Long before the advent of the SUV, there was the American station wagon. Starting with the "Woodies" of the 1940s, millions of full-size wagons did double duty as convenient haulers of people and cargo, all through the 1960s and into the 1970s, when consumers began to turn away from these practical land yachts.
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The immaculate survivor presented here was sold new in 1964, when the muscle car era was in full swing. Big Detroit iron was battling it out on drag strips and NasCar's Superspeedways. And what better means to tow or push a race car than a big-block wagon! From the starting line at Irwindale to the infield at Daytona, almost every contemporary photograph contains one or more Wagons in the background, ready for their assigned duty! A station wagon was cool . . . and Mom and Pop still could use it to pick up the kids from school or to go fishing.
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On April 11, 1964, Harris Ford in Lynwood, WA delivered this Country Sedan to its first owner, Mr. Neilsen, a local dentist. About 18 months later, the car was traded in at the dealership for a new model. It was subsequently acquired by Mr. Russ Anderson from Everett, WA, a lifelong Ford mechanic who religiously maintained it for the next 38 years.
Russ bought and sold many Fords over the decades, but he held on to his pride and joy -- which he fondly called "The best car ever made" -- until he quit driving in 2003, at the ripe old age of 85. Since then, the big wagon has enjoyed semi-retirement in Ojai, Calif., cherished by its current, third caretaker. Today, 47 years after it was first driven on the highway, the trusty Ford's odometer shows just 81,657 actual miles.
Notice the concealed "hi-way hi-lite" behind the grille!
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Ahh, Ford's practical and informative warranty plate, riveted to the driver's door! It tells us that VIN *4P72Z116705* was built on October 18, 1963 at the Twin Cities plant, and was factory-equipped with the "Z" code 390 cu.in. V-8, Cruise-o-Matic transmission, and a 3.00:1 rear axle.
Let's inspect this behemoth closely now, starting up front.
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Toothbrush clean engine compartment houses the original 390 "big block," delivering 300 lively ponies and gobs of torque, 427 ft.lbs. @ 4,600rpm, to be exact.
Everything looks to be in a superb state of preservation.
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One of the receipts we found in the glove box detailed an engine freshening that included new valve guides, hardened valve seats (to run on unleaded fuel), cam bearings, pistons and rings. Needless to say, Ford's power plant starts, idles, and sounds fabulous, without any bad manners, such as smoking or (oil) drinking to report.
By the way, we had a brand new battery installed since these photos were taken.
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1964 was a banner year for Ford design, determining today's high values on the collectible car market.
These full size station wagons were impressive looking, without being too ornate or ostentatious. They were workhorses with just the right amount of decorative trim. Sure, woodgrain panels and elaborate wheel discs were optional, but somehow, a single-color body with minimal chrome trim, blackwall tires--here, they are YOKOHAMA radials of the size 205/70-14 with excellent tread--and dog dish hubcaps exudes superior strength and utility.
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Peering down the wagon's sides, we see acres of arrow-straight sheet metal, unmarred by dents, scratches, or rust bubbles. Wimbledon White ("M" factory code) finish is smooth and glossy. Brightwork and weatherstripping is in very good to excellent condition; just like the glass, it looks to be all original.
Let's check out the interior now.
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Opening the driver's door, we marvel at the original paint inside the door jamb, as well as the overall cleanliness, down to--and including--the usually neglected door hinges.
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Red cockpit features a very pleasing dashboard. Everything here is color coordinated; even the huge, original steering wheel with 210º chrome horn ring is molded from red bakelite. Having been covered for over 40 years, it is in immaculate condition.
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All gauges and switches work, as do all exterior and interior lights, including the little dash lights. This Country Sedan came factory equipped with power brakes, power steering, A/M radio (it works great!), clock, and heater.
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Dash top is free of sun damage; the padding is 100% intact -- there's not a single hairline crack to bemoan! Original red loop carpeting looks to be wonderfully preserved.
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Mr. Anderson installed a heavy duty trailer hitch with an electric brake controller and HD coil over rear shocks to aid in towing his SEARS aluminum fishing boat to the lake. He also fitted a small, under-dash panel containing a pair of period Stewart Warner gauges monitoring charging system and oil pressure. Note superb oil pressure at idle!
Next to it is the switch activating the behind-the-grille fog lamp. We didn't test the REALISTIC 8-track player but assume it still works.
Glovebox contains factory owner's manual; the "Ford Registered Owner Plan" was neatly completed by the original selling dealer at the time of the original purchase. There's also the old-school registration holder to be mounted on the steering column, and the original tire pressure decal affixed to the glove box lid. Note working glove box light.
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Factory original, white, perforated, cardboard headliner, now obsolete and very difficult to replace, looks like it has just been pulled from a time machine! Sun visors look like new, as well.
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Front bench seat. Yes, it's the original red Mosaic Vinyl surrounded by red Crush Vinyl, as specified by code "45," installed by diligent Ford assembly plant workers, 47 years ago! We doubt that you could restore a lesser wagon to look this gorgeous; the state of preservation here is simply breathtaking!
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Rear bench folds forward for added roominess. In fact, the owner had a set of privacy curtains made, which are with the car to this day, to create a private, 8 ft.-long suite. Word is that he didn't tolerate animals or children inside his Ford, instead enjoying the solitude of remote campsites all by himself.
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Prominently featured out back are the "jet thrust" taillight units with center-mounted reverse lamps. Yes, the backup lights are functional! Power rear window can be controlled via dash-mounted switch, or you have to flip up the rear emblem, then insert and twist the key. Works like a charm!
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Thusly, the tailgate can be lowered. With the rear seatback folded forward, this station wagon is able to swallow a whole load of 4x8s. Luckily, judging by the immaculate condition of its cargo hold, nothing "scratchy" has ever been transported inside this wagon.
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The good news continues below the cargo floor. Unused spare and tire changing equipment rest inside a completely rust free environment. Can you say "show quality?"
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A very important view: the undercarriage. It is in virginal, rust and damage free condition. Completely original, it has never needed restoration, nor was it ever exposed to spray-can artistry or -- heaven forbid -- the application of non-factory undercoating. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Monday, January 17, was just another wonderful "winter" day here in ye olde mission town San Buenaventura. With blue skies and spring-like temperatures in the mid-70s, we were ready for our test drive and photo session.
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This Country Wagon drives as good as it looks. There is no shimmying or wandering, and the brakes anchor the car precisely. Quite frugal around town, the big Ford literally roars when the loud pedal is mashed and the carb's secondary butterflies open instantly.
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Driving an early to mid-sixties Ford, built before emissions regulations kicked sand in the face of Detroit muscle, is a special experience. Here you have a full-size car that features unparalleled ease of handling, combined with unbridled big block power. It's the best of all worlds; finding a well-maintained specimen such as this one is a dream come true!
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Restoring a large American automobile from the Fabulous Fifties or Swingin' Sixties can be a losing proposition. But, even if we were to ignore the expense involved, in our mind a restored car would never be as satisfying to own as a low mileage one, that has never been taken apart. As wise men have said: "They are original only once!"
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This spectacular find is ready to go, be it as a cherished daily driver, surf wagon, push car for a '60s sling shot fuel dragster, or tow vehicle for a contemporary Galaxie NasCar stocker . . .
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99% of those fantastic Fords have long since disappeared to the big boneyard in the sky. How refreshing, then, to find a clean, original, low-mileage example like this one. Treat it like a family heirloom and be ready to enjoy it for generations to come!
Addendum:
We sold this Ford in 2011.
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