Last week, we took a look at a 1972 Buick Sportswagon, a sharp-looking well-preserved station wagon. So while still being in that station wagon vein, here’s another, that at one time was a very common sight on U.S. roadways. It is a 1983 Ford LTD Country Squire, located in Pheonix, Arizona and available here on eBay for a current bid of $4,900, thirteen bids tendered so far.
Country Squire was a long-serving Ford model name for its top drawer station wagon with production spanning the years from 1950 until 1991. By the time this ’83 example, one of about 20K produced that model year, was assembled, station wagons weren’t yet under the assault of the nascent mini-van boom but in another year that would start to change. Interesting juxtaposition between this wagon and the aforementioned Buick. While the Buick had a light, stylish, breezy air about itself, this Country Squire is more formal and somber, almost casket like, somewhat brought about by its slab sides and wood grain character.
I’ll get the most obvious, subjective, visual out of the way first. The wood grain contact-paper sides are cheesy looking. I get the entire wood-paneled look stemming back to a time when a station wagon was a wagon used to transport passengers to and from a train station. I even get the real wood construction (Woodies) that was present up through about 1951 but the painted or veneered wood grain seems pointless. Nevertheless, it was popular, with all manufacturers, not just Ford. And the wood applique on this Country Squire is in top condition, it has held up very well over its 37 years. Furthermore, the Medium Blue Metallic finish is excellent as well. The seller claims that this Coronado Beach, California wagon has always been garaged and has only experienced 53K miles – its stellar appearance further testament to regular maintenance and proper storage.
The interior’s condition mirrors the exterior’s condition. While the upholstery is a blue vinyl material, it’s actually rich (never thought I would refer to vinyl as “rich”) looking, a very comfortable and welcoming environment. There is typical fake wood trim applied to the dash but it’s not overwhelming, a bit restrained actually. This wagon is an eight (or nine if you’re all good friends) passenger version and features Ford’s “opposed” way-back seats instead of a wider bench that faces rearward. The interior panels in the way-back area are free of scuffs and gouges which indicates that this Ford wagon has not been used to haul anything substantial or damaging. The interior really needs nothing.
Under the hood is a 5.0 liter (302 CI) V8 engine that develops 145 net HP, driving through a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller states, “The wagon is a daily driver that runs incredibly strong …” I would think this wagon’s straight-line performance would be sluggish though the 0-60 MPH time was recorded as 12.1 seconds, reasonable for the time. Probably quite a bit slower with eight or nine (friendly) passengers. Ford has built its share of great engines (and turkeys too) but I would put their 5.0 at the head of the class.
The old dilemma exists – this is an excellent example of what was once a mainstay of America’s suburban driveways. Buy it and drive it, and that excellence will slowly subside no matter how much care its new owner bestows upon it. But then what’s the point of buying it and sitting on it? One should derive good utility and get some driving enjoyment out of this extra-nice Ford. The bid is reasonable, for now, but there are still three days to go so we’ll have to see where this Country Squire tops out. If you were interested, what would you do with this ’83 LTD County Squire station wagon?
Pretty sure that’s a leather interior, vinyl doesn’t wear quite like it looks. But other than the fake wood be a great utilitiy vehicle. Myself I built a 79 Fairmont wagon, nothing too pretty but reliable. 5.0 and complete drivetrain from fox Mustang. Yep and the 5 speed too. Pulls jet skis, load the dog and a dozen bags of mulch in the back etc.. And the comments I get driving it. Everyone needs a wagon, original SUV!
Cadmanls:
I debated that but Ford period documentation lists “SuperSoft” vinyl as standard on the Country Squire. Leather was an option for the LTD sedan but there’s no word if it was available on the wagon.
Thx.
Jim, here’s the ’83 Squire Brochure; you can see that the vinyl stitching is quite different what what we see above.
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1983_Ford/1983_Ford_LTD_Crown_Victoria_Brochure/1983%20Ford%20LTD%20Crown%20Victoria-06-07.html
Each manufacturer had a different seat pleat pattern, and the 3-pleat seat is a Mercury thing. I would bet money that those leather seats (and they are leather) came from a Colony Park or a Grand Marquis.
Leather it is….
now this is the reason people stopped buying station wagons
this is FUGLY
an ugly square box with fake wood
there is nothing nice about it
nostalgia i guess
I’d take this over a boring crossover any day.
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Nice find.
Great interior.
It is the optional leather, the DuraWeave vinyl looks nothing like this.
5.0 with OD. Drive as is, minor mods, or super sleeper — pick your poison. Way cool car either way, for the right enthusiast.
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I love this car! And also I love the bumper sticker!! It would stay if I would buy this!!!
Jim, leather was an option on the Country Squire, I worked at a Ford store in the 80’s and our parts manager had a duplicate of this car.
Somber? Casket Like?
The whole point of the Country Squire was to be sporty, elegant, and OUTSIDE the city in suburbia, where most of these lived.
In the 60’s-early 70s, EVERY mom in our neighborhood had a big, nine-passenger “wood” sided wagon. Our ’61 Mercury Colony Park, white with red interior, was the Country Squire’s upscale cousin.
It was replaced by a midnight blue ’66 Bonneville wagon, which toned down the termites to just a four inch wide strip of “wood” across the tailgate.
Ford even did “wood”-sided” Squire” versions of the Falcon, Pinto and Ranchero. Those were the days. (full disclosure, I own a Pinto Squire).
Simply call the Seller or contact him/her and ask what he/she wants for the car. If the price is not on another Planet, jump on it. You won’t be disappointed.
So much nicer looking a vehicle than the ridiculous SUVs that flood the roads today. Sure wish the station wagon would make a comeback.
this came up in my feed (erroneously as I seek the dwn sized fox – like canmans). I’m pretty sure these had the ‘3 Way Tailgate” (2?). Anyway, too big 4 me (owner said “Its got the same motor as the ‘stang!”) O?
’83/6 LTD/Marquis 4 sale? Add the aol to my ‘handle’.
Best aftermarket steering wheel cover i ever seen!
Today, can you put kids not needing safety seats(or anybody for that matter) in those sideways facing seats all the way in the back, or will you get a ticket/summons?
Odd Ford would bring back front vent windows on some of its cars.
Then again, later, non hidden wipers came back too – permanently.
JoeNYWF64,
That is not an aftermarket steering wheel cover. It is a factory optional leather wrap cover.
Insert your own Family Truckster joke here…
The Reagan/Bush 84 bumper sticker really makes the car
I grew up with a 69 Country Squire with the iconic fake wood siding. I’m surprised to read that being slammed in this article. Usually BarnFinds is a little more diplomatic when the author expresses an opposing personal preference.