Although I’ve never owned a station wagon, going back to the days when these were such popular people movers, I couldn’t imagine buying one without the woodgrain appearance on the body. Ford must have understood that others felt the same, as the woodie sides remained a standard staple of the Country Squire throughout its more than four decades of production. This 1959 model here on Facebook Marketplace seems to have been well maintained since it was new, with the seller having been the caretaker for the last 11 years. The wagon is now searching for owner number three, so head over to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to check this one out in person. Don’t forget to bring along $28,500, if you’re ready to pay the full asking price.
Barn Finds reader Dennis House spotted this fine Ford, and we’d like to thank him for sending us the tip here! This Country Squire is a fourth-generation example, redesigned and lower to the ground than its predecessors, giving it a sleek look outside plus growing an additional five inches in length for the ‘59 model. This one started white, but the original buyer had the exterior painted blue by the dealer when new, presumably because that was her color choice and only a white wagon was in stock. The finish has faded some since then, and the front fender is slightly rippled due to the wagon bumping something up front in the past. However, the sheet metal seems quite solid, and I’d probably just enjoy driving this one for a while before giving the exterior another respray.
Under the hood, the 292 engine is original to the car, and the seller says it’s been rebuilt within the last ten years. Everything in the bay seems tidy and orderly, with the engine paired to a two-speed Fordomatic automatic transmission. The station wagon has a new gas tank and brake system, with the odometer reading 66,000 miles. There’s no word on whether that’s actual or if it’s on another trip around, but the owner says this one runs and drives beautifully. An unusual rotation noise can be heard from the rear, but the seller believes this sound is caused by a tire.
Inside, the components are described as remaining in like new condition, including all three rows of seats. One exception is a split in the upholstery on the driver’s seat, but the door panels and floor mats are said to be in great shape. Considering the age here, this one has held up nicely overall, and even with some cosmetic imperfections still looks pretty good. Maybe the asking price of $28.5k is in the ballpark, but I’d at least try to negotiate that number down a bit, especially if this one doesn’t find a new home fairly quickly. How much would you be willing to pay for this 1959 Ford Country Squire station wagon?
Buff and cut the paint a bit, see if you can straighten out that front fender, and cruise
So neat that this terrific wagon wasn’t modified and butchered, it looks like it did from the factory, albeit a bit worn.
To me it’s a gem.
Beautiful color! But 28.5 is all the money!
This could be a magnificent machine again. I love the wood grain wagons and the Country Squire is no exception. Although the wagon is still original, it needs restored. He deserves to be restored. It needs to be made new again, and it would shine in the halls of automotive fame!
The car came w paperwork with her name on it. She lived in NYC w a summer place in Northeast Harbor on MDI in Maine. I found the garage that used to service the car for Ms Greenan. They had great stories about her. She use to pull up to the garage and beep the horn until someone came out, usually the grandfather that owned the garage. This car could be painted, or not. I’ve thought long and hard about buffing it. I’m sure it would shine, but I think a lot of the blue paint would go away. Then what? Keep buffing til it’s back to white? Repainting would make it so you’d never get close to your money back. I decided to leave it as is. I’ll be bummed when this car is gone but I just don’t drive my old cars like I used to.
like the hood ornament
I remember all the o matics…ford, merc and linc as being 3 speed, but I’m probably wrong
The 2 speed Fordomatic was available from 1959 to 63 as a low cost option for full size Fords, mainly with sixes and small v8s. It was THE automatic for Falcons and Fairlanes (mid-size) until 1964.
Had a ’59 wagon for a couple of years, yes, 3 speed automatic, sold it for $200 when it would no longer go backward, was internal to the transmission, not just a linkage adjustment, but the 302 was bulletproof, wife feared parking in a place she could not just roll out backwards and being stuck there, so went to a guy whose driveway sloped up and who wanted a heavy car to protect himself on his 45 mile commute on the Interstate, and whose work parking space did not require reverse. Saw it around town for a couple more years after that. Mine did not rattle, but depending if it was rushed through the assembly line, or not, many did.
What was interesting to me is that the name of the owner who purchased the car in 1959, and the details of the repaint, are still known.
Cool car.
Bob ,
Her name is listed in the FB ad. My guess is that she is no longer with us.
Correct. The garage that service the car in Maine is still there. I’ve visited them twice and got more info and paperwork both times
What’s with the rust in the aft cabin ? Poorly equipped with only a 292 engine and Fordomatic. Definitely NOT worth $28.5 !
What’s it worth then? Please show recent examples in similar condition. Thank you.
Very nice wagon- so happy to see a well preserved example.
My dad bought a used 1960 Country Squire, a few years old then, that became my learn-to-drive car. It was yuge, we hauled some stage flats in it in HS, had a 352 but with a 2 pot carb so it couldn’t breathe at attempted top speed. I was no athlete but often hauled the HS basketball team to post-game burgers at Seaside Park with enough room for a bunch of tall guys.
Love all these old wagons.
Couldn’t they have at least used Ford red to paint the valve covers and air cleaner instead of Chevrolet orange? There is a difference.
I went custom. I figured no matter what color I painted the motor, someone would point out that it was wrong or a shade off….So I went w Porsche racing livery colors as a tribute to local racing legend Al Holbert Sr whose dealership racing team hauled their 550 w a RanchWagon
My parents had a 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon. When they sold it in 1966 it was severely rusted out, but that was par for the course in those days. My grandparents and uncle had them too. Same story.
moved from Bal di mur, MD to Bos’in, MA in this gen (not sure yr) in 19 and 60. Probably Not CS as to dad’s interest (& therefore income). Mom drovea yr or so while he hada company car. Slid into a tree on the N.England ice. Big heavy hulk, lill lady, MidLantic weather exposure… had bursitis of the banged up knee till she died 30, 40 yr later. Lill french’n Italian jobs (4 door) from then on (well, while chauffeuring the kids around nother 10, 15 yrs). Later got EXP, 850, lancias, 124 Spyders, etc when just for her. Made me a ford guy till this day.
Be proud to own this one. No garage tho. Also a lill difficult to get parts. Hafta do some things about that as it’d be a daily. So0O, altho a wagon man I’d hafta let this 1 go (& get busy on my fox-bodied).
Pretty nice wagon, and just on the other side of the city from me but looks like #3 condition. What’s that $18 – $20,000? Anyone interested if they are flexible?
Hi All, I’m the owner of this wagon. Someone just sent me the link to this. Thanks for all the constructive comments. I found this wagon in Maine on vacation in 2013/14. I saw it out of the corner of my eye in someone’s yard early on in the vacation w my family. I kept my mouth shut until the last day. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing because you just never find wagons. As for the asking price, I’m certainly open to respectful offers. I have no idea what this car is worth because I’ve not seen another for sale. I’m happy to discuss the car with anyone who can do deals without having to ask their wife. ;). I’ve got lots of records on this car including gas receipts from the early 60s, service records, right up to the build sheet for the motor. This is the last handful of cars that I’ve collected in the past 30 years, one I thought I’d never sell but here it is.