Wagon Wednesday on Hooniverse - Dec 28, 2011

Cyber-Wizard · Jan 18, 2012

T wo Wagons Built 36 Years Apart, Yet Somehow Similar

Welcome to another edition of Hooniverse Wagon Wednesday. Combing through the eBay Motors site I stumbled across two different wagons, built generations apart that felt very similar to each other. One may be a Ford Motor Company product, while the other was built by the General, but their equipment level, their dimensions, and their desirability are all shared in the same way. So, let’s discover a 1957 Ford Country Squire from Portland Oregon, and a 1993 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon from Ashland Virginia.
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The 1957 Ford models were all new and a distinct departure from their 1956 counterparts. They sat lower to the ground, were just a bit wider, and displayed crisp detailing along their flanks. The curved windshield was larger with a peculiar reverse slant that actually made getting in and out of the car more difficult. The use of curved side glass was employed, and a larger tailgate window was used to help with visibility. The 1957 Ford Wagons rode on a 116 inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 203.5 inches. Height was measured at almost 60 inches.
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This particular Ford Country Squire is a nine passenger version of the popular wagon. Of the 27,690 Country Squires built for 1957, the seller claims that almost 30 are remaining, and I have no doubt that he maybe right. The car shows about 91,000 miles, and has been treated to an expensive paint job, a new windshield, and new chrome throughout. The interior is mostly original with the exception of the third seat. It is a highly optioned Squire with the 312 CID Ford V-8 which was rated at 245HP with the single 4bbl carburetor. The dealer installed air-conditioning unit does not work.
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Current bid for this car is hovering around $12,575.67 with an unmet reserve. The Buy-it-Now price is $29,000 which seems high for a car with a few non working items, but what do you think? See the eBay listing here.
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Now onto the Caprice. This is a 1993 version, and many conclude that this particular Caprice was produced just a year too early. You see, in 1994, all the GM “B” Body wagons received a detuned version of the Corvette’s LT1 350 CID engine that put out 260HP. However, the earlier Caprice Wagons received a 170HP version of the 305CID V-8, which was really barely adequate for the job, and which this particular wagon is equipped. The caprice rode on a 116 inch wheelbase, with an overall length of just over 217 inches, and a height of a little over 60 inches.
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The Caprice listed shows only 15,000 miles on the odometer, and is in remarkable condition. No wear on the seats, no rust anywhere, no damage to the sheetmetal, and no missing trim parts. This is really a time capsule vehicle from almost 20 years ago. Yes, the V-8 may have no muscle, but it does offer smooth power, and enough room for eight passengers. While there isn’t any vinyl woodwork, the wagon sports a very attractive white and gray two tone paint scheme.
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Current high bid for this attractive Chevy Wagon is $7,000, with an unmet reserve. I’m not sure what the reserve is set for this car, but I would image $15,000 is not an outrageous figure. See the eBay listing here.
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These two cars are more similar than you think; They ride on the same wheelbase length, they are almost the same height, they are both three-seaters, and they sport similar power ratings (remember, 1957 was measured at Gross HP, and 1993 was measured at SAE Net), they drive their rear wheels, and the both have an automatic transmission. So, which collectible wagon would you want to see in your garage?
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73super · Jan 19, 2012

Very nice rides!

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Wagon Wednesday on Hooniverse - Dec 28, 2011

Cyber-Wizard Well-Known Member

73super Well-Known Member

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Wagon Wednesday on Hooniverse - Dec 28, 2011

Cyber-Wizard Well-Known Member

73super Well-Known Member

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