I feel a bit odd signing up to a website about cars when I have never, (well rarely) ever driven one. I am 38 yrs old and simply haven't had the desire to do so. At least not until recently, I have become obsessed with station wagons. I have told my husband it is the only vehicle I wish to have. Not just any station wagon. My dream car is a 1975 gran torino squire. Don't ask why because I couldn't tell you. I see them and I ache a little inside wanting to own one and drive one. Only problem with that is I have found they are extremely difficult to find! Hence singing up and introducing myself to a few online forums dedicated to station wagons. I look forward to getting to know some new people with at least one awesome thing in common and hopefully gaining more knowledge and insight to a topic I truly know very little about, other than I really like station wagons and hope to be a proud owner of one some day.
to the forum. It sounds like you have the bug and this is the place to be treated. Only here you won't get over it. You'll end up becoming addicted. A GranTorino wagon is a great choice. One of my favorites too. I have no idea how difficult they are to find in nice condition. But there are a few members with them and we've seen others for sale lately. Keep your checkbook and your eyes open and someone here will be ready to help. Take your time. look around and read everything you can find.
Welcome Nikshepor!!! Nothing wrong with a little healthy wagon addiction. They are fun to drive and are versitile and they make people smile.
I feel at home here already. Tired of getting flack for drooling over a "less popular" car. I get ridiculed endlessly for my love of station wagons. Especially the wood panel wagon! The more I read and the more I see the more in love I am. Amazed at some of the restores posted on here. Bit jealous really lol. One day it will be my reality one way or another. Funniest thing is I'm a chev girl!! Haha never thought I'd be in love with a ford!!
I think you're exactly what this place needs. Your attitude of a station wagon being the only thing worthy of owning and driving pretty much defines what this site is all about.
Well not knowing much about cars all I can really go on at this point is the look and feel as well as the history and reliability of what I think is a fabulous looking car. Haven't seen too many I don't like! From the original classics to the custom builds. I walk past a mercury sable every morning taking the kids to school. It's not my style of wagon but it's still best looking vehicle on the block. I am often tempted to knock on the door and ask what year it is. I may have to take a pic of it and post it here! Never seen it moved from its same spot in all the time I have lived here. Can't tell you all how happy I am to find so many like minded people! Maybe now my family and friends won't make so much fun of me! *as I get an eye roll from my teenage daughter who will never be caught dead in one!*
You just need to explain to her that real girls like a station wagon. Or just let her listen to this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm_pHpOdTGM
I'm the only person in my family that's ever owned a station wagon. My Uncle Norman, who married my mom's sister, had a copper and cream colored '59 Impala wagon for a while, never got a ride in it though. You're going to love it here Nikshepor, the people are really nice and helpful. And don't give up on your quest for the 1975 Gran Torino Squire either, one will likely pop up within a month! Ford offered the grandest wagons, from their Country Squire to the compact and subcompact Squires. If this Oldsmobile hadn't caught me, I'd have loved an '80 to '91 Country Squire.
Welcome aboard, nikshepor! You'll find lots of like-minded crazies here...and somebody will probably help you find your Gran Torino dream wagon! They're out there, but they are getting a little pricey: http://visalia.craigslist.org/pts/3751793369.html http://charleston.en.craigslist.org/cto/3760341646.html Happy hunting!
Welcome to the Nuthouse we call home. For sure you will find yourself at home here. Just so you know, that entire generation of Gran Torino are all pretty much the same, except for the front end treatment. The 75, like Starsky and Hutch had, is the same as the 76. Look at them and you'll never know the one from the other, so for a non-car person, that just doubled your search pool. Personally, my favorite is the 72 with that distinctive front end. My least favorite is the 73, but that is just my person preference at work. If you want to stretch your hunt further, the 72 through 76 Mercury Montego is the same vehicle with a different front end look. It is even possible to get the Montego and turn it into the Ford of your dreams. For that matter, the 77-78 LTD II and Cougar wagons are the same car, right down to the dashboard and dash pad. Again, mix and match the right parts and you can build what you want out of one. By expanding through the entire run of the cars, you open up a LOT more possibilities that mean you have a better chance of finding a wagon you can love. The biggest thing, though, is the equipment level on the example you find. If the original owner went nuts with the options, these wagons could be as luxurious as a Lincoln. If they were parsimonious, though, they were almost taxi-cab basic, even on the Gran Torino Squire. Aside from an AM radio, power steering and power brakes, almost everything was optional. Have fun. When you start the hunt, be sure to start a thread in the cars and parts wanted section, and let us know how much you want to spend. Don't let anyone tell you these cars are hard on gas, either. With some careful upgrades and tuning, gas mileage that matches a diesel Grand Cherokee is perfectly achievable. With more serious upgrades, you are into V-6 Honda Accord territory or better.
This is why I am so happy to be here! To get all sorts of info I otherwise would be clueless about. LOVE that picture posted of the yellow wagon. Throw the kids and dogs in it and cruise around all day long! You are right I would be happy with just about any year with the same look and style. Wood panelling is a must. Don't know why, couldn't tell you what it is about it that makes it a must have for me but I love it! Would prefer one a bit older to put my own personal touches to it. Would hate to buy one restored or in great shape then dish out for new paint job and interior renos. Seeing as I am in the place to be what would anybody here say is the biggest technical issues with the 70's wagons? Or do they still manage to run like a dream after years of wear and tear? Opinions also what makes and models that may be more fuel efficient or better mileage. Forgive me if I sounds completely unknowledgable regarding car talk as I am! Lol Hope to learn lots here.
I would say the biggest technical issue or challenge for 70's wagons would be overcoming years of neglect or being exposed to the elements. Both of these take there toll on rubber, wiring, fuel systems, body and interior. I think that's why when we find a true survivor for a decent price we get excited because the amount of work necessary to have a functioning reliable wagon may be far easier to achieve than with a cheap one that needs LOTS of work.
X2, What Dewey said. They were all thirsty prior to '73. But once the 1st oil embargo hit all the manufacturers started jumping thru' hoops to get 'um lighter and fuel stingier. If you're looking at '70s Torino's I'd think anything above 15MPG up to 20MPG is what you'll be looking at. Hey, At what price do we find happy? Nobody expects you to drive round trip to Disnry World any time soon. That's what airplanes and rental carz are for, Jer
