Spotless 1991 Ford LTD Country Squire

Let’s be honest; the full-sized station wagon is undoubtedly dead. Minivans and SUVs sounded their death knell, and there’s no evidence that manufacturers are considering reintroducing them any time soon. That’s a shame because they offered buyers unrivaled versatility and comfort for decades. However, those buyers soon proved willing to forsake the wagon for something more trendy. That may explain why station wagons are now strong performers in the current classic market. The interest can be intense when they are spotless and well-equipped vehicles like this 1991 Ford LTD Country Squire. Located in Vero Beach, Florida, the owner has listed the wagon for sale here on eBay. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $9,109, although this remains shy of the reserve.

It’s easy to see why the interest in this Ford has been high. Its Oxford White paint presents superbly, with no major flaws visible in the supplied photos. Adding to its appeal, the seller recently dropped a cool $1,600 replacing the faux woodgrain that sets the Country Squire apart from mere mortals. This should never be underestimated because the original vinyl was prone to deterioration, and achieving an acceptable color match when replacing a single piece is almost impossible. There is a small spot of rust visible on the body join on the lower rear quarter on the passenger side, but the rest of the wagon looks extremely clean. The chrome is in good order, as are the factory alloy wheels. The glass appears flawless, while the chrome roof rack adds a classy finishing touch.

Just because Ford marketed the Country Squire as a family wagon, there was no reason why its occupants should be short-changed on luxury and comfort features. They will sink back into seats trimmed in supple leather, and while it has developed the creases that are part of this material’s character, there is no wear or physical damage. They are comforted by ice-cold air conditioning, while power windows (including the back glass), power locks, a power driver’s seat, a power driver’s mirror, a tilt wheel, and dual airbags add to the luxury feel. The addition of cantilever third-row seating increases the wagon’s versatility, and although the seller states that this could accommodate four people, they’d have to be pretty small. In reality, two people could sit comfortably, making this Country Squire a genuine eight-seater. The seller recently replaced the carpet and headliner, helping the overall presentation. Interior flaws are limited to some wear on the wheel. The general condition looks quite impressive for a family wagon of this vintage.

The 1991 model year marked the end of the line for the LTD Country Squire. Competition from other offerings significantly impacted sales, making it difficult for Ford to justify continuing production. The sales figures for the final few years tell the story graphically. In 1989, there were 13,362 buyers keen on parking one of these classics in their driveway. The following year, that number plummeted to 6,419. In the final year, Ford struggled to sell 3,865 Country Squires, so the curtain fell on a badge that had been part of Ford’s DNA since 1950. The seller provides no engine shots for our feature wagon, but we know the Country Squire is powered by a 302ci “Windsor” V8 that sends its 150hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. At nearly 19-feet in overall length and tipping the scales at 4,081lbs, the LTD is a big brute, making its ¼ mile ET of 18.6 seconds no great surprise. The owner recently replaced the tires, battery, and fuel sender unit. They say the odometer shows 10,000 miles but are unsure of the actual mileage. It would be safe to assume it has rolled over at some point. The wagon runs and drives well, with no vices or apparent needs.

Sometimes a change of attitude can be forced upon us, while at others, the change will evolve. Take my opinion on station wagons. There was a time when I viewed them as a necessary evil, bought by people more out of necessity than choice. I reached a point in life where I was forced to accept a station wagon as a company car, and to say that I wasn’t happy would be an understatement. However, it proved a revelation. While not quite as maneuverable as its sedan sibling, it offered versatility I had never envisaged. To say I’m a convert would be accurate. I’m not alone in my feelings because this 1991 LTD Country Squire has attracted an impressive forty-three bids. If you have never lived with one of these classics, maybe the time has come for that to change.