Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

“Woodie” Project: 1966 Ford Country Squire

For five decades, the Country Squire was Ford’s top-of-the-line station wagon. It began in the closing days of the wood-bodied wagons of the early 1950s and stayed around into the 1990s when the woodgrain was just a fake applique. The sixth generation of the Country Squire was built between 1965 and 68, including this 1966 edition which looks to need a lot of bodywork. It may have the most detailed background of any vehicle we’ve seen on Barn Finds. From Blythewood, South Carolina, this Ford is available here on eBay where it can be purchased for $12,500, though offers can be submitted. A nod goes to Larry D for another cool tip!

In 1966, Ford offered three levels of full-size wagons, starting with the basic Ranch Wagon, followed by the Country Sedan, and then the high-end Country Squire. About 75,000 Country Squires were built that year, with production split about 2 to 1 for 9-passenger wagons over 6-passenger. This wagon is the less popular 6-person model and we’re told by the seller that it’s rare because it didn’t come with a roof rack and is black over black in color.

This Ford is equipped with a 390 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel) which was good for 265 hp and is paired with a C-6 automatic transmission. We believe it runs okay and has had a lot of mechanical work done, some by the prior owner and some while under the watchful eye of the seller. This includes a Pertronix ignition system, engine seals, timing chain and gear, brake system, dual exhaust, accelerator pump, and an assortment of items that would fall into the miscellaneous category. The factory A/C still needs a charge.

The seller provides a slew of photos, and they all point to rust in several areas of the sheet metal and floors. The former woodgrain looks to have seen better days. Some prior work was done in places like the tailgate where filler is present. On the interior, the seller has replaced the seats from a wrecked ’66 Ford and they’re in better shape than the rest of the wagon. The carpeting is new and a set of 15-inch steel wheels have been fitted from a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis.

At more than 158,000 miles, we’re told this wagon was a daily driver until about 10 years ago and has been used more sparingly since. The seller’s original plans were to do a mild overhaul, fix the body, and convert the brakes to front discs. We’re guessing he/she has had a change of heart, so the next owner gets to determine how far to go: either fix and drive it or totally restore the old Ford. If you’re looking for a project whose flaws have been thoroughly detailed, this Country Squire might be right up your alley. Besides a link to tons of extra photos, not one but two videos are provided, too.

Comments

  1. Avatar Lonny Klaff

    Watch video with the ad. The engine may be suffering from a lack of oil pressure.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Geoff C

    I had the same car… it was smooth, comfortable, and quiet.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar karl

    These were nice looking cars,but in rust belt areas the frames were known to go so this one had better be well looked over . I dont think I ever saw a black interior on a black Ford back then , it sure looks different compared to all those with the red interiors

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Timothy Phaff

    Good Lord, when taking a quick look at the picture of the driver’s side interior, FRONT & BACK, I thought it had a rear suicide door on it…

    Like 0
  5. Avatar DAVID G

    Love the Seller’s eBay ad, wow! Not many that articulate so much in a detailed way. All the stuff that i needed to know. Refreshing!!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Nick Myers

    This was my car. Ended up selling it to a guy in the Savannah, GA area who was a younger adult (like me). He’s pulling the motor to rebuild it and make it a stroker. It’s living in his garage shielded from the elements. We still text with each other.

    I enjoyed having this car for a few years. The ride quality was unmatched. Nice torquey engine with a good shifting transmission. Engine was tired though (which you can keep driving on even at ultra low PSI, just keep filling it up with 15w-40 lol). It started plenty of conversations, plenty of thumbs up and waves in traffic. Would like to have a 66-67 again some day…

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to DAVID G Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.