Vehicle Description
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.