Surf wagons are typically fitted with custom wheels and other stylish touches but retain the practicality of added cargo room for beach excursions. Will this 1960 Ford Country Squire, recently sold on eBay, ever stow a surfboard or drive on sand? Maybe not, but it still might be the ultimate surf wagon.
Hot-Rod Lincoln V-8
This big wagon’s transformation retains its gorgeous wood flanks. It also still wears a classic black California plate - opens in new window or tab.. However, beneath its essentially stock exterior presentation, numerous mechanical and functional enhancements give this Country Squire the drivability, reliability, and safety of a modern car.
The upgrades include a 4.6-liter fuel-injected V-8 - opens in new window or tab. sourced from a low-mileage Lincoln. That modern mill already ran well but was treated to a professional valve job and all-new gaskets. The Country Squire wagon is matched with a new 4R470W Ford four-speed automatic transmission - opens in new window or tab. with overdrive. The rig is said to run well and cruise effortlessly on the highway.
Other modern upgrades include:
- Custom-built headers with Magnaflow mufflers - opens in new window or tab.
- LED headlights
- Custom stainless steel gas tank
Combo of Old and New
A lowered stance comes courtesy of Ridetech coilovers - opens in new window or tab. and two-inch Fatman Fabrications drop spindles - opens in new window or tab. up front. In the back, the owner treated the Country Squire to lowered Eaton leaf springs - opens in new window or tab. with adjustable Ridetech shock absorbers. Oversized Billet Specialties Rat Tail wheels - opens in new window or tab. with BF Goodrich tires - opens in new window or tab. complete the aggressive look.
Stopping power is provided by Wilwood six-piston disc brakes - opens in new window or tab. with 14-inch cross-drilled rotors front and back.
As good as this big wagon looks from the outside, the interior is where the builder pulls out the stops. A complete makeover gives the Country Squire the look and feel of a modern car, with conveniences such as power windows and an $8,000 sound system. The seats, door panels, headliner, and carpets are top-notch and new.
Wise Guys front buckets—and a console from a 1963 Ford Galaxie - opens in new window or tab.—replace the original front bench seat. The combination provides an updated appearance while keeping the period look. Two-tone brown vinyl that could pass for leather covers the front and back seats, and German tweed carpet covers the floors.
The interior proves that a custom can also serve as a practical family car. The original third row, which remains, is upholstered to match the style.
Surfboard Not Included
The Country Squire's dashboard is a piece of quality craftsmanship and reportedly required more than 300 hours of labor to create. Modifications to stock included:
- Removing the glovebox and ashtray for a cleaner look
- Fabricating custom air conditioning vents
- Modifying openings to accept a Dakota Digital instrument cluster - opens in new window or tab. and Restomod air conditioning system
Now, the only thing missing is a surfboard. We’ll leave that up to you.
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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.