Station Wagons

Top of the desirability list for many enthusiasts would be this stunningly restored 1961 Chrysler Newport Town & County station wagon

The Chrysler Newport’s dash complete with jukebox astrodome instrumentation is pure early 1960’s American kitsch at its very best

Powerful 413ci Chrysler V8 engine rated at 350bhp is coupled to a Torqueflite automatic transmission for easy load lugging

Hunky looking 1956 Dodge Sierra Custom features the rare factory D-500 NASCAR package and is powered by a 315ci Hemi V8 engine

This 1957 2-door Mercury Commuter station wagon really stands out from the crowd with a somewhat gaudy tri-colour paintwork

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Here in the UK we used to call them shooting brakes, which evolved into estate cars as they were indeed used as workhorses on large privately owned country estates.

What’s a station wagon?

Here in the UK we used to call them shooting brakes, which evolved into estate cars as they were indeed used as workhorses on large privately owned country estates. In America they were referred to as carryalls, suburbans and depot hacks which evolved into station wagons. Call them what you like, they were originally vehicles used as wagons for transporting people and goods from train stations. American station wagons developed into some of the largest privately-owned vehicles on the road. With seating for up to nine people and a huge carrying capacity up to around 170cu ft, you won’t find a more practical or roomier classic. One of the largest ever built was the 1951 Chrysler New Yorker which had a wheelbase of 131.5in. One of the longest was the Buick of the mid- 1970s at 231.8in, and the largest engine ever used in a station wagon was the 460ci V8 used in the Ford Country Squire of the mid 1970s. Today a classic SW makes an interesting left field classic that’s as practical and versatile as they are stylish and different.

History

The Ford Motor Company was the first manufacturer to build a mass produced station wagon on its Model A chassis platform for $650. Prior to that, wooden bodies had been supplied by individual body shops. Some of the most stylish woody station wagons were produced in the 1940s, but by the early 1950s most of the wooden wagons had been replaced by those of steel. Paradoxically, sometime later several manufacturers then decided to rekindle the days of the woody with the use of simulated wood panelling and decals. At one time production of station wagons counted for less than one percent of entire vehicle sales, but between 1950 and 1960 this figure rose from less than three percent up to nearly seventeen percent. Wagons were packed full of innovative features. As well as numerous seating configurations, there was also a variety of tailgates including clam-shell, swinging and liftback with wind down rear screen, glass sunroofs and sculpted roof racks for even more carrying capacity. Plus of course there were the usual options of power for the brakes, seats and windows, air conditioning etc.

The largest wagons were the forerunners of today’s MPVs which are not a new concept, it’s all been done before! Some wagons enjoyed much more success than others. The Ford Country Squire sold well in the 1950s, though the ill-fated Edsel Bermuda was only in production for one year and sales reached a lowly 2235 in 1958. Chevrolet’s Bel-Air Nomad had all the attributes of the incredibly popular Tri-Chevys and was extremely stylish, the first Chevy wagon to feature a two-piece tailgate. However it proved unpopular and was hampered by only being two-door. It was also far too expensive at $2471-$2757, which was $265 more than the top of the range Bel- Air convertible. Only 23,167 were built between 1955 and 1957. Although since the 1960s virtually every mainstream Yank had an estate derivative, the mid-1970s began to see the decline of the full size station wagons, with the introduction of further emission controls and the energy crisis.

How practical?

Nowadays station wagons have a popular following because they make an interesting alternative to the rest of the American automotive scene. They offer unique styling, great comfort and because they continue to be such a practical vehicle - usability. At a push you can sleep in them comfortably; with the seats all folded flat you’ve got a double bed, handy for those weekend shows. If you have a large family, they’re just the ticket for days out with plenty of room for everyone. Many models have been appreciating in value in recent years and could be a good long term investment. The disadvantages of a station wagon are you’ll probably not be able to squeeze it into your garage, some body panels, mouldings and interior trim may be hard to source depending on the model, though in many cases not impossible. Running costs won’t be cheap as of course most wagons come with a big V8 engine and a thirst to match. Generally speaking replacement running gear parts are still readily available for most cars. Because these vehicles are such good workhorses, many have literally been driven into the ground and contemplating a full restoration will almost certainly be very expensive. There’s an awful lot of interior to retrim, a complete respray is a huge undertaking with a lot of preparation work involved and plenty of paint required.Sourcing a station wagon in good condition with lowish mileage and not requiring a full interior retrim, repaint and rechrome is the best starting point. The condition of the bodywork is more of an important factor than the running gear. There’s a huge variety of models to choose from so take your pick from this selection. The Chevrolet Bel-Air Nomad (1955 – 1957) may not have sold well when new, and nowadays there aren’t too many of them about so it’s pretty hot property and will set you back big bucks if you want one. One thing to watch out for are rusty tailgates as they all leaked. Engines options ranged from the 235ci straight-six to 265ci and 283ci V8s with two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Chrysler station wagons were also produced in relatively low numbers and are also very collectible. The company were also renowned for producing fine quality engines. The Newport Town & Country station wagon of the early 1960s was a particularly attractive design with huge rear fins, distinctive inverted trapezoid front grille for ‘61 and a quintessential period ‘juke box’ dashboard complete with Astradome semispherical instrument gauge cluster. Powered by the 413ci V8 (340 – 350bhp) and TorqueFlite push button auto transmission, for sheer style and carrying capacity it’s a worthy contender, but to purchase a car in excellent condition will be expensive.

The AMC Rambler Westerner, Mariner and Briarcliff were introduced in 1967 and came powered by 290ci 200hp V8s with automatic transmission, while a 343ci 280hp V8 was available as an option. The Westerner features Frost White paintwork with simulated tan leather grain side panels, the Mariner in Barbados Blue has simulated bleached teakwood planking side panels, while the Briarcliff is finished in Matador Red with simulated black camera grain side panels. These cars had all the power options for the steering, brakes, and windows.

Driving

On the road a station wagon will perform pretty much like any other Yank of the period, with that characteristic body roll when cornering hard. Powerful V8s will always have the edge over the straight-sixes, and power steering and brakes will further enhance driving pleasure. Other popular modifications such as fitting a front disc brake conversion kit, air shocks and radial tyres may take away some originality, but will improve the overall handling quality. Negotiating multi-storey car parks and narrow winding country lanes are not the ideal driving environment for a huge station wagon and probably better avoided if at all possible!

Prices

It should be possible to purchase a 1950s station wagon for around £4000, but it will probably need some general tidying and cosmetics for that sort of money. Around £7000- £8000 will buy you a wagon in fine condition, though if you’re lookingfor mint condition then it’s going to cost £10,000 -£15,000, and soughtafter concours models will be in the £20,000-£25,000 price bracket.