hauler.. while it does not sport the wood panels (faux one’s).. it still has the cool factor for sure.. good find

    https://bringatrailer.com/2007/12/03/james-dean-chase-car-ford-country-squire/

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Herbee

    its really cool however the hot rodder in me would have to make a slight custom look and build. French a few things. Maybe do the trim in paint that looks like trim. A late model engine and drivetrain conversion for sure. Super nice window tint just to much clear glass. I do think I would paint it back in black all black as well with the exception of the trim. I WOULD PAINT the trim areas in a custom mix that had the same look as the existing trim. Take some silver, black, clear etc. Until I got the correct hue in different angles and different light conditions. When done cruise to lots of rod and custom shows.,try to win some trophies.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Dirk

    The ONLY thing it needs to be perfect is a big ol’ roof rack, a swap meet to go to, a few friends, and an open road.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Rustytech Member

    My dad had one when I was about 7 or 8 ( late 50’s to early 60’s ) it had the same interior as this on, but red & white outside. We went everywhere in that car. I remember trips from MD to FL before the interstate was completed. This brings back some fond memories. Remember when we could ride around in the back ( no seats let alone seat belts ) that would be frowned on today, but at the time it kept my brothers and I from driving my father crazy with “ARE WE THERE YET?”.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Chinga-Trailer

    What is a NOVUS air conditioner? I remember when a Minnesota outfit called NOVUS invented windshield repair and made good plastic polish, but air conditioning?

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Jim Morris

    Nice ride, I owned a near twin for many years, same except for the color break. In reality, this was the non-woodgrain version of the Country Squire for those who do not like bark on their wagon (like me).
    The upholstery on the 3rd seat is correct, the rest appears to have been replaced with something more modern. The valve covers are the same as the one I had, which had the optional 312, w/3-speed & o/d. It had 12k on it when I bought it and had never been apart (aside from the drivers side doors and center pillar where a Pontiac tried to drive through it!).
    Most 2-tones on these had the top/bottom the same, with the contrast down the middle. This one is a little unusual.
    It deserves to be driven and enjoyed, not parked and cherished.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar chrlsful

    I’m w/Rusty.
    Moved frm Baltimore to Boston, 1960 in 1 of these. Good memories of mom, dad, sis in both states motoring Eastern Shore or Cape Cod.

    Too big for now, gimmie the ’83/6 fox-bodied LTD/Marquis as just bout perfect. Thnx Adam.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Very cool wagon. 55/56’s had a bad problem with the front crossmember rotting out where the lower control arms bolted. Much work to replace, Check this first!!! Good luck to the new owner!!!

    cheers
    GPC

    Like 0
  9. Avatar P Wentzell

    One of the first cars I remember. My Parents bought one new, tu tone, green over white over green, 312 V8, 3 on the tree. After 10 years, my Mom wanted something new. They traded the wagon on a new 1966 Falcon. I recall relatives asking why we bought such a ‘small’ car!

    Like 0

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