Car: Ford 2-Door Ranch Wagon
Year: 1957
What makes it special: Ford’s Ranch Wagon was built from 1952 to 1974. The Ranch Wagon was a full-size model, except in 1963 and 1964, when it was part of the intermediate-size Fairlane series, and represented the lowest-priced selection in its line.
What made it famous: In the early 1950’s, the era of the wood-bodied station wagon was coming to an end. Ford’s Country Squire continued to cater to buyers who still wanted a station wagon with the look of wood by applying simulated exterior wood decals, which were framed in genuine wood through 1953. But for other wagon buyers, Ford also gave them the first all-steel wagons in the firm’s history. These were the Country Sedan, a four-door model in the mid-range Customline series; and the Ranch Wagon, which was a two-door model in the economy Mainline series, inspired by the European-term shooting-brake. The Ranch Wagon ran with either the standard “Mileage Maker” six-cylinder engine or the long-familiar flathead V8, which was optional. For 1957, the Del Rio Ranch Wagon was introduced replacing both the Custom Ranch Wagon and the Parklane, sporting special ranch-pattern upholstery.
Why I would want one: Love wagons, but the two-door makes it even cooler. It’s perfect for street rod material.
Fun fact: This same model was the basis for the birth of the all-new 1957 Ranchero.