1951 Ford Country Squire Wagon

Let's face it, woodie (or woody, opinions differ) station wagons are cool looking. When they're custom made and attached to the imposing, full-sized bodies of the 1930's and 40's, they're just about the last word in suburban sophistication. It's hard to imagine these gleaming concours art statements in supermarket parking lots (or down at the beach with a surfboard strapped to the roof) but they were once everyday transportation. (thx to Jim Motavalli!)

For consignment a 1951 version of the Country Squire the last year that actual wood was to be used on the body. In 1952 it would be replaced by painted steel. This car still has all the original wood, original back seat, and original dash and headliner. It is an amazing car in amazing original condition owned by a Philadelphia Main Line Dr. It was Fords most expensive offering in 1951. Sadly after switching to steel, this car then became Ford's lowest priced option…ahh the fast pace of technology.

Exterior
Using the same Sheridan Blue this car has undergone a respray, however it is a very nice respray with only a few inclusions and some bubbles. Metal gaps are showing some rubbing together and creating paint chipping off in these areas. A large gouge is on the rear passenger quarter right next to the wood. The original wood is still on the car and is in excellent condition. Chrome is beautifully restored and there is plenty of it on the front grille headlight bezels, bumper, surround trim and of course the “Dagmars”. The rear half of this car's side panels are true original wood in the form of mahogany veneered plywood panels framed by birch. The very back offers up a rising rear window, and a lowering rear gate for easy loading access. The metal encased spare remains on the tailgate when lowered. Brite work on this car is mostly good, with a few areas of pitting. Badging in the form of Country Squire written in grandma's handwriting emblazons the front of door panel on either side within the mahogany veneer. 15-inch wheels painted in body matching Sheridan Blue have deep polished trim rings and a Ford badged center polished cap. All wrapped up in wide whites.

Interior
Interior door panels are also mahogany bender and on the driver's door it is beginning to separate at the door handle. Arm rest on door is a little worn but chrome handle and cranks remain nicely shiny. Inside a long front split back bench covered in mustard yellow and bordered by brown bolsters with a delineation line of white piping. The front and middle seats have been recovered, but the rear sear remains original. Rubber floors abound, as do more mahogany side panels. The headliner is a faux leather patterned vinyl and has a few areas of tears within it. The dash with its original gauges and a dealer installed Philco Radio has a mahogany lacquered front dash, and a brown painted top dash. The original bakelite chevron style steering wheel is in front of the dash.

Drivetrain
Panning to the engine under the hood, we find a 239ci Mercury V8. This has a 2-barrel carb atop, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. All painted in a nice bronze…all is looking good under the hood.

Undercarriage
Nice patina, and some age spots, particularly on the passenger floor pan where invasive rust has gone through in a small area. Otherwise structurally sound, drum brakes all around and independent coil spring suspension front, and leaf springs on the rear.

Drive-Ability
This car started easily and drove nicely. It has smooth Mercury power, and plenty of room to spare for all your goodies.

An awesome example of the last year for the real woodie, with its original wood still intact, and nice body panels. A strong V8, and all good working mechanicals you can't go wrong…knock on wood!

VIN Decode
B1CS154288
B-239ci V8
1-1951
CS-Chester, PA Assy Plant
154288-Sequential Unit Number

Firewall Tag
BODY 79B-Woody Wagon
COLOR B-Sheridan Blue
TRIM R-Beige
DATE 18K-October 18th

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.