Description

The Ford Country Sedan was one of the mainstay full-size station wagons in Ford’s lineup during the 1950s and 1960s, positioned just below the more upscale Country Squire but above the basic Ranch Wagon. It was introduced in 1952 and remained a key model for decades, offering families a practical yet stylish vehicle with the space and versatility that made station wagons the backbone of suburban America.

Unlike the wood-paneled Country Squire, the Country Sedan featured all-steel bodies, which kept costs down and simplified maintenance while still providing the same roomy layout. It typically seated six to nine passengers, depending on seating configuration, with rear benches that could fold to increase cargo space. This made it especially popular with large families or those who needed a car capable of carrying both people and luggage on long trips.

Styling followed the evolution of Ford’s full-size cars year by year. Early versions in the 1950s featured rounded fenders, sweeping chrome trim, and optional two-tone paint that emphasized the wagon’s long, low proportions. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, tailfins and bold side moldings gave the Country Sedan the dramatic look of the era, while later models in the mid-1960s shifted to cleaner, boxier lines with broad grilles and stacked headlights. Though simpler than the wood-trimmed Country Squire, the Country Sedan was far from plain, often featuring bright side trim and stylish interiors.

Inside, the Country Sedan was built for comfort and practicality. Wide bench seats provided ample passenger space, with durable vinyl or cloth upholstery depending on trim level. Options included radios, heaters, air conditioning, and later, power features such as windows and tailgate glass. Many models came with the “Magic Doorgate” in the 1960s, a tailgate that could swing open like a door or fold down traditionally, improving convenience.

Under the hood, the Country Sedan offered the same engines as Ford’s full-size sedans. Inline-six engines were available for budget-minded buyers, but most wagons were ordered with V8s, ranging from the 272 and 292 cubic inch Y-blocks of the 1950s to the powerful FE-series 352, 390, and even 428 cubic inch V8s of the 1960s. Transmission choices included three-speed manuals, overdrive units, and the popular Ford-O-Matic or Cruise-O-Matic automatics, depending on the model year. These engines gave the wagons the strength to haul heavy loads or tow trailers, which further increased their family appeal.

The Country Sedan was priced more affordably than the Country Squire, making it the station wagon of choice for many middle-class buyers. Its combination of practicality, style, and V8 power made it a popular choice during the peak of the station wagon era, when such cars were symbols of family life and suburban growth.

Today, the Ford Country Sedan is remembered as one of the classic American wagons of the postwar decades. While less collectible than the wood-sided Squires, the all-steel Sedans are valued for their practicality, clean styling, and connection to mid-century family life. Restored examples often showcase their colorful two-tone paint schemes and spacious interiors, while survivors evoke nostalgia for the days when the station wagon was the family car of choice.