For more than 40 years, the Country Squire was Ford’s top-of-the-line station wagon. It was ushered in to replace the wood-bodied wagons of pre-1950 (aka “Woodies”) with steel-bodied ones that were less expensive to produce. The Country Squire was notable for its wood-like panels on the sides and tailgates of these wagons. This 1957 edition is said to be an excellent runner (and stopper) and may only need some interior work and floorboard patches. Located in Mason, Illinois, this black survivor is available here on eBay where the no reserve bidding stands at $5,700. Our thanks to Barn Finder Larry D for another greater tip!
Ford’s cars were all-new for 1957, back in the days where there was only one size of auto offered by each major manufacturer. There were easily distinguishable from the ‘58s that would follow because the latter gained quad headlights – and the taillight treatment was completely different. Of the 321,000 Ranch Wagons, Country Sedans and Country Squires built in 1957, the latter had the lowest production at 27,000 units. Besides a higher level of trim, the Country Squire came standard with three bench seats for nine-passenger seating.
The seller’s Country Squire is currently licensed and driven regularly and powered by Ford’s 312 cubic-inch “Thunderbird” V8, though it’s not original to the car. We’re told that the car comes with the parts needed to restore a spare 312 that’s part of the deal, and that one is said to be factory-born. Paired with an automatic transmission, the wagon is said to run and drive nicely. In the past year, it’s received a new battery, a set of tires, and a new gas tank that needs to be installed.
The paint, body, and wood paneling look good from the photos, so any applicable rust seems to be confined to the floorboards, and replacement panels are provided to make those repairs. Other than the front seat, the interior and other seats look good and there are no reported issues with the tailgate. At least one of the photos shows a plethora of stuff that will come with the car, including a full luggage roof rack. It’s unlikely that the pictured cat and dog will be included. At 75 years of age, the seller says he’s doesn’t have enough time to take care of all his vehicles (note a 1958-60 Lincoln in one of the photos). So, restoring or just driving and enjoying this wagon will be up to its next owner.
Refurbish this one just to haul a 15-16 foot wooden inboard on a trailer to the lake.
This car was definitely cared for by a loving Ford enthusiast. The extra parts and the fact that they installed some 70’s ford safety belts means this car is probably in overall great shape. If i had more room this would be in the garage.
Looking at the pic with all the spare parts, I guess you could say this was his pet project.
It would be the cats ass with dog dish hubcaps Bellingham.
I really like this old wagon. The lower rear quarters are chewed up (I think Russ may have missed that in the write-up). But it comes with patch panels, even if the cat and dog don’t seem enthusiastic about the project. Nice find.
Quote: “The paint, body, and wood paneling look good from the photos, so any applicable rust seems to be confined to the floorboards, and replacement panels are provided to make those repairs.”
Look again. The rockers and rear quarter panels have been destroyed by rust and it’s going to take more than replacement floorboard panels to restore. These cars were notorious rusters even when only a few years old and a buyer should know that going in. One from Illinois would be highly susceptible to the tin worm. Underbody photos of this one would be helpful.
Also, this car never had a 312 from the factory so the 312 mentioned in the ad is not original to this car. The VIN starting with a “C” shows it was a 292 originally (212 gross hp with the automatic). A 312 car would have a VIN starting with “D.”
Were the fake wood trim pieces metal with contact paper like the wood sides? Looks neat. 2 surf boards on the roof and it’s set.
I love the Ford wagons like these that you’ve been finding. Much more affordable projects than the Chevy Nomads are. The fact that it’s driver is a big plus. Shame about the rot in the rear qtrs and removing and replacing the gas tank along with sending unit and all hoses and filler tube that it will need doesn’t sound like much fun. But overall a good project car.
1960 the whole fan damly moved north from Baldi mur to bosstun in one of these. The 1st good sno mom went into a tree w/it. From then on the kid buss, mommie taxi, 2nd car wuz Dulpines, Simca 1000, R 10, fiat 128, etc (“smaller” dad may have thought?).
Loved this one tho. (C, even cat’n dog love it). Trips acc the bay (Chessy) to visit Grandmaw, etc…
Translation ?
no one mentioned that both front fenders have had major repairs; they both have been cut behind the headlights and new front sections welded in . The headlight areas on these were prone to rust out and it looks like someone did a hack job repairing them. . He does include front sections of other fenders to redo it again, but I would think both fenders as well as the quarters , rocks, and likely floors would need to be replaced .
I didn’t notice the front fenders around headlight housing until someone here pointed it out. Also both rockers totally shot along with replacing rear tire wells along with rear qtrs translates into some substantial surgery. Removing all that steel along factory welds and then rewelding it requires a talented welder and body guy. It’s a shame the rust cancer has taken over.