Patina is a buzzword in classic car circles. It usually describes an older car in generally good, unrestored condition but with some wear to the paint and exterior. However, an ambitious seller might apply it to a classic with more serious issues, like a 50-year-old oak tree growing through the engine bay. The 1955 Ford Country Squire station wagon sold on eBay is loaded with the good kind of patina.
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Largely Original
The station wagon presents as largely original and well-preserved. It was built at the Ford assembly plant in Long Beach, Calif - opens in new window or tab.. The seller says it has remained in the Golden State ever since. He calls it a “very dry, rust-free, original California car.”
The wagon was not altered from stock. There is no inappropriate or shoddy work to redo. Its originality also demonstrates the care lavished on this wagon over 70 years.
Snowshoe White
The station wagon is finished in what appears to be its original Snowshoe White paint. Its woodgrain trim was exclusive to the top-of-the-line Country Squire. The exterior is complete down to a set of four original wheel covers.
The finish lost some of its sparkle, but the wagon is completely free of dents or missing pieces. All the original chrome and badging are in place, though they show some pitting in spots. This is clearly a car that saw better care than most of its wagon workhorse counterparts.
The wagon wears vintage California black plates. A period-appropriate rear license plate frame advertises a Sacramento Ford dealer.
Complete Interior
The red-and-white interior’s condition mirrors that of the exterior. It is similarly complete but shows some age. The front seat looks like it was reupholstered in the correct pattern, matching the rear seat. Red and white door panels are all in place, as is what appears to be the factory headliner.
The spare wide-whitewall tire tucked under the floor could be the original equipment from the Long Beach assembly. Even the jacking instructions sticker remains.
This 1955 Ford Country Squire wagon has the forward-facing third seat option. You can access it by folding part of the second row forward. Other extras include an automatic transmission, tinted glass, and push button radio with a unique round dial that matches the clock and climate controls.
Dual Exhaust
Underside photos reveal a remarkably clean, original, and rust-free frame and floor pans. There’s no evidence of prior repairs. The pictures also reveal a dual exhaust system fitted to the original 272 cubic-inch, 162-horsepower V-8, enabling the Y-block engine to run more efficiently.
The seller points out that actor James Dean owned a similar 1955 Ford Country Squire. The listing includes photos of that car alongside Dean and his fateful Porsche Speedster - opens in new window or tab.. That could add to the wagon’s appeal. But as far as we’re concerned, this unmodified and complete Country Squire rolls with its own kind of cool.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.