|related=Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Country Squire is a line of full-size station wagons that was assembled and marketed by Ford Motor Company from the 1950 to 1991 model years in North America for its namesake Ford division. Throughout its entire production run, the Country Squire was the premium station wagon model of the division, sold only in the full-size car range. In use for 41 years, it was the third longest-used car nameplate used by Ford in North America (behind only the Thunderbird and Mustang).
Although all Country Squires feature woodgrain body trim, only the first-generation 1950-1951 versions are true "Woodies". To reduce the production cost, for 1952, Ford replaced wood trim with an all-steel body; ever since, exterior body trim has consisted of simulated woodgrain (with varying degrees of coverage on the body). The genuine wood body panels were manufactured at the Ford Iron Mountain Plant in the Michigan Upper Peninsula from lumber owned by Ford Motor Company.
As part of the full-size Ford model line, the Ford Country Squire would be paired with several Ford models over its production run. During its first two generations, the Country Squire was based upon the Ford Custom Deluxe (and the Ford Crestline that replaced it). From 1955 to 1968, station wagons were a separate model line from Ford sedans, though the Country Squire shared its interior trim with the Fairlane (and the Ford Galaxie that replaced it). For 1969, as station wagons were consolidated with Ford sedans, the Country Squire became part of the Ford LTD model line. As the LTD became the Ford LTD Crown Victoria in 1983, the LTD Country Squire remained a full-size station wagon through the 1991 model year.
During its production run, the Ford Country Squire was joined by two other equivalent woodgrained station wagons in other Ford divisions: In 1958, the Edsel division sold the Edsel Bermuda (which became the rarest Edsel); from 1957 to 1991, Lincoln-Mercury sold the Mercury Colony Park, sharing the bodyshell of the Country Squire from 1961 onwards. During the 1970s and early 1980s, other variations of the Squire name would be used on other Ford woodgrained station wagons, including the Pinto, Fairmont, Gran Torino, LTD II, Escort, and mid-size LTD (the last to use the Squire name).
Based on the expansion of the minivan and four-door SUV segment during the late 1980s, Ford Motor Company elected to discontinue the Ford LTD Country Squire and Mercury Colony Park as it redesigned their Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis sedan counterparts for the 1992 model year. In terms of functionality, the LTD Country Squire would be superseded by the Ford Club Wagon, the Ford Aerostar, and the Ford Explorer (the full-size Ford Expedition was introduced in 1997)
With the 1996 discontinuation of the competing Buick Roadmaster Estate and Chevrolet Caprice Estate (the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser was discontinued in 1992; Chrysler discontinued its Chrysler Town & Country full-size wagon in 1977), full-size station wagon production came to an end in North America, with the lone exception of the 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum.
First generation (1950â€"1951)
The 1950 Ford model range included a station wagon which, at the time of its introduction, was marketed as part of the top-line Custom Deluxe trim. In the following spring, Ford began promoting the wagon as the Country Squire, although that name did not appear anywhere on the car. Along with the name change came the addition of a fold-down middle-row seat. Following the rest of the Ford lineup, the Country Squire was available with a standard 226 cid inline six-cylinder engine as or an optional V-8.
The first generation Country Squire was the beginning of the end of the full "woodie". The whole body was made of steel, unlike the Ford wagons up to 1948 that were all wood from the cowl back except for the rear fenders. Real wood attached to the steel body on the doors, sides and tailgate of the 1949 thru 1951 models, and Ford did not offer a woodless version. The interiors were all paneled in wood also. GM would later introduce a two-door station wagon in 1955 called the Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari.
Second generation (1952â€"1954)
In 1952, Ford expanded station wagons into a lineup separate from its newly redesigned sedans. The Country Squire was the top model, now available solely in a four-door configuration; it was the wagon counterpart of the Crestline series. Joining the Squire were the four-door Country Sedan (Customline) and the two-door Ranch Wagon (Mainline). The 239 Strato-Star V-8 was the only engine offered in the 1952 Country Squire.
Unlike its predecessor, the 1952 Country Squire no longer was a true woodie; like the Country Sedan, it wore a full steel body. The woodgrain finish was now constructed by woodgrain transfers edged in real wood trim on the sides and tailgate.The real wood trim was discontinued halfway thru the 1953 model run and replaced with fiberglass trim with a woodgrain finish.
Third generation (1955â€"1959)
For the 1955 model year, Ford station wagons became a separate model range from the sedans, coupes, and convertibles. The woodgrained Country Squire was the top-of-the-line model, trimmed similar to the Fairlane. For the first time, all wood trim was simulated with vinyl decals.
Sharing a common wheelbase with the rest of the Ford model line, the Country Squire saw little visible change from 1955 to 1956. For 1956, a 12-volt electrical system became standard equipment. The Lifeguard package became a new option for 1956, with few takers.
For 1957, the Ford model line grew longer and lower as part of a major redesign; a major factor of the new chassis was the upcoming introduction of the Edsel line for 1958. The Country Squire body and interior would be used for the production of the non-woodgrain Edsel Villager and the top-trim Edsel Bermuda (distinguished by its combination of woodgrain sides and two-tone paint).
For 1959, after only 2,235 were produced, the Edsel Bermuda was dropped, trimming the division's range solely to the Villager. However, in a movement to stay competitive with other manufacturers, all 1959 Fords were lengthened; the wheelbase was increased from 116 to 118 inches. Following the change in the sedan line, the Country Squire was trimmed similar to the newly introduced Galaxie.
In Australia, where the Ford model lineup began local production in 1959, the 1959 body style used for only one year in the US and Canada, the Country Sedan was sold until 1962. The Country Squire was never sold in Australia. This generation is referred to locally as "Tank Fords" because of their size (in comparison to the Ford Cortina sold at the same time).
Fourth generation (1960â€"1964)
While again remaining a separate line for 1960, the Country Squire became the companion model to the newly introduced Galaxie. With the discontinuation of Edsel and the impending downsizing of the Lincoln line, all full-sized Mercurys adopted Ford bodies by 1961, the counterpart of the Country Squire was the Colony Park.
Prior to 1961, all Ford wagons used a two-piece tailgate assembly that required the operator to lift the rear window up and locking it into place via a mechanical support, and then drop the tail gate down to fully access the rear compartment. For 1961, Ford introduced a redesigned tailgate assembly using a self-storing window feature which could either be rolled down into the gate via crank on the outside of the gate, or by an electrical motor actuated by the key or an interior switch. A safety lockout measure required that the rear window had to be fully retracted into the tailgate before the tailgate could be lowered.
Fifth generation (1965â€"1968)
For the 1965 model year, the chassis of the full-size Ford line was completely redesigned. The leaf-spring rear suspension was replaced with a three-link coil-spring layout; in various forms, this design would remain in use in full-size rear-wheel drive Fords until the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria over 45 years later. In addition, the long-running "valet key" made its debut for 1965.
During this generation, a number of running changes were made to accommodate changing federal safety regulations. For 1966, seat belts became standard equipment for all seats (front and rear). For 1967, the changes were more extensive, as the Country Squire redesigned the steering wheel (with a large, padded hub in the center) fitted to an energy-absorbing steering column,[28] padded interior surfaces, recessed controls on the instrument panel, and front outboard shoulder belt anchors. To ensure that the 4300-lb Country Squire would not be the victim of brake failure, another mandate required the introduction of a dual-chamber master cylinder (on the Country Squire and all other 1968 vehicles).
This generation introduced covered headlights, which were deployed using a vacuum canister system that kept the doors down when a vacuum condition existed in the lines, provided by the engine when it was running. If a loss of vacuum occurred, the doors would retract up so that the headlights were visible if the system should fail.
In 1966, all Ford wagons introduced the Magic Doorgate, engineered by Donald N. Frey, which allowed the tailgate to flip down like a traditional tailgate or to open to the side as a swinging door. The Magic Doorgate was made possible through use of a traditional stationary hinge on the right, and combination of hinges along the door's left side which carried the weight of the gate as it swung outward when used as a door. The rear window had to be retracted into the door before it would open to the side, or fold down.
For 1968, the Country Squire wore “LTD†lettering above the grille but was still marketed as the “Ford Country Squireâ€.
Sixth generation (1969â€"1978)
For the 1969 model year, Ford ended its practice of distinct model lines for station wagons and sedans. Alongside the Ranch Wagon and Country Sedan, the Country Squire were integrated into the three-model full-size Ford car lineup. Remaining at the top of the range, the Country Squire became part of the LTD lineup, gaining the prefix of that model.
Approximately 7,850,000 full-size Fords and Mercurys were sold over 1969-78. This makes it the second best selling Ford automobile platform after the Ford Model T.
1969â€"1972
For the 1969 model year, a new generation of Ford and Mercury cars made their debut; station wagons for both divisions rode on a 121-inch wheelbase shared with the Ford sedan line, a gain of two inches. The "Magic Doorgate" tailgate was updated to a 3-way design: it could now swing down as a tailgate or swing out with the window down or up (the latter was previously not possible).
As part of the LTD line, the Country Squire wore similar interior trim; with the obvious exception of its simulated woodgrain paneling, Country Squires wore the same bodywork from the windshield forward as their LTD sedan counterparts. For the 1970 model year, visible changes were limited to detail changes in bumper and grille trim. In 1971, the Country Squire would be given an extensive facelift (with only the roof and tailgate carried over from the 1970 model); as with the LTD, it would lose its hidden headlamps in the grille.
Initially, the standard engine was a 302 cubic-inch V8, replaced by a 351 cubic-inch V8 midway through the 1969 model year. As with its LTD counterpart, the 390 and 429 V8 engines were options. In 1971, the 390 V8 was replaced by a 402 cubic-inch V8 (though sold as a 400). . For a variety of reasons, 1972 saw a major decrease in powertrain output. That year, gross horsepower was replaced by SAE net horsepower. The addition of emissions controls and adoption of unleaded fuel required lowered compression ratios and retarded ignition timing. In one example, the range-topping 429 V8 would see its output drop from 365Â hp to 212Â hp from 1971 to 1972. In 1972, the 429 was joined by a 224-hp 460 cubic-inch V8 seen previously in the Lincoln lineup.
Production figures:
- 1969: 129,235
- 1970: 108,914
- 1971: 130,644
- 1972: 121,419
1973â€"1978
For the 1973 model year, the Ford full-size car line was given a major update. While still built on the same chassis and 121-inch wheelbase, the addition of 5 mph bumpers would add over six inches in length to the LTD Country Squire by the end of the 1974 model year. These would also be the longest and heaviest station wagons ever produced by Ford.
For 1974, 5-mph bumpers were added to the rear, a transistorized ignition system was introduced, as well as a new hood ornament. In addition, the 429 was dropped, largely replaced by the essentially identical 460 V8.
For 1975, Ford began to pare down its wagon lineup as the Custom 500 Ranch Wagon was relegated exclusively to fleet sales and the Galaxie Country Sedan was discontinued, replaced by a non-woodgrain LTD wagon. To better distinguish the LTD Country Squire, Ford returned hidden headlamps to the model, a feature associated with top-line LTD Landau (and Mercury Marquis) models. In all models, catalytic converters were now standard equipment to comply with emissions regulations.
1975-1978 models were nearly identical except for small differences in trim and emblems from year to year. As a move to increase fuel economy, the 351 cubic-inch V8 was reintroduced for 1978.
The standard engine on all other full-size Ford sedans and wagons was the 351 Windsor V8. The Country Squire however, came standard with the Cleveland 400M V8, while the 385-series 429 and 460 V8s were optional. With manual transmissions being dropped from the lineup, the C6 3-speed automatic transmission was now the only transmission option for full-size Fords. The 429 and 460 V8s were a common option due to the especially sluggish performance of the detuned 400 engine that was now struggling to drive the ever-increasing weight of a Country Squire.
Seventh generation (1979â€"1991)
In 1979, Ford became the last American automaker to downsize its full-size car lines. While Chrysler would abandon its full-size wagons until the introduction of the Dodge Magnum in 2005, the LTD Country Squire would take on an entirely new form as the company responded to the introduction of the smaller Chevrolet Caprice and Pontiac Safari wagons. Eleven inches shorter and nearly 1000 pounds lighter than its 1978 predecessor, the redesigned Country Squire retained its 8-passenger seating capability with only slightly reduced cargo capacity. The big-block 400 and 460 cubic-inch V8s were not included in the redesign, leaving the Country Squire with the 302 cubic inches (4.95Â l) and 351 cubic inches (5.75Â l) Windsor V8 engines.
The 1980s saw relatively few changes to the Country Squire. In 1983 the carbureted engine was replaced with throttle body fuel injection. For the 1986 Model year, Ford went to sequential multi-port fuel injection which is identifiable by the large intake with the EFI 5.0 badge on top. In 1988, coinciding with the facelift of its LTD Crown Victoria counterpart, the Country Squire received a new front clip. Inside, new front seats with larger head restraints were added. For 1990 and 1991, the dashboard was updated (for the first time since 1979) with the addition of a driver's side airbag; the outboard rear seats received 3-point seatbelts.
Discontinuation
After the mid-1980s introduction of minivans by Chrysler, Ford, and GM, sales of full-size station wagons began to decline. The primary reasons for the popularity of minivans were their superior cargo capacity and fuel economy despite taking up less garage space; by 1990, Ford's Aerostar had overtaken all competitors in sales with the exception of the Chrysler minivans.
When Ford redesigned the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis in 1992, the station wagon bodystyle was discontinued. While General Motors would produce station wagon versions of their redesigned 1991 full-size B-platform, they would sell relatively poorly, being dropped in favor of full-size SUV production. At Ford, the role of the 8-passenger station wagon was passed down to the Taurus, which was becoming the best-selling car in the United States; the role of the family towing vehicle was split between the Aerostar and the newly introduced 5-door Explorer.
†non-woodgrain LTD Crown Victoria and Country Squire wagons counted as one total after 1983
††286,673 units total, including non-woodgrain wagons produced 1979â€"1982
Unique options and features
With certain versions of the Country Squire one could install an AM/FM-Cassette stereo with a combined and fully integrated Citizens' Band (CB) two-way radio, and replacement dual-purpose automatic antenna (with only one visible difference that the aerial mast was a larger diameter, and black-band at approximately half-way up). The radio would then have the appearance of an original equipment, factory radio.
Optional were opposing side-facing rear seats, which could be folded down to make a durable cargo surface. Available for use with the side-facing rear seats was a folding table with integrated magnetic checkers board. Magnets under the plastic checkers pieces would keep them from sliding on the board while the vehicle was in motion.
Behind a rear fender well was a hidden, lockable compartment, not visible when the rear seat back was in the upright position.
GM, Chrysler and AMC would adopt a similar configuration by the end of the 1960s. An advanced version of this was the 3-way tailgate which permitted opening the door sideways with the window up.
References
External links
- Smithsonian Institution 1955 Ford Country Squire in the Smithsonian Automobile Collection
- LTDworld.com Website featuring a 1975 Ford LTD Country Squire
- Grandmarq.net Forum dedicated to the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Panther Chassis
- Ford Country Squire at the Internet Movie Cars Database