Original Overdrive: 1951 Ford Country Squire Woody – Sold?

January 12, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Among all of the vintage woody wagons, none is likely more desirable than the early 1950s two Ford Country Squire.  A prime example is this highly restored 1951 example originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Midlothian, Virginia (Richmond) that features all redone chrome in addition to a restored wood body and highly detailed flathead-equipped engine compartment. The seller also notes this Country Squire features the rare three-speed manual equipped with overdrive.

Currently offered at $69,250, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Woody priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $57,300 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $76,600.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is in line with this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $68,000 before factoring in a three percent premium for the overdrive transmission.

Following the end of World War II, Ford was the first of the “Big Three” U.S. automakers to introduce an all-new car line. Launched for the 1949 model year, Ford’s new slab-sided, “ponton” design not only earned the cars the nickname “Shoebox Fords” but the 1949 Ford is credited both with saving Ford and ushering in modern streamlined car design with changes such as integrated fenders and more. While the flathead V8 powertrain carried over, this was an all-new car in every way, with a modern ladder frame supporting a coil-spring independent suspension in front and longitudinal semi-elliptical springs in back. The engine was moved forward to make more room in the passenger compartment and the antiquated “torque tube” was replaced by a modern drive shaft.

1950 saw a new Crestliner “sports sedan”—a 2-door sedan with 2-tone paint intended to battle Chevrolet’s popular hardtop coupe of 1950. Another new name was Country Squire, which referred to the 2-door wood-sided station wagon. All wagons received flat-folding middle seats at mid-year, an innovation that would reappear in the minivans of the 1990s. The 1949 and 1950 styling was similar, with a single central “bullet” in the frowning chrome grille.  In the center there was a red space that had either a “6” or “8” depending on the engine.  The trim lines were renamed as well, with “Standard” becoming “Deluxe” and “Custom” renamed “Custom Deluxe”. The new Fords got the now-famous “Ford Crest” which appeared on the division’s vehicles for many decades in one form or another.

The Cars & Stripes YouTube Channel features this 1951 Ford Commercial:

Based on the pictures provided, we agree with the seller’s assessment that “It would be hard to find a nicer, more original museum quality 51’ Woody.” 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1951 Ford Country Squire 2 Door, 8 passenger wagon. The original wood has been restored to near-perfect condition. The engine compartment has been highly detailed sporting a flathead V8, backed by a three-speed manual transmission with rare overdrive! All the chrome has been redone as well as new brakes, tires, and headliner. It would be hard to find a nicer, more original museum quality 51’ woody.“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored 1951 Ford Country Squire?  Comment below and let us know!