For a design basically absent from the American carscape since the early ’60s, two-door station wagons, such as this 1954 Ford Ranch Wagon, continue to turn up. One of 36K produced, this car has been extensively videoed by the seller and all of his work provides a pretty clear picture of a body style that has become a favorite of hot-rodders and customizers. Let’s look this one over and see what’s here. Located in Great Falls, Montana, this weather-worn wagon is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $3,000. There is a make-an-offer-option too. Thanks to George for offering this tip!
The images, and in particular, all of the videos will give you a pretty good idea of this Ford’s overall condition. Obviously, it has that burned, southwestern look about it, an acquired fashion statement these days caused by either spending too much time in the hot sun or having a custom painter work his magic. I’m certain, that in this case, it’s not a manufactured look and the seller states that this Ford has served its time on a Montana farm (so I guess it’s more of a northwestern look!). Unfortunately, rust-through has settled in and is affecting, significantly, the passenger-side door and to a lesser degree, both fenders. The big surprise is the chrome plating, both front and rear bumpers, along with the grille and trim, all still show well. For all intents and purposes, the exterior appears to be mostly complete other than the missing passenger door trim and the hood badge. The underside is another matter, however, there’s a lot of rust and rotted-through floor pans. The frame is displaying quite a bit of scale but still seems sound.
When running, power would be provided by a first-year, 130 HP, 239 CI “Y-Block” V8 engine working through a Fordomatic, automatic transmission. It’s a non-runner, missing both its radiator and driveshaft and the seller tells us that it’s stuck. The mileage recording is 84K miles but it’s not authenticated.
Not surprisingly, the interior is shot! Besides the previously mentioned holey floors, the upholstery looks gnawed upon, the headliner is gone, and the what-were-probably-at-one-time, cool-looking two-tone door and upholstery panels have failed. The cargo area is even worse as it shows strong evidence of water intrusion.
This is a neat find, and the seller has done a yeoman’s job of presenting this car via the video expose’, an especially remarkable effort for a $3,000 car! These two-door wagons usually end up as hot-rods or restomods, so I’d expect that would be the likely fate for this Ranch Wagon, assuming someone is willing to step up to the plate and invest the time, effort, and expense to bring their vision to fruition. The video links are below:
The sinking of the Titanic was also well documented. That didn’t make it look any better. Happy Holidays!
Hilarious and has the benefit of being true.
On the other hand, props to the seller for trying.
Destined for the clear coat rat rod crowd.
Should/could be saved with enough time and money.Hope someone does.
What a wonderful and thorough presentation! George should be praised for his descriptive talent. His work on this sale is above and beyond. The buyer of this classic has every nook and cranny documented. Please keep up the good work.
I think it can be saved, but it will take a lot of time and money and most of all someone that is motivated to do it. The rust is the issue ,once that’s done, the rest would be the easy part.
This car could be restored to a vehicle of great value, looks, and performance with as little as three things…Time, money, and know how. If you are deficient in any of these areas, it ant gonna happen.
That’s fresh, well documented. Well documented what abuse. Dahmer photographed his work too but that’s not necessarily a good thing.
A great car that deserves to be saved- I’ve always liked the lines on these…I’d put it back stock although would be tempted to go with a 292 or 312 Yblock and a power brake booster.
The 239 Y-block motors were failure prone all the way into the 312 Thunderbird specials in 1957. I had a ’54’ Ford my Dad bought for me for $50 when I was about 16, and in it the motor had a rod knock because the oil return passages were inadequate and prone to clogging – starving the bearings for oil, and good-bye motor.
My Dad worked at the Cleveland engine plant and bought a ’57’ wagon, and guess what ? The motor failed due to oil return failure and starved bearings.
Ford never owned up to it…
What car company do admit to their mistakes. I would just like to have the money for the recalls.
Ford’s still doing it. When the ABS/Brake control system failed on our 2006 motor home chassis Ford insisted they never had a problem with it. When we went to order new parts for it ($2,100 worth) the dealer told us he keeps at least 10 units on the shelf and they go fast. 2004 through 2009 the Ford light and heavy truck chassis had the problems.