As I've said elsewhere, I'd like to buy a wagon soon. I'd like it to fit within the following parameters... Something American-made, between 1950 and 1975. Nothing smaller than a 1960s compact. Pintos and Vegas are a little too small. Easily found in safe, reliable condition, or nearly there, for not so much money (I lack the facilities and tools for a long-term project). I would really like a 2-door, but the previous and next requirements mean I cannot rule out 4-doors. It must have a manual transmission. I like shifting gears, but can't do a swap, so it should be fairly easy to find with a manual trans. Thus far, Ramblers seem to be the best fit. Are there any others that would fit equally well?
Off the top of my head, a '64/'65 Ford Falcon. Available in 2-door or 4-door version, 6 or V8. Lots of Mustang parts bolt right it (the early Mustang was basically a Falcon with a different body on top of it.) http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/3204589045.html http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/3156424333.html http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3162725651.html http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3237113272.html http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/3223709000.html http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/3204220952.html (no pics) http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/3203807213.html Lots more out there..... Marshall
I would say that any of the 'compacts' and 'senior compacts' from the early to mid 60s would suit the bill. The 60 and up Valiant wagon, the 63 and up Dodge Dart, and the ChevyII all had nice wagon models, and hopefully, a manual transmission is in one. The trick will be finding an unmolested model. many have been hotrodded by now. There was also the Ford Fairlane, Mercury Meteor, Pontiac Tempest, Olds F-85 and Buick Special that had lovely wagon variants. Don't rule out the small V-8 engines, though. The city fuel economy will be almost the same as the 6, and often times better on the highway than the 6. The trouble with the 6, especially loaded, is that they have enough power to get you into trouble, but not enough to get you back out. Good luck with the search.
I too was thinking of the 60-65 Falcon wagons and 60-63 Comet wagons since they were made in quantity in both two and four door versions and fit your other perameters. Keep in mind that manual transmission means three-on-the-tree for most 50's and 60's American wagons. Good luck with your search.
stretch that from 1960 -65....all those years optioned the 2 doors. that said...the Falcons and Chevy II wagons have the best amount of re- pop'd parts all the rest of the 'mids sized' ones from that era are few and far on 'new' body parts. It really comes down to what you want and what you find.:2_thumbs_up_-_anima
A three-on-the-tree wouldn't be a problem, especially seeing as the manual trans vehicle I most recently drove had a worn-out 10-speed. Very true. I'd love to have a Falcon, as my first car was a '63 2-door hardtop and I'd like to think I know them pretty well. If the '64 that Krash Kadillak posted was closer to me and had a manual trans, it would be in my garage now! The '60 is a little closer to me, and might work if I could negotiate the price down and find a good 200 cubic-inch six. I've also found some potential purchases on Craigslist: a '54 Plymouth (whose seller has yet to get back to me), a '63 Rambler 660 Cross Country, a '64 Falcon (running, but with rusted front floors, for $1,000) and a '64 Fairlane with a way-too-high asking price. Thanks to all for your advice.
I didn't read where it had to be a compact. Therefore any American wagon in those years would do if you find a suitable one. It's a fact, a 4-door will be cheaper and possibly in better shape. Personally if I didn't have a wagon anything American made, low mileage, in decent driving condition, maybe unique, would do. These 4-doors often came as a three on the tree. If a Falcon seems like what you'd like, I suggest looking for one. What ever you buy is gonna cost time and money. May as well get what you are gonna enjoy. A few dollars extra for a nice wagon is money in your pocket.
The Falcon just keeps making more and more sense. I know them pretty well, they're excellent cars, and they can still be found at fairly reasonable prices. I'm picturing that little '60 with a 200 under its hood, done up in Meadowvale Green with the Western-pattern vinyl, and air-conditioning. Of course, if that don't work out... At least I know where to find another!
Now you have me thinking of a nice Falcon wagon, but I would prefer the 4-door, with the 289 V-8 and the 4-speed floor shift. Bucket seats from a 71-73 Mustang Grande. I love the 67 Falcon or Fairlane wagons, too. Same body, but different trims. Sweet little cars.
haha....funny guy..... find your way out Mike...i have a 66,a 67,and a 69... 4SALE take all 3 ...package deal!!!
